The holiday season is a wonderful opportunity to spend quality time with friends and family while creating lasting memories, for children and aging parents alike. There are always the usual stresses that arise this time of year, like making sure gifts are bought, meals are sorted, and activities are planned to keep everyone happy. However, […]
Let’s face it, aging is an unstoppable and inevitable part of life. While we all know it will happen, the realizations of aging can cause waves of anxiety in many older individuals. To overcome negative thoughts about aging, here are four ways to embrace the aging process:
1. Talk about it
Aging isn’t a secret, and you are certainly not the only person going through the process. When talking about aging with others, you’ll become more comfortable when you voice your concerns. Sharing your thoughts and expressing your fears with friends and family will confirm that you are not alone in feeling the way you do. Many others are experiencing the same physical and emotional feelings. And, you may even share a few laughs.
2. Incorporate exercise
No matter your age, exercising regularly is essential to your well-being. If you are new to exercise it may be difficult and intimidating, but incorporating exercise into your daily life does not need to be vigorous. Regular and simple exercise routines that get you moving offer many long term physical and mental benefits including:
- Maintaining or losing weight
- Reducing the impact of disease and illness
- Improving flexibility and balance for bones and joints
- Boosting mood and energy
- Help with senior cognitive issues
- Providing quality sleep
- Strengthening posture
It is never too late to get started on improving your physical abilities and helping with senior cognitive issues. An easy place to start including exercises such as walking, yoga, lifting small weights, or stretching. For extra motivation to get moving, find an exercise buddy that will provide you company and keep you accountable.
3. Eat well
The body’s physical appearance changes with age, but that does not mean you can’t look and feel your best at any age. One of the most important things you can do for yourself is to feed your body with healthy foods. Following is information on nutrition that can be especially beneficial to the aging process:
- Water: If you aren’t getting enough water, you may not be able to think as clearly or become quickly fatigued or ill. Drinking at least 64 ounces a day is optimal. Staying hydrated also helps reduce fine lines and improve your flexibility and organ function.
- Fiber: Dietary fiber can be found in foods such as vegetables, whole grains, and fruits. Fiber plays an important role in your digestive system and helps ease cholesterol, blood pressure, and inflammation.
- Yogurt: Calcium intake is important for bone loss during aging. Yogurt also provides vitamin D, protein, and can help you digest food.
- Good fats: Heart-healthy fats found in fish containing omega-3 fatty acids, olive oil or avocados help promote strong heart health. Fatty fish include salmon, sardines, and tuna.
- Oranges: Fruits such as oranges contain high amounts of vitamin C to protect your immune system. Oranges also help the body produce collagen to keep your skin supple and hydrated.
4. Acceptance:
The most important step to embracing aging is acceptance. Aging is a natural part of the life cycle; it happens to everyone. Rather than being critical of your appearance or obsessing about the past, focus on feeling good in the present. Talk back to that internal dialogue about age and try to embrace change and be grateful for the experience life has given you. Use that wisdom and knowledge and consider taking on new hobbies and planning new adventures.
If you have any questions about the aging process or you are considering a transition from in-home care living to assisted living, please contact Paradise Living Centers at (480) 878-4112 to schedule a tour of one of our beautiful homes.
