Enjoying the Golden Years Successful Aging in the 21st Century

When we think about aging, many people imagine Granny from a famous cartoon sitting in her rocking chair, letting the world whiz by her. However, with modern medical breakthroughs, technological advances, and access to financial planning, successful aging in the 21^st century is possible.

You do not have to resign yourself to spending your days in a chair while others go about life. Even if you are physically unable to walk, your mind and your body can stay healthy and young for many years with a few tips for successful aging.

Ten Tips for Successful Aging

The following are ten tips for successful aging that focus on physical, emotional, and cognitive health. Financial planning is also critical in preparing for your future. You can find various online resources or contact a financial planner specializing in elder laws to help you create a plan to prepare you for retirement and estimated inflation over the next 20-40 years.

Keep Up with Physician Appointments

Routine doctor appointments, screenings, and lab work can be tiresome. But preventing issues is a key component to aging successfully. Catching problems early can mean getting treatment as soon as possible and living longer.

No one wants to hear bad news, but initiative-taking can help you access resources that can lengthen your time with your family. Speak with your doctor about a routine schedule for appointments, or use your birthday month as a trigger to schedule annual exams and screenings.

Stay Active

The longer you can stay flexible and strong, the better your physical health. Researchers recommend at least 150 minutes of moderate to high-intensity exercise per week. You can spread this out to thirty-minute sessions five days a week or three ten-minute sessions per day. Speak to your physician about clearance for exercise before beginning an exercise routine.

You will want to incorporate cardiovascular aerobic activity, resistance training, flexibility/stretching, and functional movement training. This well-rounded program will keep you limber, strengthen your bones and muscles, keep your heart healthy, and provide fluid motion in your everyday tasks.

Watch Your Diet

Food should act as fuel and medicine for your body. Research has shown a correlation between processed and fast foods with physical ailments and emotional conditions such as anxiety and depression.

Aim to eat more whole grains, vegetables and fruits, lean protein, and healthy fats in your diet. Reach out to a nutritionist today if you are unsure what foods are considered healthy or how to avoid artificial sweeteners and added sugar (both of which have been linked to diseases).

Give Up Unhealthy Habits

Overconsumption of alcohol, overeating or binge eating, using illicit drugs, or abusing prescription medications can lead to cancer, obesity, insulin resistance, seizures, and other physical and mental conditions, ultimately shortening your lifespan considerably.

Many of these unhealthy habits require professional help to kick to the curb. Reach out to a counselor today specializing in eating disorders or substance abuse right away. Help is available, and overcoming these vices is possible.

Reduce Stress

Chronic stress is a precursor for many mental health conditions and physical ailments. Although you may not be aware of stress’ effects, it still takes a toll as it increases cortisol in the body. Your fight vs. flight response is triggered by chronic stress, and to keep you on your toes, the adrenals work overtime.

Consider making a list of the situations, events, and people that are causing you stress. Can you delegate some tasks to others? If crowds and traffic are stressful, can you shop and run errands in a different location or another time? Do grocery pickup or curbside service? You may want to practice activities that will lower stress like yoga, reading before bed, or deep breathing techniques.

Challenge Your Mind

As we age, our cognitive function decreases. To stay mentally sharp, challenge your brain with new activities such as learning a foreign language or a new piece of music. Put together jigsaw puzzles, work crossword or search-a-word puzzles, or try your hand at Sudoku; any activity that requires neurons to activate or create new pathways in the brain.

Choreographed dance moves, new workouts, or hobbies such as knitting, cross-stitch, or carpentry can keep your mind sharp. Do not forget that learning how to navigate and engage on a new social media platform will also challenge you.

Socialize

We are not meant to remain solitary creatures. Surrounding yourself with positive influences, fun friends, and close family contributes to successful aging. If you are an introvert, this can be stressful and difficult. Start small by inviting a next-door neighbor or someone from church over for lunch or out for coffee.

Host family gatherings or organize family reunions at a park. You can also find events in your area specifically for seniors or check with your local churches for senior programs. Some young men and women need a Christian role model in their lives. Offer to spend time with someone today and learn from each other.

Create a Sleep Schedule

Sleep is restorative, not only for the body but for the mind. Without adequate sleep, your cognitive function will decline and increase your memory loss risk. Creating a nightly routine can trigger your mind to accept rest (and possibly fall asleep faster).

Try practicing a new routine for a few weeks to develop a habit. For example, after cleaning the kitchen after dinner, relax in bed with a book, journal your thoughts, or engage in stretching poses.

Do Something Fun

It is easy to get into a rut as we age, especially after retirement, as we tend to stick to a regular schedule around the house. Find something fun to do or learn. Have you ever wanted to learn how to play an instrument? What about a dance like a waltz? Do you like to golf or putt-putt?

There are so many physically and mentally stimulating things to try. This gives you something to look forward to as you set a new goal. Consider making a list of things you want to learn or enjoy. Think about inviting a friend with you. Everything is more fun when you can share the experience with friends.

Nurture Your Relationship with Jesus

Drawing closer to God and strengthening your relationship with Jesus can provide you with an immovable foundation. Your faith increases as you hope in the Lord and lean into Him. “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:9, ESV)

Aging can be scary and fill you with fear if you allow it. But if you know God, you know that your life is in the hands of the One who created you. Growing old is a blessing that many people never see. You can age successfully and be better prepared for your future. You may need to make some changes to your lifestyle to lead a healthier life or make some new friends. But you can do it! You can do hard things!

You have reached this age by plowing through life’s challenges. And with God on your side, a support system of loving family and friends, and professional help when you need it, you can enjoy your golden years.

As we grow older, fear of the unknown can heighten and plant seeds of anxiety and depression. If you or a loved one are concerned about the future, whether physical or emotional health, financial planning, or aging and geriatric issues, reach out to one of the counselors at our office today. We work with seniors and their families to adjust and raise the quality of life during this season. The Christian therapists at Frisco Christian Counseling would love to speak with you.

Do not allow fear of the future to stop you from enjoying this season of your life. Call us today to schedule an appointment.