Have you ever heard someone use the phrase “aging well”? It usually refers to a person’s looks, but aging well can mean so much more. It’s not just about wrinkles, sagging and spots. It’s really about health.
Aging well means maintaining your health. A healthy body is naturally more attractive, but that’s really just a side benefit of a healthy body, mind and spirit. Here are a few ways you can start aging gracefully no matter if you are 19 or 90.
Choose good foods.
You really are what you eat. Science has proven that over and over again. What we put into our bodies has so much influence on how well they operate. Make good choices starting at a younger age and you’ll thank yourself when you’re older.
Whole foods are always best. Choose foods that are processed as little as possible. You want your plate to be full of real food, grown from the earth and not a laboratory experiment. Leave the packaged foods and shrink-wrapped treats at the store and make an effort to eat for nutrition and not convenience.
Think about color when you make a plate. Colorful vegetables and whole grains have more nutrients than beige food. Try to eat deep greens more often. Opt for lean proteins and healthy fats like olive oil instead of fatty cuts.
Move more.
Your body was made to move. The more you move, the better you will feel. Patients of all ages with chronic conditions like fibromyalgia, MS and arthritis find relief in gentle exercise. If you want to stay healthy well into your golden years, begin an exercise program now.
Many local senior centers, community centers, gyms and YMCAs have excellent programs made just for active older adults and senior citizens. Water exercise, chair aerobics and strength training are popular choices. Look for something that you can enjoy and stick with in the long term. If you aren’t able to get out of the house for exercise, look into home healthcare services that may be able to provide qualified help like physical therapy.
Don’t forget to exercise your mind and spirit.
Most studies show that people who are involved in activities that challenge the mind and feed the soul stay in better physical health and suffer less depression as well. Some show that the progress of dementia and perhaps even Alzheimer’s can be delayed with cognitive exercise. Don’t forget that you are made up of more than a body. Your overall health includes your mind and spirit too.
Take up hobbies that stimulate your mind. Learn something new by taking adult education classes at your local community college. Engage your friends in word games and puzzles. Get familiar with the local library and read, read, read!
Find activities that soothe and feed your spiritual side too.
Your preferred place of worship is always a good place to start. There are also local charities that could use your life skills and knowledge like food banks and afterschool programs. You can spend a little time improving the world and yourself in the process.
When you think about aging well, think about your whole self and what you want your later years to be like. The choices you make today will determine the quality of those years to come.
David York Agency Can Help
At David York Agency, we could provide direction as to how to manage the total care of your senior loved one. Please call us at 908.373.5300 or browse our website to become acquainted with all we offer. Please like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter or LinkedIn.
