Don't Avoid Aging, Welcome It!
By Donna Stark
There are many things in life that most people would choose to avoid if they could, things such as public speaking, filing taxes, and eating anchovies. But the first thing that comes to my mind is what I often hear many people complain about. Getting old and going through the aging process. So many people wish they could just avoid going down that road and they do their best to keep it from happening. But age will always catch up with us, won’t it? So maybe instead of dreading it and trying to keep it at bay with our front doors locked, we just accept the inevitability of it and welcome it in?
Welcoming Our Age
Sure, there can be many concerning issues in regards to aging, but if you start now and begin to develop some healthier lifestyle habits, you can keep your body strong, healthy, and physically active well into the later years of life. Here are some tips.
- Keep a social calendar - As people get older, their social life will often take a hit which can lead to loneliness and depression. It’s important to stay involved, so have lunch with friends and family, volunteer, attend a local church, or join a senior club. Maintain the friendships you have or develop new ones, just don’t let isolation get the best of you.
- Stay physically active - Establishing an appropriate fitness routine and exercising regularly is very important for maintaining muscle mass and a healthy heart, as well as reducing the risk of bone loss and osteoporosis. So keep your body strong and start this habit as early as you can.
- Eat right - Consuming a healthy diet is an important part of maintaining great health and avoiding chronic conditions and illnesses. Fill your meals with colorful vegetables, lean sources of protein, heart-healthy fats, and whole grains to get the nutrients you need in order to maintain a healthy weight and to improve your overall wellness.
- Exercise your brain - Keep your brain occupied by engaging in challenging mental activities. Pull out that crossword puzzle book, read every day, invite some friends over for a game of cards or chess, or download some games onto your phone or laptop. It’s a great way to stay mentally alert and to keep your mind sharp and focused.
Aging Well
Everyone is at an increased risk for a variety of chronic issues, illness, and disease as they age. However, by developing healthy habits early on, that risk can be reduced and life can be enjoyed well into the later years of life. So grab a friend and head outdoors, get your physical and mental exercise in, and eat the right kinds of food every day. Because if you do, you won’t feel the need to avoid this next stage of your incredible life.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Pooler, Ga.