To remain stronger for longer and to continue enjoying a life filled with good health, purpose, and a sense of belonging, it's essential to:
Keep active
Regular exercise can reduce the impact of several health conditions, such as osteoporosis, diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke and memory loss.
Exercise for 150 minutes a week, such as brisk walking or cycling. Aim to do strengthening exercises at least twice a week, such as gardening, carrying shopping or check your local gym for help with resistance training. Why not look up what is happening across Salford contact Salford Community Leisure service.
Look after your mental health
Good mental wellbeing is important for us all. Here are some things you can do to improve your mental wellbeing:
Be active
There is evidence that getting active can reduce loneliness and improve mental health. You don't have to go to the gym. Take a walk, go cycling or play a game of football. Find an activity that you enjoy and make it a part of your life.
Connect
Connect with the people around you: your family, friends, colleagues and neighbours. If you want to know what is happening locally contact Age Friendly Salford.
Give to others
Even the smallest act can count, whether it's a smile, a thank you or a kind word. Larger acts, such as Volunteering is a great way to give something back to your community and broaden your skills and meet other people. To find out more about volunteering contact Salford CVS or call 0161 787 7795.
Keep learning
Learning new skills can give you a sense of achievement and a new confidence. So why not sign up Salford Adult Learning.
Take notice
Be mindful, be more aware of the present moment, including your thoughts and feelings, your body, and the world around you. Some people call this awareness "mindfulness". Just take a walk around some of the award-winning beautiful parks and green spaces in Salford can be beneficial to your mental health.
Depression
We all feel down from time to time, but if you are feeling low and out of sorts for longer periods of time, you may be suffering from depression.
Symptoms include:
- Loss of confidence and feeling down
- Feeling anxious
- Not enjoying the activities that you used to do.
- Loss of appetite
Depression can impact on your physical health, so speak to you GP and explain how you are feeling.
Bereavement
A common trigger for depression is bereavement. Bereavement affects people in many ways. You might need help if:
- You are neglecting yourself or your family, for example not eating
- You feel you can’t go out without the person you have lost
- The emotion is so intense its impacting on your life
If you feel you are not coping it is important to talk to someone about it. If you don’t feel comfortable speaking to a friend of family member, contact your GP or local bereavement service on 0161 9830902 or visit the website Greater Manchester Bereavement Service.
For more information on other local Mental health Support
Look after your brain
What is good for our body is good for the brain.
Simple things to keep our brain healthy include:
- eating a healthy diet
- exercising regularly
- not drinking too much alcohol
- stop smoking
- get enough sleep
- keep socially active with friends and family
- keep the mind busy, learn new hobbies, read, volunteer, solve puzzles etc.
If you have concerns about memory loss speak to your GP or have a look at some useful information Age UK Salford Dementia Service.