Is it something you don’t think of because you’re in denial or because you’re simply too busy? Aging. Have you thought about it? Enough? And is that busy lifestyle setting you up for a healthy period during your senior years, or will you be too burnt out to enjoy any of it?
Our suggestion: don’t live with regrets one day. There’s a reason reformer pilates classes, sleep and alcohol consumption are hot topics. Rather make a few changes in your current lifestyle so you increase the chances of having a fun, healthy and interesting time during the coming chapter of your life.
Diet: Think About What Goes into Your Body
We’re not here to sound pessimistic or make you regret living your best life. But it is necessary to consider the consequences you’ll live with one day. And one of the most important is the effect your diet has on you in the long term.
Whether you’re still young or already close to your senior years, try to incorporate the following into your lifestyle. It’s sure to leave you healthier, so you’ll need doctors much less when you age:
- Drink more water.
- Rather eat fresh than processed foods.
- If overweight, lose even a small amount of weight. This leads to lower risk of diabetes and you’ll put your joints under less pressure.
A little (change) goes a long way. Your future self will thank you for making even small adjustments at the moment. Use that as motivation to say ‘no’ to that piece of chocolate cake—at least once this week.
Mental Health: Do Right and Think Right
It’s not only physical health that impacts your quality of life. You also need to manage your mental health. Some of the guidelines you can start with today already, but you’ll also need to make a conscious choice to continue monitoring and managing it throughout your lifetime.
Don’t worry! This very important aspect of ageing well can actually be fun. Studies have shown that discovering new hobbies and making new friends can greatly improve your mental health and quality of life. So, get ready for fun and laughter with others.
But don’t only do it once you’re older. Explore new interests and go out to meet new people every now and then. Becoming comfortable doing it now, will make it less daunting once you’re older.
The unfortunate truth is that a life partner or some of your friends may die in coming years. Their departure will of course affect you. However, if you already know how to build new relationships, you’ll be more empowered to maintain a healthy, enjoyable lifestyle.
Part of managing your mental health is also to accept what you can’t change. One of those things is accepting your age. Think about the benefits of it, such as all the life lessons you can implement. Embrace it rather than wishing you were younger, or it could affect your general attitude during this season of your life.
Exercise: Find Ways to Stay Physically Healthy
Apart from what you eat, here’s another aspect of physical health that must be a priority: exercise.
How much are you moving these days? The more the better!
If you’re still fairly young, exercising your body now can help you avoid various health issues such as chronic illness—at least for as long as possible. And if you’re already a bit advanced in years, doing the right kind of exercise can help you maintain good general health for longer.
This also doesn’t have to be a boring, tedious practice. What about:
- Joining a group class for yoga or Pilates. Especially something like reformer Pilates classes can do wonders for strengthening the body and stretching tight muscles, with the goal of better mobility.
- Add hikes to your monthly activity list. Get out in nature and benefit your body in the process.
- Plan a holiday. You’re bound to be more active exploring a new destination than you’ll be just sitting at home.
A bonus of having these creative approaches to being more active—you’ll make some new friends in the process.
Danger Zone: The 3 Big Don’ts
Even just avoiding certain things will improve your life and help you age well. Ask any expert and they’ll advise you to avoid or at least limit exposure or use of the following:
- Smoking
- Alcohol
- The sun—you need to prevent damage to your skin
Sleep: Get Enough
Battling to manage any of the aspects mentioned above? Then simply start getting a little more sleep. A few more hours can benefit both your physical and mental health.
Good Habits: Today Determines Your Tomorrows
‘One day’ sounds very far into the future. But that day may be here sooner than you think.
Will you be reliant on a doctor’s help on a continual basis? Or will you enjoy good quality of life with friends and hobbies keeping you even busier than you are now? You can’t exactly predict how the future will unfold but many of your choices now will determine what that last chapter will look like.
What will you change first?