Although getting older is a natural part of life, we can’t seem to help but try and fight it. I know, you get to your late twenties, you start to panic about where you are in life, and all of a sudden, keeping up with appointments and the general maintenance of your health can feel like a part-time job. But as a woman in my early thirties who has lived through the mid-late twenties panic, I am here to tell you there’s nothing to worry about.
I believe healthy ageing begins when you accept that your body, mind and spirit will require more physical maintenance than they did in your twenties, and as you get older, this maintenance will become a part of your lifestyle.
I have compiled a list of what I believe are some of the key practical tips for healthy ageing. Most are general maintenance and won’t require much more than a shift in mindset, whereas others will require you to implement routines in your life. Either way, this list is a compilation of what I have learned over time, so feel free to disregard what doesn’t apply and add what does.
- Don’t fight the ageing process
Embrace growing older. Age truly is a privilege and a sign of experience and wisdom. We often forget just how fortunate we are to have this life. The longer you stay on this earth, the more you realise you have been given a gift that not many have an opportunity to experience. With each year, you have a chance to grow, make new memories, learn new lessons, gain new perspectives, and find joy. Do not waste this time trying to turn back the clock; instead, embrace your future.
- Be Proactive with Appointments
Keeping up with general health appointments are important. You can no longer get away with skipping appointments or even letting general pains, ailments or abnormalities go unchecked. Preventative health is about proactive maintenance. For instance, having regular eye tests, general check-ups, hearing tests and smear tests (although I know we all hate them) can help tackle issues early if they come up. This way, they have minimal impact on your health.
- Think Functional Fitness
Staying physically active is a big part of staying healthy. This goes beyond spending countless hours in the gym every week, but it can mean incorporating daily walks, joining a yoga class or even strength training. This is of high importance as your muscle density decreases as you get older, so those perfectly shaped arms and abs will need maintenance. As someone who grew up playing sports, I was able to maintain my shape without much help. Now, keeping functional fitness in my daily routine is a must.
This doesn’t have to be too difficult. It’s a matter of building routines and even doing short exercises at home that help you stay fit enough to get through daily life as easily as possible. It’ll even help with your balance, flexibility, preventing cardiovascular issues, and general mental clarity.
- Maintain Your Independence
As we grow older, it’s natural for us to become more dependent. This can occur for various reasons and might be as simple as relying on our partners or families for emotional, physical or moral support. But try to maintain your independence. By learning to handle small tasks yourself, building your inner confidence and trying new things on your own, managing larger responsibilities later will feel easier. This should also help to reduce any potential difficulties as you age.
For me one of the biggest keys to ageing gracefully is building hobbies. Dancing, hiking, sports, movement, playing music; studies have shown that creative hobbies could slow brain ageing at the molecular level. So, drag yourself to that class you have been wanting to go to and try something new.
- Have more fun and be social
There is nothing that makes me feel younger than having fun and laughing. This can be hard in a world that can be so serious at times, but having fun can reduce stress and boost those mood-enhancing endorphins, that naturally relieve pain and promote a sense of well-being.
So how do we release this magical hormone?
Having fun! Find what makes you smile, laugh and boost your mood. For some, this could mean spending more time with your family, playing music, games, painting, playing sports or spending time with friends.
Healthy ageing doesn’t have to be nearly as hard or as complicated as you might think. You might not even need to make many lifestyle changes and could be doing most of these tips naturally – if so, well done! It’s just a matter of focusing on a few tips and tricks to change your perspective on the ageing process. Instead of seeing it as something to dread, see it as a natural part of life to be excited about and to embrace.
