Aging may become a difficult time in your loved one’s life due to physiological changes such as increased blood pressure and decreased cardiac output. Not only do physiological changes occur but also physical indicators such as bones getting weaker which can break more easily, visible wrinkles, hair turning gray, and the list goes on. However, aging should be an exciting part of your “Golden Years”. As we age, our bodies and minds change, therefore by pursuing a healthy lifestyle, it can prevent health risks and maintain living the most out of your life.
What exactly is “healthy aging”? Healthy aging is about creating the environments and opportunities that enable people to be and do what they value throughout their lives. Healthy aging can be as simple as challenging yourself to get moving such as going for a walk at a park or doing the things you enjoy such as gardening and playing cards. It is scientifically proven that by enjoying the things you do and doing activities to maintain physical exercise can help and improve your lifestyle and stay independent as you age. In fact, not only does physical exercise improve healthy aging but maintaining a healthy diet can contribute as well. Chronic illnesses such as hypertension, arthritis, heart, kidney and obstructive pulmonary disease are inevitable, however, you can manage your health risks by adding healthy nutrients to your meals such as vegetables, fruits, lean meats, and low-fat dairy can benefit your overall health. Also, drinking enough liquids throughout the day is crucial so you do not get dehydrated.
What is equally important are incorporating physical activities in your daily life and along with healthier meals into your diet. Having healthy relationships with family members and friends are significantly important for healthy aging to encourage engaging in daily conversations and emotional well-being.
Here are some tips that can help you maintain a healthy connection and relationship with loved ones:
- Communication is key.
- Schedule quality time together.
- Celebrate important dates such as birthdays, anniversaries, holidays, etc.
- Share meals such as breakfast, lunch, and dinner get-togethers.
- Use technology as a resource when in-person visits cannot happen (zoom, facetime, skype)
Your mind, body, and soul are also important factors to take into consideration throughout aging. Usually, people tend to only care and think about exercising and maintaining a healthy diet while aging. Even though these two things are essential, they are not the “end all be all”. Being able to keep your mind healthy can be frustrating since mental abilities begin to decline with age such as multitasking, remembering daily activities/chores, and staying focused for a certain amount of time. Therefore, mental exercises can improve your memory skills and attention span, for instance, reading newspapers, books, solving puzzles, word games, crosswords, journaling, and playing board games.
Keeping your body healthy is as simple as being more active with physical exercises that fit your lifestyle, maintaining a well-balanced diet by eating healthier meals, and developing sleeping habits can ensure a great quality sleep throughout the night.
What can you do to keep your soul healthy while aging? Learning to embrace yourself throughout this specific stage of life can be challenging however not impossible! By acknowledging that you are the same person no matter the changes that have occurred and love who you are. Remaining positive with all the changes within you and around you are beneficial. Keeping your distance with negative relationships among certain individuals can help your mental health, as the saying goes, “negativity breeds negativity”. Therefore, keep negative energy away from you, do not feed into it. Also, volunteering is a way that can bring happiness for you and others. By volunteering at hospitals, local parks, schools, animal shelters, and churches, it can bring a sense of worthiness and compassion.
By obtaining contact with loved ones, the feeling of loneliness may decrease and overall your emotional support is intended to lift our spirits, relieve sadness, encourage us toward goals or help with problem-solving. Healthy aging does not happen overnight, it takes time, patience, and motivation to continue enjoying and appreciating the physical, emotional, and mental aspects you share with yourself and your loved ones.
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By: Carolina Lupercio
Senior Care Advising Intern at WellPath Partners
Health Science Student at California State University, Long Beach
