EMBRACING THE GOLDEN YEARS: ART OF AGING GRACEFULLY

EMBRACING THE GOLDEN YEARS: ART OF AGING GRACEFULLY

“You Can’t Help Getting Older, But You Don’t Have To Get Old.”- George Burn

HOW CAN ONE GRACEFULLY AGE?

While there is no dearth of magazine articles in bookstores on how to appear younger, it is not uncommon for us to dread, seeing wrinkles and sagging appearing on us showing signs of aging. But there is much more to aging healthily than just hating that age is catching up.
Leading the best of life, while maintaining physical and mental health, is what it means to age gracefully. It doesn't mean attempting to appear like you're in your teens. With correct care, you can age gracefully.

Let Us Dwell Upon Some Unique Facts And Tips That Will Help Us To Age Gracefully:

A) Take care of your skin:

Skin shields your body from the harsh environment, it controls your body temperature and provides sensation. To keep your skin healthy
• When outdoors, use sunscreen & protective clothing
• Get your skin screened regularly
• Use gentle and mild anti-aging skin care products
• Remain Hydrated

B) Do Exercise:

Regular exercise helps you maintain your mobility longer and considerably reduces your risk of illnesses like BP, Diabetes, and Heart-related problems. Also, exercise reduces stress and enhances mood, sleep, skin, and bone health. Following are examples of helpful exercises
• Walking
• Swimming
• Aerobics
• Cycling

C) Healthy Diet:

A healthy diet is a must when it comes to aging gracefully. A weekly “Diet Chart” that includes
• Fruits & Vegetables
• Proteins
• Cereals, Rice & Bread
• Fat-Free Dairy Products
• Healthy Fats
• Limit intake of salts
Cook using oils (Eg. Olive Oil ) instead of solid fat. Also, avoid processed foods, refined sugar, and unhealthy fats.

D) Mental Health Is Important:

Being cheerful and reducing your stress level plays a vital role in helping you live and age well.
To keep your morale high:
• Spend time with family and friends.
• Admit the fact that you are growing old
• Pursue your passions
• Indulge in your favorite hobbies & past times

E) Important To Be Active Physically:

Leading a lonely life leads to increased chances of chronic illness and early death. Going on walks and treks, taking trips, and taking part in group fitness programs are all ways to keep active.

F) Reduce Stress:

Stress has a wide range of negative impacts on the body, from early aging and wrinkles to an increased chance of heart disease.
Here are a few techniques for reducing stress.
• Adopt relaxation methods like yoga, breathing exercises, meditation, and hearing relaxing music
• Exercising
• Having enough sleep
• Speaking to a friend

G) Give Up Smoking And Limit Your Alcohol Intake:

Alcohol and smoking have both been proven to speed up the aging process and raise the risk of serious ailments. Although giving up smoking is difficult, there are counselors available to help you on quitting.

H) Get Adequate Sleep:

Sleep affects both your physical & emotional well-being. It affects the health of your skin as well. Getting enough sleep helps:
• In lowering the chances of heart disease & stroke
• In lowering stress & depression
• In reducing obesity
• In increasing focus and concentration

I) Explore New Hobbies:

Finding new, fulfilling hobbies may keep you active and involved throughout your life, while also aiding you in maintaining a feeling of purpose. Persons who indulge in hobbies, leisure activities, and social gatherings are much happier, suffer from depression less frequently, and live longer.

J) Use Plenty Of Water:

Drinking plenty of water helps maintain regularity and enhances brain and energy function. In addition, it has been undoubtedly proven to lessen the effects of aging on the skin. Keeping yourself well-hydrated aids in removing toxins from your body.

K) Oral Hygiene:

Not taking care of your teeth not only ages your smile, but also puts you at risk for gum disease which has been linked to heart disease, stroke, and pneumonia caused by bacteria. Brushing your teeth twice a day, flossing once a day, and using a mouth rinse help maintain oral hygiene.

Holistic Aging Techniques:

1) Live In The Present:

Make the most of every opportunity since, like everyone else, you cannot control how life will unfold. Learn how to create everyday awareness and how to live in the now.
* Concentrate on One Thing at a Time – Avoid Multi-tasking
* Be Thankful For What You Already Have
* Accept the way things are rather than as you would like them to be
* Mind your actions
* Better Emotional Response
* Relationship Fulfilment

2) Discover Humor And Have A Laugh At Yourself:

Watch comedic movies, read amusing writings, and laugh at jokes. Even when life throws you curveballs, be serious about joy and casual about yourself.

3) Remain Curious:

You can learn new things at any age. Prefer engaging in active social interaction with younger individuals, so that you can learn new things, ideas, and trends.

4) Keep Your Body And Mind Flexible:

Yoga can benefit both. Yoga will not only make your muscles more flexible but deliberate breathing and movement may also help with your mental attitude.

5) Meditation:

Meditation can be a beautiful way to calm the mind and cultivate presence as we age. The best approach to unwinding the body and mind is through meditation. Without your mind constantly racing with thoughts, you can experience a moment of tranquility.
There are various ways to meditate, such as prayer, deep breathing, and being alone while concentrating on your thought process and your inner self.

DO NOT FORGET TO SEEK HELP:

Even though aging is a fact of life, some people find it hard to adapt to the changes that occur with aging. Hence it is crucial to seek assistance if you are concerned about your health, are struggling to embrace aging, or believe that you are not aging properly. Speak with somebody you can trust, such as a member of your family or a close friend. You can also get professional assistance from a doctor or a counselor.

BRIEFLY SPEAKING:

Being healthy and cheerful as you age rather than worrying about wrinkles is more important for graceful aging.
• Have a healthy lifestyle
• Spend time with the people you cherish
• Pursue your passions.
• Take part in any activity that makes the time fly by because you are enjoying it.