As you have aged, have you found yourself in a Pandora’s Box of emotion and confusions? Have you been feeling depressed, considering yourself a burden on your loved ones? All these are the instinctive feelings that come to you as you start growing old.
This is an inevitable process of life. A major turnover happens as you hit your 50’s. Everything around you and in you completely changes. You feel differently. You act differently.
Marcus Tullius Cicero, a famous Roman writer, says, “Old age: the crown of life, our play’s last act.”
Aging is unavoidable! But it does not mean that you lose the liveliness and excitement you once had.
One should make sure that they live it up to the mark and mold their lives as an epitome for seniors or those scared of getting old.
Aging gracefully and then having a good quality of life is what you must have wished for when you saw those wrinkles and white hair in the mirror. For once, you did not care about the quantity but the quality of your existence.
The following article will highlight all the advice and information you need to live your life in peace and be happy and healthy as a senior citizen.
Lifestyle
The foremost important thing which is not typically associated with age has a healthy and active lifestyle. The way you live your life is directly related to its quality. A good lifestyle is a blend of three things which include:
1. Eating Healthy
With age, your choices change, the taste buds deteriorate, and the metabolism decreases. The appetite is not the same anymore; thus, it is important to pick out food that will boost energy and be light on your gut. You need to make healthy choices and avoid items with high sugar and refined carbs. Some of the nutrient-rich food includes:
- Whole grains
- High-fiber fruits and vegetables
- Eggs, seafood, and poultry
- Low-fat milk and nuts
2. Good Quantity and Quality of Sleep
Seniors who ignore the fact that they need to develop a good sleeping routine later complain of frequently waking up at night or insomnia. They feel tired during the day and are low on energy.
It is best to come about with some habits that will help you sleep well at night, such as being in a dark room, playing some light music, having a relaxing bath, or lighting a scented candle with a soothing effect. It is a trial-and-error process as you may try different things to find out what suits you the best.
3. Physical Activity
Exercise is the best gift to your senior years. It not only makes you feel happy and fresh but as per study adds years to your life. Physical activity not only makes you feel strong but also aid in diminishing old age conditions like chronic pain, memory loss, depression, etc. You may start with walking at a light pace and then even continue with activities like swimming after consulting your physician.
Mental Health
Increasing years of life have a significant impact on your mental health. Despite maturing emotionally, it is a rollercoaster ride, and you are confused about the periods of distress and joy.
Anxiety, agitations, depression, everything is there. You have to own it and make sure that you follow the following tips to move through with ease.
- Cope and accept the changes happening inside your body and in your life
- Appreciate and enjoy what you have rather than crying over the thing you have no control on
- Learn things you always wanted to but did not get time for
- Admire the nature and cherish the memories
- Engage yourself in mind-challenging activities like quiz and puzzles
- Talk to your loved ones and vent things that are disturbing your mental peace
- Make yourself useful and try doing things so that you do not feel dependent
- Take out time for yourself and practice hobbies
- Maintain a healthy routine with good sleep and daily exercise
- Try mediation or yoga
- Spend time with your family and friends
Travel
During your working years of life, you are so occupied that you never get time for yourself. Traveling is as important as taking rest for healthy aging. It makes you feel connected to the world and gives a sense of existence. It improves confidence and raises your self-esteem. As you experience new things and take challenges, your health significantly improves.
To make your journey easy, you just need to follow certain things like:
- Consult your physician in case you are facing any health issue
- Carry your medications in carry-on luggage
- Take non-stop flights
- Consider traveling with someone
- Book flight that is during the day-time
- Arrange your documents in a folder when traveling internationally
- Plan trips that you are comfortable with
Safety
You get weak in your senior years, and it’s really important to have a safe and secure environment to avoid unwanted situations. Do not feel shy to ask for help and get a care manager appointed to ensure your safety. Get all the fall hazards removed to prevent injuries, and prefer having your room at ground level. Install bars beside your toilet or shower and place plastic mats on the slippery floor. You should also keep all the emergency numbers handy for easy accessibility. Don’t mind walking with a cane if you do not feel strong in your legs.
“Youth is a gift of nature, but age is a work of art.”
You have lived through the tough years, seen each moment, learned every lesson, and felt every single emotion. It is now time that people not only consider you alive but as someone who enjoys life as a senior.
Consider all the tips that are mentioned in this article to make sure you have the best senior life. Finally, never shy away from asking for help.
References:
- Health tips for older adults. (2019, October 01). https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/weight-management/healthy-eating-physical-activity-for-life/health-tips-for-older-adults#activityOlder
- 5 ways to improve quality of life for seniors: Independence Village. (2021, March 22). https://www.independencevillages.com/5-ways-to-improve-quality-of-life-for-seniors/