Healthy Aging

“And in the end, it’s not the years in your life that count, but the life in your years.” -Abraham Lincoln

By Sharon A. Bassett

Like it or not, time passes and we age every day. Our bodies show wear and tear more every year. Around age 30 our skin starts to show lines caused by a decline in collagen production. By 40, we are experiencing something known as “brain fog”. Our 50s are known as a “fulcrum decade”, the years in which we really start to feel our age. And on and on it goes.

We read articles about the downside of aging. We see news reports about all that can happen to our body and mind as we age. There is so much focus on the negative aspect of the topic that it can leave one feeling helpless and even hopeless. It doesn’t have to be that way. There are ways to “grow old gracefully”.

“Healthy aging” sounds like something that should be a priority for everyone. While many factors (i.e., genetics) may be out of our hands, there are things that we can control. Physical exercise, a healthy diet, remaining socially active, and exercising of our mind are all things that we can do to contribute to healthy aging.

TIPS FOR HEALTHY AGING
1. Take care of your physical health.
Taking care of your physical health involves staying active, making healthy food choices, getting enough sleep, limiting your alcohol intake, and proactively managing your health care. Small changes in each of these areas can go a long way to support healthy aging.

Exercise isn’t just for losing weight. It can help you live better and live longer. Going for a brisk walk or doing yoga are just two simple ways the get moving. Being more active will make you feel more energized and refreshed.

2. Eat well.
Making smart choices about food can help protect you from certain health problems as you age and may even help improve brain function. With a new fad diet in the news every day, how does one know what “smart food choices” are? The US government has a website (www.dietaryguidelines.gov) that contains a mountain of information on dietary guidelines. “Dietary Guidelines for Americans” provides healthy eating parameters for each age group. Overall, it recommends a diet rich in fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, healthy fats, and lean proteins.

3. Stay connected.
Among the challenges of aging is maintaining a support network. Staying connected to family, friends, and social groups can be difficult. Retirement, illness, and distance all create barriers to relationships.

It’s important to find ways to reach out and connect, regardless of whether you live alone or with others. Staying social can have an impact on your health as you age. Having an array of people you can spend time with who can support you as you age is a buffer against loneliness, depression, disability, difficulty, and loss.

Spend time with at least one person every day. Whatever your living or work situation, you shouldn’t be alone day after day. Phone or email contact is not a replacement for spending time with other people. Regular face-to-face contact helps you ward off depression and stay positive.

4. Exercise your mind.
Just like keeping your body active, it is important to keep your brain active as well. Exercising your mind can prevent cognitive decline and memory problems. The more active and social you are and the more you sharpen your mind, the more benefits you will reap.

Find ways to challenge your brain. Read often. Do puzzles. Make a new recipe. Study a subject that you’ve always been interested in. Learn a new language. Write poetry. These are all ways to challenge yourself and keep your brain as healthy as possible.

5. Rest well.
A good night’s sleep is essential. Memory and mood are both greatly affected by the quality of rest we get. Older adults still need 7-9 hours of sleep just like everyone else. However, this can become difficult because of aches and pains or because of medications that hinder sleep.

There are little things you can do to help you get the rest you need. One of those is following a regular sleep schedule. Try to fall asleep and get up at the same time each day. Also, avoid napping late in the day since it may keep you awake at night. Exercise can help you sleep better, too, if it isn’t too close to bedtime.

September is designated as Healthy Aging Month. At Bassett Premier Realty, they care about you and your loved ones. If you are looking for a home that might accommodate you or your aging loved one, contact them at www.bassettpremierrealty.com or call the office at 352-602-0520.