The retirement age! Most people retire at the age of 60 and start thinking of how they want to spend their free time. Relaxing and taking it easy, is on the top of the list for almost everybody.

The body begins to slow down, mobility gets restricted and flexibility gets affected for most people. If you are someone who has been used to regular exercise, maybe most of the above factors won’t affect you, but one thing that cannot be avoided is the slowing down of the metabolism. It is a natural process of the human body, and is popularly known as the aging process.

Understanding your body’s restrictions and working around it, is a part of aging gracefully. Watching what you eat becomes even more important at this stage in life. Nutrition is important in all stages of life, but more care needs to taken after 60. If the metabolism has slowed down, it means that you are now more prone to putting on weight.

Increased body weight can bring along with it a lot of other health conditions, such diabetes, high cholesterol, high blood pressure or aching joints. Maintaining ideal body weight becomes even more important now.

Include lean proteins in your daily diet. Lean proteins like turkey, chicken or fish are lighter on the system and are easy to digest. When we age, the digestive system also slows down; therefore it is advisable to stay away from red meats or heavy meals. If you like red meat, try eating it for lunch as opposed to dinner.

After 60, some people also complain of decreased energy levels and fatigue. Eating frequent smaller meals during the day helps deal with the above. Increase the intake of fresh fruits, these help provide energy and fiber that help maintain weight.

Stay away from processed foods that are high in sugar content. Eat an early dinner and try taking a walk 20 minutes after dinner and at least 1 hour before bedtime.

Try eating natural unflavored yogurt or calcium enriched cheese or other dairy products which are a good source of calcium. Bones start getting brittle and this could result in osteoporosis. Drink a tall glass of milk of breakfast everyday. Check with your doctor if it is okay to include a multivitamin or calcium supplements with your daily meals.