You’ve heard 30 is the new 20, but 50 can be the new 20 if you feel your best. Graceful aging is less about looks and more about good health, including good mental health. Regardless of age, there are a few solid ways to ensure that your good days will always stay right with you instead of behind you. Learn the secrets to happy and graceful aging in this guide.
Develop a Skincare Routine
The more years you put behind you, the more nourishment your skin needs. Wrinkles and laugh lines may be gorgeous, but age makes skin more susceptible to thinning, sun damage, and drying out. Moisturizers and gentle cleansers with warm water (not hot) can be a great way to keep your skin nourished and healthy. Consider using antioxidants, vitamin A, and a humidifier to keep skin cells replenished and moisturized.
Stay Active
Physical activity is way more than just a weight management and strength routine. Moving around and exercising helps provide nutrients to your organs, including your brain. Exercise helps mental health, physical health, pain management, and mood. Staying fit can also be an excellent way to socialize; adults of all ages benefit highly from positive social interactions. You can mix hobbies and physical activity for biking, swimming, hiking, gardening, or golfing. Work with a physical therapist to get ideas for healthy movement if your mobility is limited. Movement is critical the older you get; you’ll want your body to maintain flexibility, strength, and balance.
Get Social
Humans are a social species. The more you work and commit to family life, the greater the chance your social life may slip. Attend local events, workshops, and conferences to meet more people. Reach out to friends you already have. Invite a coworker to grab a coffee. Exchange holiday cards. Throw an annual party. Maintaining positive social ties can improve mental health and help you feel less isolated. Isolation and loneliness can increase and significantly affect happiness as you grow older.
Dress to Impress
Ever heard the phrase, “You’re only as old as you feel?” There is some truth to this. If you feel that there’s no reason to dress up and look presentable for yourself, it can negatively impact your self-image. Find an excuse to wear something you feel great in. Take yourself shopping once in a while. Feeling good about your looks by wearing a fun outfit or getting a haircut can improve mental health and encourage you to socialize.
Start a Savings Plan
No matter how old you are, you’ll want to hold onto some of your income in a savings account. Retirement savings are critical for enjoying your later years without stress or debt. However, it’s also good to save money outside of retirement purposes so you can enjoy a fun purchase, save for a rainy day, or go on vacation. Save as much money as possible—you’ll never know when you need it.
Enjoy Hobbies
With careers and family lives, it can be easy to forget to enjoy smaller things. If you enjoy playing video games, reading a good book, or knitting, take time out of your day or week to do those things. Busying your mind on leisurely, fun activities can help with cognitive function, mental health, and mood. Traveling is an excellent way to have fun and find new hobbies; learning a new culture, language, or experience can significantly improve mental health and life satisfaction. Being well-traveled can help you age gracefully, too!
Prioritize Healthcare
A detailed healthcare plan and team can make all the difference in your life, especially as you grow older. If you don’t have a primary care doctor that you love, find one! They can refer you to all the best specialists that you may need as conditions or concerns arise. Preventative care is equally important, as some conditions may not immediately manifest physical symptoms. You can stay feeling your best with a solid healthcare team behind you. Behavioral health is included in this; mental health symptoms can impact your quality of life just as much as physical symptoms (and often, mental health symptoms can manifest in physical ways).
Stress-Free Living
No matter where you live, it should be a stress-free environment. Decorate your space to reflect comfort and happiness. If you live with people who make you feel stressed, scared, or upset, it may be time to consider a change of scenery. Once you hit retirement age, living alone may seem daunting. Consider moving in with a partner, friend, or loved one you trust and enjoy spending time around. If you prefer to live alone, consider an independent living senior community; they can take care of house maintenance, merge your utility bills into one simple payment, and provide social and entertainment amenities.
If there comes a time when you may need hands-on help with daily activities, assisted living or nursing homes should also be a welcoming, beneficial place for you. You have rights as a nursing home or senior community resident. You’re entitled to high-quality care and respect; consult the Nursing Home Law Center for assistance if your rights are violated. Stress-free living is one of the most critical factors in aging gracefully and feeling your best.
Conclusion
An aging body is beautiful; it means we’ve survived all hardships and experienced many wonderful parts of life. Aging doesn’t mean the end, though. There are still many experiences and moments to enjoy. Staying active, social, and healthy are great ways to keep your mind and body thriving. Engage in hobbies to keep your mood and mental health peaking. Saving money and developing a skincare routine can help you look and feel your best, regardless of age.
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