Our culture loves youth. And why not? It’s a time of boundless energy, endless possibility, and new adventures to be had. We celebrate it, chase it, and sometimes go to great lengths to hold
onto it: We work hard to smooth the lines, cover the grays, and hide the signs that time has passed.
One thing we tend to forget is that aging is a natural part of life. It brings experience. Wisdom. Lessons learned and a gained perspective. It’s the journey of life that often teaches us about increased compassion, understanding, and an appreciation for what truly matters. In reality, age isn’t something we need to hide. In fact, it’s a badge of honor, and something very much worth celebrating.
The art of aging well
But in real life, it’s sometimes hard to find the positive in aging. We may not feel as strong, flexible, or energetic as we once did, and new aches and changes can sometimes test our patience. Some of us have lost and mourn people we love, or find that our social circles have changed. But aging well isn’t about turning back the clock. It’s about taking care of ourselves so that we can remain positive and healthy, and truly enjoy our lives.
It’s never too early or too late to start your journey to healthy aging. Whether you’re in your forties or your seventies and eighties, healthy aging begins with making our own health and well-being a priority. It starts by treating ourselves with the same grace and positivity we give to those around us. Let’s take a look at some of the most important things you can do to keep yourself in good shape for all the years ahead of you.
Take care of your physical health
Some of us love it and some of us hate it. But when it comes to healthy aging, exercise can make a meaningful difference. As we age, muscle function often declines. But moving and staying active can help us maintain muscle mass as we get older. Regular physical activity helps to maintain the strength, balance, and mobility we need for everyday life, while also supporting our heart, brain, bones, and overall well-being. And you don’t have to become a marathon runner or join a gym to reap the benefits. Try walking more, gardening, swimming, hiking, or other activities you enjoy. These can all help you stay active and engaged as you age.*
Take care of your emotional health
This is an area we all need to focus on, and one that many of us tend to ignore. Studies show that as we age, those of us who feel overly stressed, socially isolated, or lonely are at a higher risk of heart disease, depression, and cognitive decline. But there’s so much we can do about this. Consider staying in touch with family and friends by scheduling time each day or week to connect with others. Meet new people by taking a class, volunteering, getting involved in your community, or joining a faith-based organization or book group. Animal lovers can consider adopting a pet, which is a wonderful way to get companionship. There’s a saying that we should all try to do something every day that challenges us, because it keeps our mind active and engaged, builds confidence, and reminds us that growth doesn’t have an age limit.**
Eat well
Making smart food choices doesn’t only help us avoid certain health problems as we age, but it may even help improve our brain function. The 2020-2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans provides healthy eating recommendations for each stage of life, including mid-life and older adults. Much of the research they’ve done shows that the Mediterranean-style eating pattern has a positive impact. This diet includes a lot of variety such as fresh produce, whole grains, and healthy fats. It includes less dairy and more fish than a traditional American diet, but it provides many health benefits such as a lower risk of cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes, and other health conditions.***
Get a good’s night sleep
A good night’s sleep is like medicine for the body and soul. As we age, quality sleep gives our bodies and brains important time to restore and recharge, supporting everything from memory and mood to heart health and immune function. Getting enough rest can also give us the energy and focus we need to stay active, engaged, and ready to enjoy the day ahead. Some simple tips for a good night’s sleep include avoiding caffeine or alcohol in the evening, keeping your bedroom dark, and turning off the TV, cell phone and laptop. Another important tip: if you’re having trouble sleeping, ask your doctor if any of the medicines you take may be keeping you awake at night.
Curb the smoking, alcohol, and other substances
It’s frustrating for some of us to think about stopping smoking, and reducing alcohol and other recreational substances. We think they make us feel better and more relaxed, but in the long term, they do the opposite. When you quit smoking, you lower your risk of cancer, heart attack, stroke, and lung diseases. You also improve your blood circulation and improve your sense of taste and smell. Plus, you increase your ability to exercise. Too much alcohol and other substances can be equally as dangerous. As we age, these stimulants can make existing health problems worse, and can have dangerous interactions with some medications. The best thing we can all do is become aware of how much we’re relying on these substances to make us feel better in the moment. And if it seems you’re relying on a quick fix, try to cut back or stop.
Don’t forget about financial health
Here’s something we don’t often read about in terms of healthy aging, but it’s a critical part of aging well. Financial well-being not only affects your pocket book. Research shows that good financial health can reduce chronic stress, improve your access to healthcare, and lower the risk of cognitive decline. Having a sense of financial security also makes it easier to enjoy your favorite activities and handle unexpected expenses. And this is important: it’s never too late to pay more attention to the finances. Does this sound easier said than done? There are small steps we can take that can add up over time. Start by getting a clear picture of what’s coming in and going out each month, then look for opportunities to save, reduce debt and build an emergency fund.****
Remember that aging well isn’t about trying to hold on to who we were years ago. It’s about taking care of who we are today and making choices that help us stay healthy, connected, and engaged. If you have any concerns about the aging process, or want help figuring out a plan to age well, please call us today to chat or make an appointment. We can help. Simply call our office at 845-565-4400 or visit us at https://www.premiermedicalhv.com/.
*https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/healthy-aging/what-do-we-know-about-healthy-aging
**https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/healthy-aging/what-do-we-know-about-healthy-aging