Aging Gracefully – Embrace the Golden Years

Posted on Dec 10, 2019 in Healthy Aging

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We all age differently, but the very process of aging comes with the same challenges to each one of us, changing our lives as we know it. Some of the changes take years to progress, while others appear suddenly and sneak up on us when we least expect them. We fear most of these changes – we dread our wrinkles and gray hairs, we’re afraid of being slower, less productive, or less capable of taking care of ourselves and those around us. We enormously fear losing our loved ones, aging alone, and ultimately, we’re scared to death of our own mortality. Accepting those fears and not giving them control over our lives is the key to aging gracefully. Here are some key points to help you achieve this.

 

Embrace The Changes When Aging Gracefully

In order to be able to embrace your golden years fully, you need to know how to respond to the changes that are about to happen.

Many find it hard to acknowledge that, as they age, they have less energy and that they tire quickly. Resisting the changes brings more stress to their lives. They strain to meet their own unrealistic expectations, sometimes even to the extent of feeling overwhelmed or depressed.

On the other hand, accepting the way aging affects our bodies, as well as the other facts of life that it brings, can make it easier for us to adapt to them, delay them when possible, and even completely avoid some negative outcomes.

The first step towards embracing changes is becoming aware of them and finding the best ways to remain ourselves despite the inevitable decline. Don’t avoid or shrug off the signals your body is trying to send you, as it needs to serve you well for many years to come.

 

Stay Active

Being physically active is crucial for our physical and mental wellbeing, no matter how old we are. Still, only one in four adults older than 65 exercises regularly.

Whether you choose to take a stroll around your neighborhood or take up morning yoga classes, you’ll find regular activity enjoyable and rewarding. At the same time, you’ll reap the advantages, such as:

•       Reduced risk of stroke or heart attack
•       Reduced risk of developing dementia
•       Better bone density, muscle strength, and a stronger immune system
•       Preventing and delaying certain diseases, such as arthritis, diabetes, and heart disease
•       Better balance and coordination
•       Positive impact on mental and emotional wellbeing, i.e., lowering anxiety and depression

Additionally, physical activity boosts your confidence and helps you stay independent and mobile longer.

A general recommendation for people above 65 is to have at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity through the week in bouts longer than 10 minutes.

 

Be Safe

Along with keeping your body and mind healthy by staying physically active, make sure you’ve taken all the measures to keep yourself safe from the risks you’ve recognized.

This may mean a number of different things, but basically, it can be summed up by taking responsibility for your own health and wellbeing.  If you’re already facing some health issues, it’s essential to watch your diet and your weight, never miss your doctor’s appointments, and take your therapy regularly.

You will also need to take some safety precautions to avoid the most common risks associated with old age.

One of them is the risk of falling due to various factors such as poor sight or balance. To remain safe and healthy while aging in place, do a regular safety review of your home and modify it to eliminate potential hazards.

 

Connect Socially

As we age, our social circles might start to shrink. Naturally, our opportunities to socialize will begin to decline if we don’t make an effort to seek them out.

Our friends and spouses may have passed away, we no longer go to work, and our health issues may limit our mobility. In such circumstances, we become lonely and socially isolated.

This situation is an enormous threat to our mental and physical wellbeing. It increases the risk of higher blood pressure, obesity, heart disease, Alzheimer’s’ disease, and more.

As interacting with other human beings is the only known cure for loneliness,the key lies in social engagement – or more precisely, in strengthening our current relationships and building new ones. Finding a meaningful connection may seem difficult, but it is achievable.

 

To get started, you can consider taking some of these actions:

•       Put relationships first. Don’t wait for a friend to call you – be the one who initiates the contact, don’t hesitate to invite them out, and plan activities together.
•       Support a cause. You’ll enjoy your life more if you find purpose in it. So if you can, volunteer to help a cause close to your heart. Additionally, you’ll have a chance to meet new people.
•       Get a pet. Meaningful connections aren’t exclusive to human relationships. You can form an inseparable bond with your cat or dog too.
•       Join a support group. There are numerous support groups that help people deal with specific issues, such as cancer or the loss of a close person. Research what kind of support groups you can find in your area and reach out.
•       Use social media. Social media channels aren’t reserved for the younger generations. If you don’t feel competent or internet-savvy, consider taking a course and learning the necessary skills.

 

Find a balance between accepting the inevitable changes and taking responsibility for what you can control. You cannot stop aging gracefully, but you can shape how you’ll live while you age, and you can embrace all the good things that come with this chapter of life. So why not make the most out of it and enjoy your golden years in all their glory!