JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Patricia Greenberg says staying healthy as you get older doesn’t necessarily have to mean making major changes all at once.
Greenberg, known as “The Fitness Gourmet,” spoke with In Depth with Kristine Bellino about some of the everyday habits she recommends for aging well, especially during the hotter months.
Staying hydrated throughout the day
One of Greenberg’s biggest focuses is hydration.
She recommends drinking water throughout the day instead of waiting until you feel thirsty or trying to drink a large amount at once. For people who have trouble remembering, she suggests keeping water nearby at home, at work or while on the go.
Greenberg also says foods can contribute to hydration, pointing to fruits like watermelon, berries and apples as examples.
When it comes to electrolyte drinks, Greenberg said she doesn’t believe everyone needs them all the time. She said they may be more useful during longer outdoor activities, extended time in the heat or in other situations where someone is losing more fluids.
Greenberg also stressed that more water isn’t always better. During the conversation, Bellino reminded listeners that excessive water intake can be dangerous and encouraged people to talk with their doctor about what is appropriate for them.
Finding ways to keep moving
Exercise was another part of the conversation, but Greenberg said movement doesn’t always have to mean an intense workout.
After having a hip replacement, she said her own routine now includes walking, yoga, weight training and other activities that allow her to stay active without putting as much stress on her joints.
For people who can’t exercise outside because of the heat, Greenberg suggested finding simple ways to move indoors, including walking around the house, stretching or carefully using stairs if they are able.
She also discussed yin, or restorative, yoga, which uses slower movements and poses held for longer periods of time.
Small habits for managing stress
Greenberg said movement has also become one of the tools she uses when she feels stressed.
She shared that she was once hospitalized after experiencing symptoms she thought were a heart attack but were ultimately attributed to a panic attack.
Since then, she said she has focused more on techniques including walking, deep breathing, stretching and spending short periods of time outdoors.
Greenberg said the goal is not necessarily to create another complicated wellness routine, but to find small habits that can realistically fit into everyday life.
Sleep is part of that routine too. She recommends putting away the phone at night, finding something calming to do before bed and trying to keep a consistent bedtime.
For Greenberg, the bigger message is that healthy aging doesn’t have to start with a dramatic lifestyle change.
Hydration, regular movement, time outside and a consistent sleep routine are among the basic habits she says people can work on little by little.
More information about Greenberg, her books and her work is available through her website. She also shares videos through her “It’s OK to Be Old” YouTube channel.
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