How to stay away from lifestyle diseases even in old age? Renowned psychiatrist explains

As age advances, people's motivation and excitement to live their life often fades, with 'doomsday' thoughts ruling their heads. While awareness of declining health is beneficial to a certain extent, using it as an excuse to live a poor lifestyle won't help an individual or their dear and near. There are many simple ways to keep age and its adverse effects at bay. The American College of Lifestyle Medicine has conducted a study on how to preserve health, protect the heart, and prevent lifestyle diseases even in old age. This study has been denoted as the six pillars for maintaining health. Dr Arun B Nair, Professor, Department of Psychiatry, Medical College, Thiruvananthapuram, explains:

•A healthy diet consisting of fruits and vegetables
•Daily exercises 
•Good quality sleep for 7 – 9 hours
•Practising techniques to release stress
•Saying no to alcohol, smoking and other intoxicating products
•Maintaining healthy relations

Good quality sleep
The American Heart Association has recently stated that the risk of a heart attack is higher if you do not get at least seven hours of good-quality sleep at night. You could follow these tips to enjoy a good night’s sleep:
•Going to bed and waking up at specific times every day
•Keep away from mobile phones and other visual media for at least an hour before going to bed
•Eat your dinner at least two hours before going to bed
•Giving up tea and coffee in the evening will help you get good sleep at night. 

Healthy heart
Regulating blood pressure, blood glucose levels, and cholesterol is essential for maintaining a healthy heart. A healthy diet comprising fruits and vegetables will protect the heart. You could increase protein intake by reducing the quantity of rice and other sources of carbohydrates. Try avoiding fat and sugar as much as possible. Adding salt moderately to your food will keep you healthy. Make sure to exercise for at least half an hour five days a week. 

Good personal relations
Maintaining good personal relations is key to improving overall health during old age. Try to enjoy warm relations with your children and grandchildren. Meeting your old friends or classmates at least once every three months will keep your mind and body young and refreshed.