Successful Aging Today: Tips for How to Age Gracefully

The saying, “Eighty is the new sixty,” may be true. More and more seniors live longer than before and enjoy their health and daily activities. Have these people found the secret to successful aging?

What is successful aging?

Successful aging is planning for the future by choosing better options now in all areas of your life. It is aging gracefully instead of giving in to “getting old.” As you age, you strive for peace in all areas of your life, including your health, family, spirituality, retirement, career, hobbies, finances, and other relationships. You try to make better decisions and consult with experts about making the transition smooth but exciting.

How to age successfully (and gracefully).

How do you age successfully? Stay active and emphasize your health, relationships, and spiritual life. If you have these bases covered, then everything else falls into place. Can you still get sick even if you eat well? Of course, but your outlook on life can change how you experience situations. It all starts with setting new goals and nurturing your relationships.

Set new goals.

It used to be that we would hear stories about people who seemed fine until they retired, and then their health rapidly declined. Why was that? How could someone’s mental and physical health be good, and then they would suddenly fall ill after retirement?

Going to work and performing a job was a goal for these seniors. However, after retirement, they may have stopped setting goals and only went with the flow of the day. This is not to say that you shouldn’t enjoy the slower pace of retirement. It is to say that setting goals keeps your mind sharp and your body moving.

For example, you could take up a couple of new hobbies. Maybe you decide to collect a favorite author’s books and read each copy and start a book club for the author. Perhaps you sign up for a class to learn a foreign language so that you can visit that country in one year. Working toward a goal is what keeps us healthy. It is about the journey and celebrating the milestones. When we stop moving, stop learning, and stop setting goals, we diminish the time we have left.

Make movement part of your daily life.

Although sitting in a rocking chair on the front porch has its qualities, you need movement for successful aging. This does not need to be overly strenuous exercise but a daily movement you engage in consistently.

Think about the activities you enjoy. Do you like to take walks around the neighborhood, dance in the comfort of your own home, or swim at the community center? Is there an activity you would like to try? You want to find something that gets you excited about the activity.

Maybe you could create a walking group in town or hire a personal trainer to teach you how to lift weights properly. The more active you are, the healthier your heart will stay. Always get your physician’s approval before starting any fitness regimen.

Socialize.

Isolating yourself at home is not good for your mental health. We are social creatures and need to nurture friendships and relationships. We need to make connections with new people. Think about the people around you. Is there someone older than you whom you could befriend? What about a younger person? Friendships with a younger generation can keep us young and allow us to impart our wisdom to others.

If you attend a hobby group or club, ask yourself who looks lonely and could use a friend. Pay attention to the people in your neighborhood and church. You may notice a young man or woman who needs extra encouragement.

Regularly attend events if possible. Most towns offer concerts, festivals, movie nights, dances, tournaments, and other events. When you meet someone you like, invite them for coffee or out to an event.

Make healthier food choices.

Processed foods, junk foods, and fast foods can clog your arteries, contribute to obesity and diabetes, and cause inflammation. Poor food choices can also affect cognitive thinking. If these choices are part of your daily diet, now is the time to start making healthier swaps.

Focus more on lean proteins, vegetables and fruits, low-fat dairy, and healthy fats like olive oil and nuts. You may want to consult a nutritionist for ideas, especially if you have never done much cooking at home.

When making healthy changes, use a baby-step approach. For one week, swap out only your breakfasts for healthier options. You can make a menu with different meals daily or eat the same meal for one week. The following week, do the same with your lunches. Eventually, you will have swapped out your meals and snacks for more nutritious fare. Keep treats to a minimum, but do not cut them out completely.

Avoid alcohol and cut back on caffeine.

Although some researchers praise the benefits of moderate amounts of alcohol and caffeine, you will want to keep your intake of these substances minimal. Too much alcohol can lead to problems with your liver or kidneys. In addition, if you are prone to addiction, alcohol can quickly become an issue.

Too much caffeine can raise your heart rate and blood pressure. Consult with your physician about the correct amount for you. Some people can consume one to two cups of coffee in the morning and then switch to decaf coffee or tea later in the day or evening. Caffeine can interfere with your sleep, which becomes sporadic the older you are.

Do things to make yourself feel good.

When was the last time you did something for yourself? Do you purchase new clothes occasionally? Do you get your hair done, or if you are a man, get your beard trimmed? You may think it does not matter how you look if you stay home most of the day. But how you treat yourself reflects the love you have for yourself.

Think about how you dressed when you wanted to impress a future spouse or significant other. It may have been a while since that has happened, but why not dress for yourself? Why not do things and wear things you love?

Now is the time to eat off the China dinnerware when you want to instead of waiting for a holiday. Now is the time to take boat trips on a lake or book a week at the beach. Doing things that make you feel good makes you walk more confidently, and your self-esteem grows. Impress yourself.

Serve in your local church.

Serving in your local church goes back to becoming more social and forming new friendships. It also incorporates setting goals. For example, consider joining a committee, construction crew, decorating group, or Sunday School leadership. Working inside the church can also draw you closer to God as you lean on Him to direct your steps and bring new people to you.

God gave each one of us gifts to use for His glory. If possible, try to use your gifts in the church. For example, if you are organized, organize the newsletter or the annual summer revival. Ask your church leadership where your gifts can help the church grow.

Seek counseling when you need it.

A successful person in business knows how to seek advice from experts when he or she is unsure about a move. Successful aging requires the same thought process. Managing finances is imperative after retirement, so you will want to consult with a financial advisor. On the same note, when you feel overwhelmed, stressed, anxious, or depressed, you should seek a counselor to help you work through these issues.

Contact Stone Oak Christian Counseling today to schedule an appointment with me or one of the other counselors in our online directory specializing in aging and geriatric issues. Successful aging and good mental health are possible. Give us a call today.