People often think that the phrase ‘ageing gracefully’ is simply a euphemism for accepting your wrinkles and saying no to Botox. However, we consider ageing gracefully to be an entirely different state of mind. It’s about putting your physical and mental health first, without losing your joie de vivre as you enter your senior years. Sure, looks are important, but it’s more vital that you prioritise other things first.
No matter what age you are, your health should always be a top priority. Without great health, you won’t be able to enjoy the things you love the most in life. However, as our bodies get older, we find that we become weaker and that we simply can’t do things as well as we used to. It’s important to train your body whilst you are still fit, so that it can better cope with the challenges that are yet to come.
Nourish Your Body
If you want to feel great, you’ll need to feed your body with great ingredients. This means getting plenty of Vitamin B12, Potassium, Dietary Fibre, Calcium, and Vitamin D. If you’re not sure where to find these, we suggest you opt for a diet with lots of beans, nuts, lean meats, wholegrains, low-fat dairy, as well as brightly coloured fruit and vegetables. If you’re in need of some inspiration, check out these delicious and nutritious recipes.
Move Your Body Everyday
A little bit of exercise each day will work wonders as you get older. Even if you just go for a short walk every evening, get those muscles moving and that blood pumping. Plus, being outdoors will give you a much-needed energy boost. Moderate intensity exercise can help lower your risk of heart disease, diabetes, strokes, and strengthen your bones.
Maintain a Healthy Weight
No matter what age you are, maintaining a healthy weight is of the essence. Not only will you reduce the risk of developing health problems, but you’ll also feel more capable of doing the things you love. If you’re underweight you can increase your risk of fractured bones and become more susceptible to infections. However, if you’re overweight, you could be at risk of high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, and even some forms of cancer.
Visit Your Doctor Regularly
As we get older, visits to the doctor should become more frequent. Many people refuse to get the help they need as they don’t want to come across as weak during their older years. However, thanks to modern day medicine, medical devices, such as hearing aids, are practically invisible. Similarly, if you suffer from a chronic obstructive pulmonary condition, ask your doctor for the smallest portable oxygen concentrator available.
Keep Your Brain Active
Keeping your brain active and healthy can help reduce the likelihood of cognitive disabilities in old age. It’s important to stimulate your brain on a daily basis. You can do so by eating well and exercising regularly as well as conducting social activities and managing stress levels. It can even be as simple as a game of scrabble with a family member or reading a chapter of your favourite book each night before bed.
Stay in Touch with Friends
Sure, mental and physical health are important, but so is your emotional wellbeing. Humans are inherently social beings, so you should try to maintain a social life as you get older. If you’re not sure where to get started, why not try out a new group activity that can put you in touch with other members of the community. Try joining a book club in your local area or even take up volunteering at your favourite charity.
Ageing gracefully is all about embracing life and powering forward no matter the circumstances. It’s about living in the moment and finding humour in the challenges that are thrown your way. To age gracefully, you must be flexible in both your body and mind. Be open to new things, forgive yourself (as well as others), and be grateful for the life you have lived so far.
This may be easier said than done, however, if you keep a positive attitude, you’re already halfway there. Steer your mind towards the right direction and your body should follow suit. Remember to eat healthy and give your body the nutrients it needs to fortify your body. Get your daily exercise completed without any excuses an help your muscles grow stronger. Follow your doctor’s orders and remember to train your brain as well as your body.
