Aging is an incredible journey. But brace yourself, it is not only a process that happens to one’s physical body; it happens to one’s mind, emotions and even way of life. Wrinkle’s are more than a cause to add candles on the cake, they are a way to provide a new perspective over entirely new experiences, where keeping up with the grandchildren, embarking on a traveling spree and even rejoicing in mundane pleasures are given a host of new meanings.
Want to know how you can kick things off? Well how about focusing on aspects such as exercise and nutrition, mental health and much more, and making all of these your central goal. Well, you do not have to look any further, just give the following tips a read and you’ll be on your way to aging gracefully !
Understanding the Aging Process
Aging is a beautiful process grudgingly, but how many people take the time to ponder what aging would entail in the latter? To some aging might be seen as a slow descent into a more harrowing place and to an extent they are not wrong, but to put things into perspective it is a process that is rather natural.
Naturally, Gunther, biology kicks in with its slew of side effects, your skin starts losing elasticity, bones becoming less dense and to top it off your metabolism slowing down. Oh and let’s not forget hearing and eyesight deteriorating, arthritis or heart disease setting in and well… you get the gist of it.
All of these and many more changes are part and parcel of life but fundamentally understanding them and why they happen can facilitate the process of managing or even mitigating the impact of said changes.
Knowing about aging is the key to getting older gracefully.
After a certain point of time, it’s inevitable to face certain health issues. Here are a few of the most common problems you might have to deal with:
Arthritis: Achy stiff joints can limit mobility.
Osteoporosis: Less bone density creates greater chances of getting a fracture.
Cardiovascular Conditions: Change in arteries increases chances of heart disease.
Cognitive Decline: Memory and the ability to focus can vary but no reason to stress as there are ways to combat it.
With age comes a whole set of new problems that an individual has to face. Let’s discuss how one can counter these issues by focusing on a proper diet, regular exercise, and a change in their lifestyle.
Nutrition for Healthy Aging
It’s true that you are what you eat, now even more so than before! A balanced diet plays such a major role in one’s process of aging.
Here is the plan for food consumption:
Trim down and eat whole foods this includes fresh fruits and veggies, whole grains, lean proteins and healthy fats.
That is right! Did you know water can become less appealing as we grow older? This makes drinking water a necessity so keep taking those sips throughout the day.
Nutrients of Primary Interest:
Strengthens the muscles and bones.
Improves balance that cuts down the risk of falls.
Lifts mood and depresses anxiety by the release of ‘happy’ hormones!
Find an activity that you love doing and please do it regularly be it yoga, swimming, walking in a park or light resistance.
Mental health? It is equally as important. Try to make day to day activities more fun, it can include puzzles, reading books or best of all pick up an exciting new hobby like learning to play the piano, to paint or how about taking Spanish lessons? Your brain will love the work out!
Sleep & Stress Management:
Sleep and stress… an enemy but at the same time a friend? If you’re one of those people who are often careless, then perhaps you should take the time to reconsider your values.
Quality sleep is not something you can decide whether to have or not.
You need to sleep because your mood, your energy and even your immune system is affected by lack of sleep.
Here’s how you can better it:
Always retire to bed at more or less the same times everyday.
Establish a relaxing winding down activity (e.g. light reading, gentle stretching, or doing some meditation).
Do not consume caffeine and bulky meals near your sleeping times.
Control That Anxiety
Excessive stress causes inflammation along with chronic diseases, which we do not want! Relaxing activities such as Yoga, meditation, writing in a journal, or connecting with the great outdoors can help a lot. A simple practice of stillness performed for 10 minutes each day can make a lot of difference regarding stress management.
Social Connection And Its Consequences
We need other people, that’s simple. Did you know that people with stronger relatives are more likely to live longer?
Ensure that you always spend time with your relatives, friends, and the wider society so that you reduce the chance of solitude and contribute to the enhancing of your happiness. Here’s how:
Become a member of different clubs or groups based on your hobbies.
Help a cause you believe in by volunteering.
Participate in family traditions (but change them if you want).
Not everyone is a social butterfly? That is fine as well! Joining virtual book clubs or other communities online and being involved in social media are examples of meaningful relationships and interactions online.
A Healthy Lifestyle
Noteworthy when it comes to healthy aging is that a little prevention covers a large aspect. Routine health evaluations make it easier for you to remain in control and eventually identify budding problems.
Important Assessments for the Elderly:
Every year undergo hearing and vision tests.
Test for blood cholesterol and blood pressure.
Bone mineral density test (more so on women).
Tests for diabetes, arthritis, cancer etc.
Also consider getting vaccinations flu shots and pneumonia vaccines and avoid preventable diseases. Care that is targeted is more rewarding so you get to do what you enjoy more and worry less!
Aging Gracefully, Step by Step
The concept of age is not a number or a range, it is yes a sentiment to live by and rejoice in every second. Engaging in healthy diet, staying socially engaged, stress management engages into the synergy today, redefines the tomorrows.
If the task at hand is too challenging, break it into smaller parts and begin there. For example, try replacing water with soda. Next, try to go for a walk for 10 minutes every morning. Finally, reach out to the old pals you have been wishing to contact.
If you combine tiny daily routines, they will have a massive impact. Cheers to enriching, vibrant, and healthy aging process!
Feel free to ask questions or share suggestions if you want to look good in the old age. Let’s work together in questioning, and appreciating good aged.
