8 Tips for Aging Gracefully
What Does it Mean to Age Gracefully
We might be dreading wrinkles and sagging, but there’s so much more to aging well.
Aging gracefully isn’t always easy, but attitude matters. Everyone seems to point out the negative aspects. Sometimes we take things slower, but accepting change is a key to navigate getting older.
I was told once, “We all have issues. The secret to successful aging is to recognize one’s issues and adapt accordingly.” No sense complaining about things all the time. Do something about it, instead of whining about it.
1. Take Care of Your Skin
Our skin is the largest organ on our body. What you put on it absorbs into your body and bloodstream. I try to use all natural or organic as much as possible. Protect it from elements. Wear sunscreen when outside. Get a skin screening done. Use an anti-aging skin care routine. I have two that I recommend.
Another big thing to do…Stay hydrated! Water is a key ingredient for healthy skin.
2. Exercise
Keep moving! It’s the best way to retain your mobility longer. Sitting all day or most of the day will cause issues with joints. Keep them flexing. It will also lower stress and improve sleep, skin and bone health, as well as, your mood.
A good combination of aerobic and muscle strength training is important. We lose muscle as we age, so protein and weight lifting will do a body good.
Try walking, swimming, dancing or cycling. Use weights or resistance bands for those strength exercises.
As we age balance training is also a good idea. Try walking heel to toe, the Rock the Boat, Clock Reach and Back Leg Raises. A quick Google search can show you some of those moves.
3. Healthy Eating
Processed foods are the worst. They may be a convenience, but they do not contribute to healthy eating.
Eat a variety of foods from all the food groups. This helps give you the nutrients you need at any age. Fruits, Vegetables, Whole Grains, Low Fat or Fat Free Dairy, Lean Meat, Poultry, Fish, Beans, Eggs, Nuts are all a great variety.
Eating right doesn’t need to be complicated, but it can take planning. Don’t worry bout a diet fad. Eat in moderation and have a treat here and there. It takes a mindset to keep a good diet and exercise routine going.
4. Mental Health
Being happy and keeping our stress levels low can help us live a and age well.
Spend time with family and friends. relationships improve our mental health. Having a furry loved one has been linked to lower stress and blood pressure, as well.
People who keep a positive attitude about aging may live longer. Age is inevitable and learning to embrace it can make a difference.
Do things you enjoy and engage in those activities. It will fuel your happiness. Spend some time in nature, learn a new hobby or even volunteer. Just do something that brings you joy.
5. Get Enough Sleep
You may not know this, but good sleep, plays a role in your skin health. Skin makes new collagen when you sleep. It’s part of the repair process. More collagen means skin is plumper and less likely to wrinkle.
Seven to eight hours of sleep can lower the risk of a stroke, reduce stress, lower obesity and improve focus.
6. Drink Plenty of Water
Drinking enough water, not only keeps us hydrated, but keeps us regular, improves energy and brain function. It has also proven to keep skin healthier and reduce the signs of aging.
7. Dental Care
I CANNOT stress how important it is to see a dentist every six months!!!
Not taking care of your teeth not only ages your smile, but also puts you at risk for gum disease. Gum disease has been linked to:
Heart Disease
Strike
Bacterial Pneumonia
We also need proper oral care. Brush twice a day, work on a daily habit for your healthcare. Use fluoride toothpaste, floss once a day, have them cleaned every six months, avoid tobacco products, and limit those sugary snacks and, especially, the drinks.
8. Practice Mindfulness
This is about accepting your age and living in the moment by focusing on the present. Living in the here and now can improve focus, better memory, lower stress, and increase immune function.
This is a lifestyle change and something to work on moment by moment. Try meditation, yoga or even coloring to help you get to this change.
Aging is inevitable and can be difficult to deal with. Change is hard, but don’t stress or worry about the challenges.
Aging gracefully is more about being healthy and happy that’s keeping wrinkles at bay.
Maintain a healthy lifestyle, do things that bring you joy and surround yourself with friends and family.
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