As we prepare for retirement, we need to reflect on our current lifestyle behaviours.
A change to how we live our life can reduce our chances of developing:
- Diabetes
- Cancer
- Heart Disease
- Lung Disease
- Other forms of ill-health.
Tips on Lifestyle Behaviours
- Sit less and move more: Be conscious of the length of time you spend sitting. Get up and stand and stretch.
- Design a physical activity pattern that suits your condition and work on taking 30 minutes exercise at least 5 times a week. Take a look at this website: getirelandactive.ie
- Don’t smoke and if you do then try and quit smoking which is the best thing you can do to improve your health.
- To find out more about good healthy eating habits take a look at this Food Pyramid:
In summary, we suggest that you know your numbers for Healthy Living.
A quick look at the following will set you on the path to a healthier lifestyle.
- Blood Pressure: Normal 120/80 and 140/80 for those over 65
- Cholesterol: 5.0 or less
- Sugar levels: 5.6 or less (fasting)
- Body-mass Index: 18.5 to 24.9
- Waist Measurement: No more than 80 cm (woman) 94 cm (man)
- Fruit & vegetables: Eat 5 to 7 different portions with colour variety daily
- Alcohol per week – Standard drinks – 11 (woman) 17 (man)
- Physical Activity: At least 30 minutes per day –5 times a week
