Blake Hall
Let’s be honest–the health and exercise habits service members learn during basic training don’t always continue after their military service ends. Military veterans of all ages, from a twenty-something fresh out of the military to a sixty-something entering retirement, could use a refresher on wellness and nutrition.
Check out the guide below from Swanson Health to learn what health tips might keep you active and healthy for years to come.
Health Tips in Your 20s
– Start healthy habits that will stick with you for a lifetime, like eating right and adding exercise to your routine.
– Adopt a basic skincare routine and wear sunscreen to help take care of your skin.
– Take a multivitamin packed with the essentials to fill nutritional gaps in your diet; focus on vitamin D, probiotics, fish oil and essential fatty acids.
– Recharge with at least 6 hours of sleep every night to support your mood and immune system.
Health Tips in Your 30s
– In your 30s, bones continue building strength so supplement your diet with calcium.
– If you are indoors a lot, add a vitamin D supplement to your daily routine for bone health, immune support, and emotional health.
– Remember to move more and keep exercise and self-care a part of your routine.
– Focus on antioxidants in skin and beauty products and your food choices; look for vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin E, and beta-carotene, which are found in rose hips, sunflower oil, leafy greens and orange-colored fruits and vegetables like oranges, sweet potatoes and carrots.
Health Tips in Your 40s
– Eat more leafy greens to up your fiber intake and help protect your vision with macular carotenoids like lutein and zeaxanthin.
– Add more movement to your day and consider taking metabolism-boosting supplements like garcinia cambogia, chromium picolinate or green coffee bean extract.
– Take vitamins and minerals to cover any nutrient gaps in your diet. As we age, our body’s ability to absorb nutrients can decrease, and it’s important to consider changes to your supplement routine.
– Consider if you should take sleep aid alternatives like melatonin, magnesium or valerian root to help your sleep and wake cycle. Try a cup of sleep aid tea.
Health Tips in Your 50s
– Keep an eye on your joint health and flexibility, remembering to exercise or move more every day.
– Learn about the health benefits of MSM, glucosamine and chondroitin for supporting healthy cartilage, ligaments, tendons, as well as healthy hair, skin and nails.
– Make sure to promote relaxation and better sleep with daily meditation and good sleep habits, like not using electronics within one hour of bed and avoiding caffeine after 3 p.m.
Health Tips in Your 60s+
– Maintain your health and vitality by moving more each day and making sure you eat a diet rich in whole foods, including fresh vegetables and fruits. Fiber helps promote regularity, especially as we age.
– Get plenty of brain-boosting nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids, B vitamins, curcumin (found in turmeric), and acetyl-L-carnitine.
– Stay socially active! Studies show that people who maintain healthy relationships can stay happier and maybe even live longer.
One last tip for veterans of all ages: you can save money as you stock up on multivitamins at Swanson Health using their 20% military discount. It’s good for your health and for your wallet, too.
