9 Tips for Aging Well

  1. Whether you're in your thirty's, forty's or older, it's vital that you stay healthy as you age. But, how do you stay healthy when you reach your seventies, eighties and even nineties? And, can you be healthy well into older age? Yes, you can if you follow these tips on ways to live a longer, healthier and happier life:

    Happy woman pealing an apple.Be Grateful. As we grow older, the more we lose. But, as we lose people and things, our lives become more precious. When you are grateful for all the big and little things that you have, you no longer take things for granted, and become more grateful.
     
  2. Be more accepting of the things that cannot be changed. There are many things that happen in our lives that are beyond our control. Rather than becoming stressed out over them, focus on the things that you can control and change. Face your problem with dignity and a sense of humor.
     
  3. Find things that you enjoy. We are all different in what we enjoy in life. And, sometimes these things can change over time. If you are not sure how to get started in finding what you enjoy, try these suggestions: Pick up a hobby that you haven't done before or haven't done for a long time; play with your grandchild or your favorite pet; learn something new such as a foreign language, an instrument or a new game; get involved in your community – maybe volunteer or attend a local charity event; visit a museum or just take a walk in nature.
     
  4. Laughter is the best medicine. Believe it or not, laughter is good medicine for the body and mind. Keeping a sense of humor helps you get through tough times and helps you look at life in a lighter way.
     
  5. Stay connected to others. Try to spend time with people you enjoy and who make you happy, whether they are family or friends. Plan a lunch date with a grandchild or a friend of the family. If they do not live close by, pick up the telephone and give them a call or send them a card. Either way, connect frequently to keep the relationship fresh.
     
  6. Make new friends. As you lose friends and family members, your circle of people you know can dwindle. A way to make sure this does not happen is to make it a point to befriend someone new now and then.
     
  7. You are what you eat. As a person grows older the relationship between food and your body is vital. Also, your digestive system becomes slower so eating fiber is more important. So, to stay healthy, make sure that you eat fiber-rich foods such as whole grains, fruits and vegetables in every meal. Foods high in fiber will help you feel more energetic and give you the fuel that you need to keep going.
     
  8. Get moving! (As long as it's OK'd by your doctor) Whether you are in a wheel chair or are using a walker, you can still exercise. Yes, it is true! It's called chair exercising or dancing, and it is one of the easiest and fun ways to exercise! Other ways to get moving include walking, swimming, gardening or bike riding. Whatever you decide to do to keep moving, make sure it is something you enjoy. Because if you enjoy it you will do it on a regular basis, which is an important part of staying healthy as you age.
     
  9. Variety is the spice of life. This is true, especially to stay focused and sharp. If you like puzzles – crosswords, jigsaw, or other types – do a different variation of one. For example, instead of doing easier crossword puzzles, why not try to challenge yourself and do the newspaper's version, or do a different word game. If you are really good at jigsaw puzzles, why not buy a more difficult one? If you are a cook, try a new recipe. Variety is not only the spice of life but is a great way to keep your brain sharp and limit cognitive decline as you age.

If you follow these tips, whether you are 30, 45 or 95 years old, you will stay healthy and happy as you age. Because, after all, we all want to stay healthy and live a long time so we can be here for our family, friends, children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Isn't this what life is all about? To live long, healthy and happy lives for as long as possible.

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