After reaching the golden years, most of us really start to appreciate our health. General health is not usually a major concern in younger years, but staying healthy should always be a priority as we get older. After years of bad habits, it might be difficult breaking a lifetime of excuses. Fortunately, starting new healthy habits does not have to be a huge task. It is easy to start a fitness routine at any age, and we can always eat healthier foods. Whether downsizing a home, cutting back on retirement costs, or just trying to get a healthier mindset, we can all achieve our fitness and health goals with a few of the below ideas.

Change of Mindset
Before changing a routine, it’s important to change the mindset we have about health. Thinking that getting into a fitness routine is impossible, will make it harder to reach dieting and fitness goals. Believe in improving health and take actionable steps to get there. Start with a few small changes. A daily walk around the neighborhood can improve cardiovascular health the habit of exercising ingrained into a schedule.

Start a Fitness Routine 
Without any pre-existing medical conditions, anyone should be able to switch to a more strenuous exercise routine. Being tired after your first intensive workout is normal, but a strenuous workout will improve stamina. When we stick to a regular exercise routine, it will reduce your risk of developing cardiovascular and other major health problems. An intense workout is not ideal for all seniors, and it is important to speak with a doctor before starting an intense workout regimen. Enjoy retirement in states like California and Colorado where there are plenty of hiking trails, walking paths, and biking trails. Ask a local community center where else there is opportunity for outdoor exercise.

Drink Water and Eat More Healthy Foods
Besides exercising, it is important to eat healthy foods. As we grow older, our bodies will have different dietary needs. Many women need to increase their calcium intake. Those with osteoporosis might want to take a calcium supplement. Talk to a doctor about concerns like this and be sure to get regular checkups whenever possible. Preventative care is the best way to stay on top of health overall. Eat the recommended daily amount of fruits and vegetables as well to get the best nutrients and to avoid sickness. Avoid foods that are packed with artificial ingredients and instead of eating sugary snacks every day, try eating more dried fruits. Stay hydrated as well. Water should always be a part of your diet, and a habit in daily life.

It is easy to become overwhelmed with all of the current diet fads, but getting the recommended daily amount of fruits and vegetables will improve your health. By staying healthy, we won’t have to completely eliminate sweet and salty foods from our diets. Just use smart dieting and fitness tips to keep health up in later years.

"Brooke Chaplan is a freelance writer and blogger. She lives and works out of her home in Los Lunas, New Mexico. She loves the outdoors and spends most her time hiking, biking and gardening. For more information on good health in retirement, or getting the most of your golden years in Oregon check out Sunshine Retirement Living. Contact Brooke via Twitter @BrookeChaplan."