How do you stay sharp well into your 90s, enjoying the stories and songs that light up your days? The good news is, folks are reaching those impressive ages in better shape than ever before, still engaged and active in their own lives. The question is, how do they do it?
The answer isn't in the stars; it's in the day-to-day. Small choices can make a big difference, especially when it comes to your health. Eating right and staying active are key, but have you considered the role your hearing plays? Keeping your hearing on point is as important as anything else for your well-being. Want to know how to keep those ears as sharp as the rest of you? Keep reading. We're here to share some straightforward tips.
Great news, Americans are living longer than ever before
Think about a friend who just hit their 90th and is sharp as a tack. They probably have a daily routine down pat, and it's no coincidence they've made it so far. stats show we're all in for more birthdays if we play our cards right. Living a long life isn't just luck; it's becoming the norm. And when we say "age is just a number," believe it, because that number keeps going up when we take the right steps.
So how do we pull that off? It boils down to simple things, like never missing those medical check-ups. It's more than waiting for aches and pains; it's about staying ahead of the game. Think of it like car maintenance – nobody wants a breakdown. Another bit of advice? Stick with those choices that pay off for both your brain and your body. And yes, regular veggies can make that much of a difference.
Get your hearing tested
Are you aware that staying on top of your ear health could save you from unnecessary hassle in the future? Think of the sheer joy of hearing a whispered joke from a friend or the calming rustle of leaves. Regular hearing checks are a wise move for maintaining that level of auditory delight. It's essentially nodding to your ears, acknowledging their good work.
Just as you consciously choose nutritious food and squeeze in some exercise, earmark a slot for hearing assessments in your schedule. Especially if you've celebrated more than 60 birthdays, paying attention to your ears is not something to shrug off. Age can bring changes in hearing, but there's no fuss involved in monitoring it. Picture a routine visit to your doctor's office for a swift and simple test. That's all it takes to stay on top of your hearing game.
Protect your hearing
Been to a live concert or stood near fireworks exploding? That's rough on your ears. It's wise to protect your hearing even during regular chores. Consider earplugs for that lawn mowing session or when you swing by a noisy job site. Simple earplugs, or even advanced ear defenders, can work wonders. They act as a safeguard for your hearing, just like a warm blanket does for your body.
Fun Activities, Smart Choices
Rooting for your grandkid on the soccer field or attending a live concert with friends? Don't let loud sounds ruin the fun. A set of good earplugs might just become your go-to gear. With them, you can still soak in the energy and music without risking your ears regretting it later. It may feel strange at first, but popping in earplugs doesn't mean you'll miss out on the fun. You can still catch all the action while keeping your hearing intact.
Stay Physically Active
Regular exercise is not just for looks or strength; it keeps your circulation top-notch, even to your ears. Ever tackled a puzzle and realized all the pieces fell into place with a bit of effort? That's what consistent physical activity does for your body - and surprise, it helps your hearing too. Maintaining the habit might mean enjoying TV without blasting the volume or hearing every giggle from the kids without strain.
Easy Moves for Big Gains
So, the thought of a gym workout doesn't appeal to you? No worries. Try gardening for a bit of nature's own gym, dance to your favorite oldies in the living room, or toss a ball for your dog. These simple activities keep you active and benefit both your muscle and ear health. Ever finish a walk feeling refreshed? Your body's got a natural way of saying it approves with every step you take.
Sounds Like a Plan
So, what should we take from all of this? Keeping your hearing sharp is part of that healthy lifestyle checklist, on par with munching on veggies and going for that daily stroll. Don't forget, not being able to hear a friend's chuckle or missing whispers with the grandkids is a real bummer. But, you’ve got the tools to handle it! With routine ear check-ups and careful choices, the rhythm of life doesn't have to miss a beat for you.
Have you considered HearWell Group's hearing aids? They're comparable to a comfy hat for your ears when it’s nippy outside, ensuring sounds stay crisp and you're in on the action. Give them a shot; these gadgets could be the ticket to catching every note of a classic melody. After all, life’s too rich to skip any of its tunes. Ready to keep your wits and savor all the sounds life has to offer?
Sources & References
- Henshaw, H., & Ferguson, M. A. (2013). Efficacy of individual computer-based auditory training for people with hearing loss: a systematic review of the evidence. PloS one, 8(5), e62836. https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0062836
- Mener, D. J., Betz, J., Genther, D. J., Chen, D., & Lin, F. R. (2013). Hearing loss and depression in older adults. Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, 61(9), 1627–1629. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3773611/
- Alessio, H. M., Hutchinson, K. M., Price, A. L., Reinart, L., & Sautman, M. J. (2014). Study finds high cardiovascular fitness associated with better hearing in older adults. American Journal of Audiology, 23(4), 395-404. https://pubs.asha.org/doi/10.1044/2014_AJA-14-0040
- Hammer, M. S., Swinburn, T. K., & Neitzel, R. L. (2014). Environmental noise pollution in the United States: developing an effective public health response. Environmental Health Perspectives, 122(2), 115-119. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3915267/
- Goman, A. M., & Lin, F. R. (2016). Prevalence of Hearing Loss by Severity in the United States. American Journal of Public Health, 106(10), 1820–1822. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5024524/
The Hear Well Group Research Team: Trusted Hearing Health Insights
Our experienced research team compiles hearing health data from credible, peer-reviewed sources and presents it in easy-to-understand terminology. We ensure accuracy and trustworthiness, providing up-to-date, evidence-based recommendations to enhance hearing care practices and inform our readers' hearing well-being decisions.