Blueprint to Healthy Aging

 

Aging is a fact of life and can be seen as a rite of passage. But there’s more to aging than discounts on coffee and donuts. Everyone has a unique journey through the aging process and some progress more gracefully than others but there is a blueprint to healthy aging and it’s probably simpler than you imagined.

1. Physical Stimulation

Physical activity is important at every phase of life but especially as aging occurs. Staying physically active helps keep your muscles, joints and bones strong. Physical activity does not have to be strenuous in order to be effective. Exercise looks a lot different when you’re 30, 50 or 80 years old. Do what you can. Commit to a regular exercise schedule and make sure to modify your routine to prevent boredom and burnout.

2. Mental Stimulation

Keeping your brain active is a great way to ward off the typical forgetfulness that comes with aging. Some great ways to keep your mind sharp include reading, puzzles like crossword or soduko, playing along with your favorite game shows on television and having regular conversation with others.

3. Social Stimulation

Having regular social activities and hobbies you enjoy doing with others will help keep you from being lonely as you age. Many seniors and retirees find they have too many hours in the day. Seniors often have feelings of loneliness which can lead to an increased amount of time spent sleeping which then perpetuates these feelings and can lead to depression. Look for groups you can be a part of on multiple days each week. Write a list of activities you like, then find a way to do them with others. You can join a book club, knitting group, golf league, bridge club, or a group for classic car enthusiasts.

Although these suggestions are not rocket science, if you begin to mindfully incorporate each one of them into your normal routine you are more likely to enjoy your aging journey.  All three of the suggestions above are known to help improve the mood and emotional stability of people of all ages. They can also prevent or delay some of the typical physical difficulties that manifest through aging. So, these activities will benefit you on multiple levels.