At last! After a year of challenges, it turns out that we don’t have to resign ourselves to cranky joints or decline of physical and mental faculties as we age. Across America, older adults are finding practical ways to stay energetic, fit, and agile.
Have you noticed that it’s time to prioritize your mental and physical health? If you let things go a bit during the last year, you are not alone. Many people found that during the pandemic, it was harder to put ‘health and well-being at the top of the list.
Now, as we enter summer, it’s time to invest in health fitness.
Whether you are approaching 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, or more…it’s a good time to take the steps that can help you achieve a quality of life. As many health experts will tell you, it’s not just the length of life – it’s the quality that makes a difference.
Stay Active
Whether you’re living in Manhattan, a smaller city, or a rural setting, stay active. Physical activity is the secret to healthy aging. You don’t have to start running a marathon to get in shape. Increase your daily activity with walking, yard work, and chores.
Look for ways to ‘add steps’ such as taking the stairs, doing daily chores, and staying active around your home. Explore ways to get up from sitting, stretch, lift, and move.
Even small amounts of daily movement support flexibility and health. Start with small steps of daily movement. Get ready to enjoy watching the benefits add up.
Explore Natural Remedies
It’s easy to think that remedies only come in a pill bottle or a prescription. But, for centuries, natural remedies have helped people manage common symptoms of aging.
Ayurvedic herbs are part of a 5000-year old healing system. According to this ancient system, herbs are used to treat mental and physical issues. Herbal remedies can promote immune health, prevent inflammation, and aid digestion.
Many herbs have been studied in depth. Herbal remedies are used for reducing the aches and pains often associated with aging. Turmeric is often used for joint inflammation, such as is found in arthritis. Ashwagandha is said to reduce stress, maintain blood sugar levels, and promote brain function. Saffron may prevent heart disease, reduce depression, and even improve sleep.
If you’ve been curious about healthy aging, explore herbal remedies. For personal advice, talk with an expert herbalist or nutritionist.
Learn a New Language
Many people think that learning a new language is only for children, students, or travelers. Yet, learning a new language is a powerful way to support healthy brain function and boost mental agility.
If you’ve been curious about languages, take the plunge. Pick a language and get going.
You can meet new people, take a class and strengthen your brain:
• Work with a language tutor
• Take a language class
• Tutor English to non-English speakers
• Study online
• Enroll in conversational classes
Looking to expand your horizons? Learning a language is a great place to start.
Stay Connected
Having an active and strong social network is key for healthy aging. Staying connected with friends, family, and community is essential for happiness.
For most Americans, continuing to live at home is a top priority. Your home is your castle, your refuge, and your freedom zone. That’s why staying in your own home with private nursing care may be the ideal way to maintain independence, but also continue staying actively connected.
According to recent studies, 25% of Americans over 65 suffer from social isolation. Isolation can contribute to other problems including memory loss, hearing loss, and increased vulnerability to disease. It is possible to change the curve, build a strong network, and stay actively engaged.
Look at all the benefits of staying connected. You can go to concerts, plays, recitals, and museums. You can volunteer at your favorite organization. You can create a course, design a program, or write a book. Use your creativity to reach out and stay in touch.
We often think that ‘staying connected’ is a part of living in a big city, this is only one viewpoint. Look at it from a different perspective. What is it that you want to offer the people around you? Perhaps you have a knack for teaching, coaching, or mentoring. Maybe your years of passionate work can help younger people share your joy and interest.
If there is something you’d like to share, this is a great time to get started.