Most of us will experience aging to some degree or another, and for many, aging can be an uncertain process. Mental and physical capabilities begin to decrease. Loved ones may start to pass away. And each new day becomes more precious than the last.
But it’s not called the golden years for nothing. Our senior years can be full of life as children become adults and grandchildren enter the world. If possible, retirement can lead to more time for family, hobbies, and service. If you are entering or already in your golden years (or if you just want to prepare for them), how do you make the most of this oh so important time?
Taking care of your physical, emotional, and cognitive health is crucial for healthy aging. At first, this task can seem daunting, but it’s really all about making little but important decisions. Small changes in your daily life can significantly contribute to living a longer and better life. Let’s explore some key aspects of healthy aging.
Debunking Aging Myths
To talk about healthy aging, we’re going to go through several common misconceptions that may hinder your approach to growing older in a healthy way. Here are some of these common aging myths.
Myth 1: Depression and loneliness are normal in older adults.
Negative emotions are normal, but don’t accept depression and loneliness as the status quo. Allowing negative thoughts and feelings to stay with you can be absolutely devastating to your mental health. Seek the companionship of family, friends, and anyone else who can lift you up emotionally.
Myth 2: Older individuals need less sleep.
Older adults need the same amount of sleep as all adults, which is anywhere between 7 and 9 hours. Getting quality sleep is important for improving your mental well-being and overall cognitive functioning. If you are suffering from insomnia or restless nights, seek ways to mitigate the problem. Start with simple solutions, such as trying out a new mattress, darkening your room more, using white noise, or changing what you eat before bed.
If sleepless nights persist, consider more significant changes, such as changing your overall diet and using supplementation or medication. Talk to a doctor who understands your health history. Don’t accept less sleep as inevitable—your brain will thank you!
Myth 3: Older adults can’t learn new things.
While learning new things certainly gets more difficult with age, it’s never impossible. Much research has been done on exploring the neural plasticity of the human brain, or in other words, its ability to make structural changes that result in functional changes.
Older adults can continue to learn, create memories, and improve skills. Don’t let anybody tell you otherwise, including yourself! Engaging in novel activities and social connections can enhance cognitive abilities and positively impact overall mental health.
Doing something new doesn’t have to be a big thing. It can be as simple as just changing up something in your routine or doing something small but different. Try eating food with your nondominant hand. Rearrange some furniture. If you’re working, use a different route to get to work. Surprise your brain and don’t let it get too comfortable!
Myth 4: It is inevitable for older people to get dementia or Alzheimer’s disease.
Certainly, some things are out of our control. You didn’t get to choose your genetics, but genetics aren’t always the determining factor in health. Dementia and other forms of mental decline are not an inevitable part of aging. While the risk increases with age, adopting a healthy lifestyle, including exercise and a good diet, and avoiding risk factors, can significantly reduce the likelihood.
Engaging in mentally stimulating activities can help reduce the likelihood of developing dementia. For starters, keep your social life healthy. Keep up your friendships. Keep in contact with family members. Try to talk to people often.
Then choose activities that suit you. Crosswords, look-and-finds, puzzles, memory games, crafting, miniatures and models, books—whatever gets your thinker going, do that. And don’t stop forget get outside and get your body moving whenever feasible. Watching television sometimes is certainly alright, but if you know that one hour can easily turn into two or three or five, then it might be best to avoid the temptation and seek other forms of passive entertainment, such as plays and performances or even sporting events.
Take Charge of Your Health
Healthy aging is a lifelong journey that starts right now. Whether you are already in your golden years or still decades away from it, this time in your life is affected by the decisions that you are making today. Embrace positive habits and take control of your physical, emotional, and cognitive well-being. By making informed choices and staying proactive, you can embrace the golden years with grace and make them the most fulfilling part of your life.
