No one wants to see themselves age. But aging is an important part of our life cycle and can’t be stopped. While it can be paused with the help of some cosmetic procedures, time always catches up with us. But there is good news—growing old is totally different from how our grandparents grew old.
Americans are now living longer and healthier lives than any other time in recorded history, and this is exciting! According to Lewis Lipsitz, MD, “Aging is not an inevitable decline and deterioration.” With grace, poise, and good health care, you can enjoy aging while still being independent and healthy.
1. Practise some good habits.
This first tool may seem like common sense, but the healthier the choices that we make, the healthier we’re likely to be. Starting a more mindful routine means that you will have to kick the nasty habits you take part in. For example, smoking will only help you age quicker. Some of the main ingredients in cigarettes are also found in nail polish remover and lighter fluid—talk about unhealthy!
Starting a new, healthier habit may not always be easy, but it is doable. You can start by simply adding some salad and fruits to your daily meals. As we age, our digestive system slows down, so making sure we have enough fiber in our diets is a priority.
2. Make sure you stay hydrated.
We’ve all heard that water is key to a healthy lifestyle—and well, it is! Make sure that you are getting at least eight glasses of water a day in order to tackle dehydration. Also, if you find you are suffering from headaches and dizziness, this is also a sign that you need to up your daily intake of water.
Since humans are made up of 60% water, it makes sense that it would help us when it comes to the aging process. In addition, drinking water is important for our kidney function and can make our skin less wrinkly in the long run.
3. Get the medical support that you need for any current health concerns.
It’s always a good idea to have your medical concerns met and treated, especially if it’s affecting your daily lifestyle, no matter what age you are. If you are already struggling with conditions such as arthritis, for example, it may be helpful to Google “rheumatologists near me” in order to locate the best possible care. A rheumatologist is an internal medicine doctor who specializes in diagnosing and treating rheumatic diseases and rheumatologic conditions.
More often than not, these diseases will affect a patient’s musculoskeletal system, which includes muscles and joints. Therefore, most treatment consists of self-care and therapy, including medications, physical therapy with a physical therapist, and even cortisone shots.
4. Sleep Tight
Making sure that you get plenty of sleep is one of the most important things you can do for yourself, whether young or old. It might be tempting to watch TV in bed or scan through your phone but try your best to avoid the harsh blue light that will inevitably keep you more alert rather than help you relax.
As we get older, we lose sleep in general—whether this is due to work or family life and we often end up sacrificing a good night’s sleep. Struggling with daytime sleepiness is a common problem that can also lead to other body issues such as an enlarged prostate. So to make sure you are staying healthy as you age, you may want to start thinking about a bedtime routine.
5. Stay connected with loved ones.
Amongst everything else that you may be thinking about, when it comes to aging, it’s important to keep your friends and loved ones close. Just because you are aging, doesn’t mean you can’t go out and socialize.
Human connection and having a young-at-heart zest for life is important for your mental health which contributes to a longer, healthier life. So call up your friends and family and set up time to laugh, watch movies together, or have a lunch date.
