Getting older is something that no one is quite fond of, and half the time, it scares people to think that one day they will be just like their grandparents.
This shouldn’t be the case, though, because as the saying goes, the older you get, the wiser you become - and there are plenty of ways to move into your retirement years with the best health possible!
Common Aging Issues
To start with, you should always take care of your body - no matter what age you are. This means making sure your body gets the right amount of vitamins and minerals, and you are eating a varied diet high in fruits and vegetables.
A good diet helps to maintain many of your body’s basic functions and helps to fight off many diseases, such as type 2 diabetes and some forms of dementia. In addition, make sure you continue regular check ups with your various doctors, and limit alcohol and smoking.
This also includes making sure you take care of your dental health, as dental health affects all other parts of your body and digestive system. Make sure you adopt the right habits for your mouth - not only does every mouth need a different style, every person might need different kinds of tools.
There are toothbrushes that can be modified for those that have arthritis, and there are many ways to make the flossing process easier, no matter your physical ability. Speak with your dentist about what is best for you.
Get A Life!
Hobbies are important at any stage of life, but particularly after retirement. Making sure you stay active in your community and with your peers is a big deal, as it can help to keep your mental acuity sharp and your body in good shape. There aremany kinds of hobbies that are appropriate for all ages, like golf, yoga, and gardening, as well as many that are perfect for exercising your brain.
One such thing is to pick up video games - yes, it does sound like a young person’s hobby, but anyone can pick up a game system and learn how to play. It will help with fine motor movements, decision making, as well as reducing stress and learning a new activity.
Hobbies can also help with addiction issues seniors might have - anything from alcohol and smoking, to illicit drugs. Staying active and having an outlet for anxiety or depression are first and foremost when you also have issues with substances.
These issues with dependency can also show themselves later in life because there are a lot of changes that people go through as they age, which can lead to feelings of isolation and loss.
More than 2.5 million older adults in the U.S. have issues with some kind of substance addiction, so it’s important to keep yourself active and motivated - and to reach out for support the moment you feel like there even could be a problem.
Coping with the issues of aging have been difficult for a very long time, and might even be more prevalent in today’s societies. Don’t forget that you have a lot to contribute as a person, and the years have only made you wiser.
Make sure to focus on the positives to help stave off feelings of loneliness, and accept that you can’t change everything about your aging process. Keeping in social contact with the people in your community, or moving into an assisted or independent living community can help with developing hobbies, learning new skills, and maintaining the social contact that everyone craves.
Getting older doesn’t have to feel like the end - it’s the next best part of your life, and it’s up to you to make it that way.
Guest post by Lisa Gonzalez
gonzalez.lisa@elderscorps.org
This shouldn’t be the case, though, because as the saying goes, the older you get, the wiser you become - and there are plenty of ways to move into your retirement years with the best health possible!
Common Aging Issues
To start with, you should always take care of your body - no matter what age you are. This means making sure your body gets the right amount of vitamins and minerals, and you are eating a varied diet high in fruits and vegetables.
A good diet helps to maintain many of your body’s basic functions and helps to fight off many diseases, such as type 2 diabetes and some forms of dementia. In addition, make sure you continue regular check ups with your various doctors, and limit alcohol and smoking.
This also includes making sure you take care of your dental health, as dental health affects all other parts of your body and digestive system. Make sure you adopt the right habits for your mouth - not only does every mouth need a different style, every person might need different kinds of tools.
There are toothbrushes that can be modified for those that have arthritis, and there are many ways to make the flossing process easier, no matter your physical ability. Speak with your dentist about what is best for you.
Get A Life!
Hobbies are important at any stage of life, but particularly after retirement. Making sure you stay active in your community and with your peers is a big deal, as it can help to keep your mental acuity sharp and your body in good shape. There aremany kinds of hobbies that are appropriate for all ages, like golf, yoga, and gardening, as well as many that are perfect for exercising your brain.
One such thing is to pick up video games - yes, it does sound like a young person’s hobby, but anyone can pick up a game system and learn how to play. It will help with fine motor movements, decision making, as well as reducing stress and learning a new activity.
Hobbies can also help with addiction issues seniors might have - anything from alcohol and smoking, to illicit drugs. Staying active and having an outlet for anxiety or depression are first and foremost when you also have issues with substances.
These issues with dependency can also show themselves later in life because there are a lot of changes that people go through as they age, which can lead to feelings of isolation and loss.
More than 2.5 million older adults in the U.S. have issues with some kind of substance addiction, so it’s important to keep yourself active and motivated - and to reach out for support the moment you feel like there even could be a problem.
Coping with the issues of aging have been difficult for a very long time, and might even be more prevalent in today’s societies. Don’t forget that you have a lot to contribute as a person, and the years have only made you wiser.
Make sure to focus on the positives to help stave off feelings of loneliness, and accept that you can’t change everything about your aging process. Keeping in social contact with the people in your community, or moving into an assisted or independent living community can help with developing hobbies, learning new skills, and maintaining the social contact that everyone craves.
Getting older doesn’t have to feel like the end - it’s the next best part of your life, and it’s up to you to make it that way.
Guest post by Lisa Gonzalez
gonzalez.lisa@elderscorps.org
