One way to deal with getting older is to put the process into perspective. What’s the alternative to aging? What happens if you don’t get older? Well, you know the answer to that: if you don’t get older, you die. Therefore, keeping that in mind, you can deal with getting older by staying as healthy as possible – emotionally, mentally, and physically.
- Eat Right – No one will feel good about themselves if they mostly eat a poor diet. The most important thing you can do for yourself now and in the future is to eat a healthy balanced diet at least 80 percent of the time. Nothing else you can do will replace the benefits of that habit.
- Keep Moving – The human body was made to stay in motion. And as they say, “a body in motion stays in motion.” If you want to be able to keep doing the things you do now, you must do at least 150 minutes a week of moderate to high-intensity exercise. That means that you should be able to talk while doing it, but with slight difficulty. Fast walking, biking, aerobics, and swimming are all good choices.
- Stay Hydrated – You don’t really need to drink beverages other than water. Water is all you need. Normal, filtered tap water is the perfect beverage for you for your entire life with few exceptions. Most people need about 64 ounces of water a day. If you’re not sure how much you need, talk to your healthcare professional.
- Get Preventative Healthcare – Many diseases can be prevented or their severity lessened by getting preventative healthcare. Get a yearly physical and follow your doctor’s instructions for tests based on your age and needs. Keeping your vaccines up to date is a lifesaver too.
- Moisturize – As you age, your body loses the ability to produce as much moisture as it did before. Using sunscreen and lotions on your body will help keep your skin soft and supple. Try to find options with as few additives as possible. Coconut oil is a great choice for most.
- Read More – Studies show that people who read more are happier, kinder, more informed people – even if they read fiction. Read what you love and read every single day.
- Play Games – Games for the body and mind keep you sharp and on your toes. Do your morning crossword puzzle in the paper; hopscotch with the kids. Try some of the online mind exercises to help improve your memory.
- Be Social – Make time for your family and your friends. Social activity is very important, especially as you age. Having community connections and friends you can not only call on but also help, makes you feel good about your life and yourself.
- Keep Learning – Take a class or join a workshop so that you can keep learning new things throughout your life. The National Resource Center for Osher Lifelong Learning Institutes can give you information about inexpensive classes and community learning activities for all ages.
- Practice Gratitude – Everyone is going to get wrinkles. Everyone is going to have saggy skin. Everyone is going to get older. When you think about the alternative to getting older as being dead, you realize how important it is to be thankful for all that your “wrinkled, saggy body” has and is doing for you.
Getting older just means that you know more than you used to because you have gained experience. That knowledge helps you make better and faster decisions. The experience helps you put life’s little setbacks in the perspective they deserve. It also helps you appreciate every single line in your face and gray hair on your head because, after all, you’re still alive and your body and mind got you to where you are.
