Coping with change can be hard, regardless of your age.
For older adults, the specific challenge is the several transitions and changes that they undergo. These include the loss of one’s parents, friends and other loved ones, children moving away, changes in or the end of your career, loss of independence, and declining health.
Some of these changes are a natural part of life. However, coping with these changes can get a lot easier if you remain positive, and take advantage of wellbeing packages, you can be happy and healthy.
Healthy aging refers to the continuous reinvention of yourself as you pass the ages of 50, 60, 70, and beyond. It means searching for new things that will make you enjoy your life, learning to adapt to changes, feeling connected to your loved ones, and staying socially and physically active.
But for some, aging brings fear and anxiety, mostly if you’ve seen some older people suffering from different health problems. But this does not mean that you will also experience such. Here are four ways to make your mind and body intact and healthy, whatever your situation or age.
1. Develop a sense of humour
Building your resilience and searching for ways to cope with different challenges is crucial as you get older because there will be moments of joy and stress. Developing these abilities will keep you optimistic during more challenging times.
You must learn how to accept things you cannot change. Instead of getting stressed out, focus on things you can control, including your reactions to situations. Moreover, put your attention on something you are grateful for. Most importantly, face whatever problem that arises with a healthy dose of humor.
Having a sense of humor can get you through difficult times. Laugh whenever you can to stay energetic, healthy, and joyful at any age.
2. Nourish your spirit
Finding meaning and joy in life is among the primary ingredients for healthy aging. Life changes as you get older, but don’t let these things stop you from moving forward. Instead, nourish your spirit. Try the following recommendations.
- Revive a long-neglected hobby – Taking a cooking class or joining a sports team is an excellent way to chase your hobby. This will also help expand your social network.
- Travel to your favorite destinations or go visit a new tourist spot.
- Spend time in nature – Go camping or fishing, take a hike, walk your dog in the park, or enjoy a ski trip.
- Appreciate the work of arts – Visit a museum, check out framed travel posters, join a book group, or watch a play or concert.
- Volunteer for a cause – Helping other people is a great way to enrich your life and use or pass your knowledge and skills to other people.
There are endless possibilities. The key is to find activities that are enjoyable and meaningful for you.
3. Get active
Aging will involve physical changes, but this does not mean disability and discomfort. Pain and illness are inevitable, but most of the physical changes related to aging can be mitigated or overcome by getting active.
It isn’t too late to start your exercise regimen today, and here are forms of exercise you can try:
Yoga
Yoga is a great exercise for everyone, regardless of age. Over time, you can improve your balance and flexibility, boost your mood, and enhance your strength.
If you haven’t tried yoga before, here are some benefits you can reap from yoga classes.
- Reduced stress – Yoga is known to relieve the stress that can lead to hypertension, which results in not needing daily medications. It offers a way to release the tension in your upper back and shoulders. It also reduces anxiety, lowers your blood pressure and heart rate, and helps you breathe easier. Be sure to seek help from great options like burwood back pain.
- Strengthened bones – Yoga prevents osteoporosis, thus preventing your bones from becoming weak or brittle. Osteoporosis begins when the formation of a new bone cannot keep up with the decrease of bone density and mass that happens with aging.
- Improved flexibility, strength, mobility, and balance – The slow movements in yoga poses can result in better movement and balance, preventing falls. Since falls are the primary causes of injury among the ageing population, yoga will help give you the tools to improve your balance to move safely.
- Improved mood – Yoga is a mood-booster. The combination of meditation, breathing, and movement creates a sense of wellbeing. And since yoga classes are often done with other people, you reap the benefit of being socially active.
- Alleviated pains and aches – Yoga eases the pains and aches that come with ageing even if you have physical limitations. It is beneficial to people suffering from osteoarthritis because it teaches them to relax and breathe through chronic pain associated with the illness.
As a beginner, start with a gentle class, and if you experience any pain or discomfort, you must know your limits.
Physiotherapy
People think physiotherapy is only for athletes. But older adults can also benefit from physio because this form of exercise focuses on preventing injuries and improving mobility.
The benefits of physiotherapy include:
- Treatment for pain – Back, joint, and neck pain results from weak or tight muscles, inactivity, and limited blood flow. Physio can increase flexibility, mobility, core strength, and blood flow.
- Safe exercise – Getting active is essential for older adults. Physio is an excellent form of exercise for seniors under the supervision of wellness professionals.
- Improved balance and strength – Slips and falls are common in older adults. Physio can help you build the balance and strength you need to live without the fear of slipping or falling.
- Enhanced mental health – If you are adjusting to retirement, dealing with physical health or lifestyle changes, improving your mental health is as essential as physical health. Physio helps alleviate depression and anxiety with the release of endorphins.
- Independence – Maintaining independence is the key to a senior’s dignity, happiness, and life. Effective physio can help keep you out of a wheelchair.
4. Keep your mind sharp
Keeping your brain active is critical for ensuring your brain remains active and to stave off neurodegenerative conditions. Challenge your brain by working through puzzles or crosswords. Reading can also help sharpen your memory. You can take on new subjects like learning computer skills, new languages, or playing musical instruments.
Keeping your mind and body active is vital as you age. Be humorous too. The more social and active you are, and the more you sharpen your brain, the more health benefits you will get. Whatever your age may be, try any of these tips to ensure a healthy and happy life even as you grow older.