5 Ways To Embrace Aging: The Top Practices To Start Today To Be Your Best

Becoming older does not mean life has come to a standstill. While your physical body may not be able to go on a 10-mile hike anymore, does not mean you cannot participate in a small trek. The idea is keeping your mind alive and enjoy the freedom that comes with aging. Let us look at the best practices that you can do to be proactive and healthy in your golden years:

Letting go of negativity

You did not work hard all those years to feel regret. In later years, you understand that some things will not change. By accepting those facts, the mind has a chance to relax and allow you to enjoy the pleasures that come with age. Not only is this healthy for your mind, but negative thinking can literally cause physical ailments. 

According to Dr. Dan Brennan with WebMD.com explained, “Negative emotions can cause stress, which in turn impacts your health. Stress can destroy your body’s hormone balance, impair the immune system, and drain your positive brain chemicals. Negative energy in the form of poorly expressed anger can cause dysfunction of the heart and digestive system”. Instead of a negative environment, try being around others that are more positive. You have earned that right.

Learn a new hobby

With again comes retirement, and more free time than you have had your adult life. The children are grown, the home is quiet, and your work life is complete. At this point, you have two paths. Go down the depression lane or start a new goal. Have you always wanted to have a garden? This is the perfect time to utilize this hobby. Maybe you wanted to learn photography. Take a few classes at the local library. Reward yourself with a road trip to capture new memories.

Keep the engine running smoothly

You would not let your car run out of oil, as you know it would cease to work. Same goes for your body. It is essential to eat healthy and hydrate often. Even more as we age. According to the National Center For Aging, they recommend the following guidelines:

• Lean protein (lean meats, seafood, eggs, beans)
• Fruits and vegetables (try to get a wide variety of colours)
• Whole grains whole wheat pasta, brown rice)
• Low-fat dairy (milk, yoghurt and their alternatives)

If you reward your body with good nutrients, your days will be filled with good times instead of regret. Yes, you can still have that cookie after dinner. 

Do not forget to dance –

Being physically fit, especially as you age, is a top priority. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention recommend, “Older adults with chronic conditions should understand whether and how their conditions affect their ability to do regular physical activity safely. When older adults cannot do 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity a week (for example, 30 minutes a day, 5 days a week) because of chronic conditions, they should be as physically active as their abilities and conditions allow.” If you are not quite ready to hit the gym, turn on some music and have your own dance party while doing chores. Not only will the exercise make you feel better, but your mind will thank you for the needed rest.

Embrace the uncluttered life

Most people have keepsakes, whether in the form of photos, or trinkets, maybe old kitchen ware from grandmothers. This is a good time to say goodbye. Go through your boxes and decide once and for all if you can gift the item or give to secondhand store. By cleaning up your living space, your anxiety around having too many chores can quiet down. Your day can be spent doing something enjoyable instead of the dishes. They will still be there when you get back. Go live your life. 

In conclusion – Everything ages. This is the cycle of life. You can succumb to its limitations or go take life by the horns. As famed musician John Lennon quoted, “Count your age by friends, not years. Count your life by smiles, not tears.”