What You Shouldn't Do After 75
We're all navigating a big, crazy world, but here 30 tips for what not to do after you turn 75.
Participate In Extreme Sports
If you're over 75, the time has come to treat your body gently. That means avoiding aggressive, high-impact sports and activities like mountain biking, skiing, boxing, and the like.
Instead, give your joints what they need with lower-impact activities such as yoga or swimming. These will still give your cardiovascular system a healthy boost without the risk.
Drink Too Much Alcohol
A glass of wine at the end of the day is still no problem at all, but be aware that as we get older, alcohol affects us more intensely. This goes double if you're taking any medications that interact with it. Stick within the limits of moderation.
Be Lax About Your Medications
If you're over 75, chances are you're taking some kind of medication. To get the most benefits out of this, it's not just about taking your pill on the right day and time—though this is important, and pill organizers and phone reminders are great for this.
You also want to make sure to regularly check in with your doctor about your medication schedule.
Fall For A Scam
Lately, scammers have been targeting seniors more and more, particularly in romantic scams where someone poses as a love interest and then asks for money. There are also scams that purport to be "great" investment opportunities.
To prevent falling for these, always be on your guard during online dating interactions, as well as during any unsolicited phone call.
Go With High-Risk Investments
High-risk investments aren't advisable after the age of 75. That's because while these investments may yield more money, they also have a high risk of losing money, too. They are better and more reliable only over very long term periods, so unless you think you're making it to 120 years old, best to skip them.
Instead, there are many low- or moderate-risk investments you can ask your bank about.
Skip Regular Check-Ups
No one likes going to the doctor, but that doesn't mean they should avoid it. After 75, your body needs a lot of TLC, and the doctor is the best person to provide that. Stay proactive if you feel "off," and regularly attend your screenings and check-ups. It's the best way to head something off at the pass.
Travel Without Preparing
When you travel, make sure that you have an emergency plan if something goes wrong, and that your family and/or friends know your itinerary.
Forget To Stretch
If you want to avoid an injury that could take far longer to recover from than it could in your 20s, make sure you stretch regularly. Daily is best.
Ignore Your Mental Health
When we get busy, checking in our own mental health is often the first thing to go out the window. Don't do this! Talk to your doctor if you begin to feel depressed, and consider other avenues like therapy, anxiety-reducing activities, or vent sessions with friends.
Avoid Estate Planning
Nobody wants to think about making their will when they're feeling healthy, but that's actually when it's crucial to do it, with the aid of a legal professional of course. That way, you can make sure your wishes are honored and that your loved ones understand exactly what will happen.
Continue To Smoke
Kicking a smoking habit is no mean feat, but believe us, practically the day you do, you start seeing benefits in your overall health. If you're still carrying around that habit, it's time to stop now!
Ignore Your Sleep Patterns
As we age, sleep can often become more difficult. Plus, insufficient sleep tends to affect us more the older we are. So make sure you have good sleep hygiene: Try not to use your bed for anything but sleep, make sure your mind and body are getting enough proper exercise during the day, and engage in activities that bring you peace.
Neglect Nutrition
Make sure you're getting balanced meals full of fruits, vegetables, proteins, and vitamins. Even if you have mobility issues, look into services like Meals on Wheels to ensure you're getting enough to eat from the right kinds of foods.
Let Your Personal Hygiene Go
When you think you look good, you feel good too. So don't neglect your personal hygiene and maintenance. Make sure you also like what you're wearing, and make the time to look your best.
Isolate Yourself
As we get older, friends and family can drop away for one reason or another, and we can fall into a pit of loneliness. When you feel this coming on, make sure to reach out to your loved ones and ask for a chat, a visit, or even just a text.
Ignore The Signs Of Stress
Stress is one of the biggest hurdles to physical and mental health, so make sure you're taking time to unwind every day and do something you like.
Stop Protecting Yourself From The Sun
Even at 75, it's super important to protect your skin from the sun's harmful rays. Even on beach days with the grandkids, make sure you're slathered up before or after you do their backs!
Ignore Mobility Issues
Aches and pains are normal, but you shouldn't be constantly feeling pain every time you walk or do things you could once normally do. If you start to hurt a lot from these activities, you may need to look into proper supportive footwear.
Roman Samborskyi, Shutterstock
Stop Caring For Your Teeth
Just like going to the doctor regularly is important, it's also important to go to the dentist often. Cavities and other dental issues can wreak havoc on your body (and your wallet), so make sure you're in the chair for your regular cleaning and checkups. In between visits, brush and floss after meals.
Be Lax On Physical Activity
Just because you have to avoid extreme sports doesn't mean you should avoid all physical activity. Quite the opposite in fact. Even just a walk around the block every day, if you're able, can do wonders for your physical (and mental) state.
Be Too Proud For Adaptive Devices
If you need something like a hearing aid, a walking aid, or another adaptive device, make sure you get it! There is nothing wrong with using the technology available to you to make your life better.
Juanan Barros Moreno, Shutterstock
Dismiss Home Safety
As your body and strength changes as you get older, make sure your home is changing too. Look into extra handles in the shower, seated stair escalators, and other products if you find yourself needing them.
Ignore Driving Safety
As we age, our eyesight and reaction times tend to take a hit, among other reflexes. Because of this, be very sure you're fit to operate a motor vehicle before you get in one. Talk to your doctor, eye specialist, or other medical professional. Otherwise, take public transit or ask a younger loved one to help.
Skip Using Technology
Technology is always changing, and it can be easy to feel left behind. But take the time to be "up" on the latest developments, especially ones that can be useful to you. You can often engage in new communities, social activities, and organization through technology, and many libraries offer technology classes for seniors if you don't know where to start.
Stop Learning
One of the best ways to keep your mind sharp well into your 70s and 80s is to continue having a curiosity for everything. If there's something you don't know, look it up. Ask questions if someone is interested in something you haven't heard of.
Stop Laughing
Laughter really is the best medicine, and finding something to laugh about every day can improve your overall outlook on life, and your total body health.
Scoff At Meditation
Meditating isn't just a silly new-age practice, it can genuinely help people achieve more calm, focus, and happiness in their life. It can help manage anxiety, lead to better sleep, and promote a feeling of peace. Give it a try.
Be Afraid To Ask For Help
In the end, no one can be expected to do everything all of the time. If you find yourself feeling overwhelmed with a task, don't be afraid to ask someone for help. This takes stress off you, promotes social relationships, and overall is a great way to tackle many of the earlier items on this list!
Stop Planning For The Future
Age really is only a number, and the world is still your oyster. Don't back off making plans for the future because you feel "too old." Get out there and do it!
