Aging is a grim reality we all have to accept at some point in our life. Physiological, mental and social changes during the aging process either have a positive or a negative impact on you.
It is up to you how you maximize the benefits of aging while taking active measures to maintain health and minimize the negative aspects.
Let’s take a look at some key ways to live your best life.
Age Does Not Matter
60 is the new 40 right?? While change is a normal part of the aging process, these transitions don’t have to slow you down. The most important rule to live your best life is to keep yourself focused on positive vibes.
You can enjoy the pleasures of life by protecting and keeping your body as healthy as possible. We have all been told diet and exercise play a key role in our health. Guess what? They do. The good news is, it is never too late to start.
For many of us, including myself, taking care of yourself becomes second or third on our list. This is because we have been taking care of others.
Well, remember the airline stewardess on the airplane explaining the safety measures about the oxygen mask? How the mask has to go on you first before you can help others? The same principle applies for helping others. You have to take care of yourself, if you plan to help others.
Again, taking care of your health is important, period. I guess the biggest question you can ask yourself is where do you see yourself in 10, 20 years. If you envision and active future, then continue reading.
Top Ways to Live your Best Life
In order to fully enjoy life, it is a good idea that you engage in activities that keep you physically and mentally active.
We all have some hobbies that usually take a backseat when we are busy dealing with responsibilities life has for us.
However, when you get old responsibilities and time restraints are few factors that have little importance. Getting old does not mean you have to give up your hobbies, you can always live your best life by trying new activities with an open mind.
You might find you like painting, gardening. Anything you do to stay active can keep your heart young and enjoy life after the age of 65. There are numerous activities you can be part of.
1. Keep Moving and Exercise
One way to stay healthy and active is to add some form of physical activity in your daily routine. Be it walking on the treadmill, pilates or some form of exercise, remember that it is good for you.
While exercise does improve your balance and mobility, one of the effective outcomes of any type of physical activity is that it contributes to better cognitive functioning and reduces feelings of anxiety and depression.
Brisk walking is recommended as it is linked to better memory and healthier life. Walking outdoors with slightly increased pace is a great way to get the benefits of vitamin D and light. According to research, walking during the day has shown improved decision making skills.
Make sure to have a good walking shoe that supports your ankles.
Here are a few of our top pick:
2. Continue Learning New Things
As you get older, you can always continue to learn new things. Incorporating brain exercise in your daily routine helps with your cognitive function and enhances your memory.
Also, try new hobbies or build on old ones you have not done in awhile. The benefit of exploring new hobbies means keeping yourself open to new experiences.
When we learn something new, our brain builds new neurons and synapses. For greater rewards, indulging in complex new activities triggers creation of new neurons.
Here are some cool ideas to keep the brain sharp:
3. Be Social
We were designed to be relational people. As people age, it is important to get out and socialize with others.
Look for activities in your neighborhood or community groups. Start a book club. Find something of interest others may be interested in getting together to do like cards, or sewing, or exercise.
The Eldercare Alliance points out that socializing for seniors has added health benefits including reducing stress, anxiety and more. It can also help with cognitive abilities and memory.
As an active member of a community, you can meet new people, pass wisdom and knowledge to the people around you.
4. Explore Hobbies
You are never too old to adapt to new hobbies and explore other opportunities. Learning is a process that continues in every walk of life.
Challenging your brain by actively participating in different activities can help increase cognitive thinking.
If there is a subject that interests you or a cooking class you have been meaning to take, you can always engage your mind by pursuing your interests.
5. Travel As Much As You Can
You don’t have to sit at home and follow a monotonous routine. If your home is your comfort zone, then the world truly is your oyster.
Travelling is a great way to get out and see the world. There are many travel organizations these days that solely focus on people with mobility needs, older people and more. Their goal is to help you see the world comfortably.
Plus, nowadays they make great walkers with seats and collapsible wheelchairs for traveling. And tour companies have made great strides in accessibilities needs.
Here is our top pick for a collapsible scooter:
5. Eat Healthy
The key to living a happy healthier life is adding food in your diet that has nutritional value and enhances your bodily functions.
Eating healthy not only impacts your body physically but promotes healthy changes to your brain that improves your mental health.
Being told to eat healthy is always hard to hear. Especially if you are like me an like your comfort foods. The best advice here is to start slow, make small changes and find savvy ways to build healthy into your eating habits.
For example, we love to eat chips and dip at our house. I started adding carrots to the mx. Who knew these tasty orange treats would go so fast. Adding a veggie to the mix is always a good call.
6. Appreciate Life
As the aging process continues, your brain’s capacity to respond to negative information gradually decreases. Researchers have concluded that due to changes in the limbic system, older people have significantly sunnier outlook.
Emotional positivity increases as you age, this response provides a healthier mindset and well-being.
Honestly, as you age, most tend to realize it is not their circus, nor their monkeys.
Enjoy life and let others carry the worry.
This may not seem so easy as most people do worry more as they get older. Perhaps find some breathing techniques, yoga or meditation to help you learn how to not carry the burden of worry. Finding like minded believers to gather and encourage each other is a great option.
Here’s a simple way to start:
7. Family Matters
There are seasons of life where we are either always together with family or distant due to family members moving out of state or busy with their kids. Whatever the season, always remember that family is important.
As loved ones age, finding the right care to support them can be difficult. Some family members may even feel like they carry the daily burden of caring for an elderly parent. And finding the right support or even senior care can be difficult.
Helping out when you can is important. Even if it means babysitting for a family member so they can help with an elderly parent. Talk it through and communicate expectations.
And keep in mind, those that are currently supporting an elderly parent are exhausted. Simply cooking a meal or providing a prepared meal will go a long way.
Summary
Aging is a life altering process that every individual fears. But you can look at the bright side of this change by participating in activities that bring joy to your life and keep you physically fit.
Embracing your aging self is important as your body and mind deserves kindness, respect and love. Take care of you. Unfortunately, nobody else will. Put your oxygen mask on first so you can be your best for others.