Name Something You Gain as You Grow Older
Written by:
Jeffrey Grossman
Published:
May 27, 2020
As of 2017, there were nearly 50 million Americans in the age group of 65 and older. As you approach your older years, it's important to look past the trials and tribulations of age related changes and search for the positives of how to embrace aging.
The more you get into the habit of identifying life's joys, the easier it becomes to do on a daily basis!Staying positive and finding joy in our age-related changes is the key to aging gracefully and maintaining a healthy, happy lifestyle.Read on to learn more about how you can embrace the different stages of aging and what you gain as you get older.
Reflect Upon What You've Learned
One of the greatest benefits of old age is wisdom. Much of what we need to learn in life comes with experience, not through reading pages in a book. Think of everything you've learned in life and how you learned it. In these moments, allow yourself to reflect on both the good and the difficult. Remember that some of life's hardest moments end with a greater understanding of ourselves and others.
Focus on the Independence You Have Maintained Throughout Your Age-Related Changes
The majority of America's aging population continues to live in a single-family home, including 68% of people who are 80 years of age or older. For previous generations, continuing to live in their own households and make medical and financial decisions was not always an option. Now, with the help of at-home personal caregivers, more seniors are able to maintain the lifestyle they prefer in spite of any physical changes during the aging process, and can still focus on healthy aging. For example, it may become more difficult to perform tasks such as housekeeping, laundry, or running errands. However, working with an at-home personal caregiver means that you don't have to give up your independence in the face of these changes in your day-to-day abilities.
Keep Track of the Life Stages Your Loved Ones are Going Through
One of the biggest things we gain as we age is a widening of our inner circle. From neighbors to grandchildren to members of our religious or social groups, we continue to connect with more and more people as time goes on! Keeping up with our loved ones is an important part of our emotional and mental wellbeing. Pay special attention to your younger loved ones, as you'll soon come to recognize yourself in moments you've experienced with them in their lives! You never know when they may need a piece of experience-based advice or simply the reassurance that they are not the only ones to go through life's ups and downs. When we help others or provide emotional support, we, in turn, help ourselves. Proving that you're a reliable sounding board for your loved ones means that you're bound to get more phone calls, more visits, and more shining moments of shared joy!
Retire from Work, Not Fun
What is one of the biggest things we gain in our old age? Time! After retirement, you'll find that you suddenly have tons of time on your hands. Rather than finding this frustrating or disconcerting, use this extra time as an opportunity to explore the things you didn't have time to explore in the past.Set aside some money to take a trip to another state or country you've always wanted to visit. Be sure to invite a loved one who will help you enjoy your travels even more than you would on a solo trip! Take up hobbies (or revisit old ones) that keep your mind and body busy. Cultivate a beautiful garden, learn to paint with watercolors, or grow familiar with the fish in your local watering hole! Do the activities that bring you happiness and fulfillment. The art of aging gracefully can be fun!
Get to Know Your Body
Improving your physical health is both a positive opportunity and a necessity for aging with grace. This doesn't mean that you have to give up all of the snacks and treats you've always loved. Instead, take the time to understand what your body needs to achieve a good balance.Not a fan of vegetables? That simply means that you need to find new ways of cooking them! Perhaps you've been, for example, boiling and steaming your veggies your whole life when what you'd really enjoy is the golden brown crispiness of a roasted vegetable!Not a fan of exercise? Remember that staying in shape doesn't mean that you have to hit the gym several times a week, go for a run, or lift weights. Use free, online resources like YouTube to find video exercise classes for seniors. Don't be afraid to try out different routines like aerobics or Tai Chi. The goal is to find activities that get you moving and allow you to work on your range of motion, balance, and flexibility--that you also enjoy!
Positivity Is Limitless
It's easy to get caught up in the difficult parts of our age-related changes. It's no secret that we may encounter aging issues from time to time that make us feel a little blue.However, when faced with things we can't control, we must focus on our reaction! When you look for the positive, it will change your life drastically. In fact, you'll find that there's no limit to your own positivity!If you or a loved one need a helping hand, consider Commonwise Home Care a resource. Take a look at our at home care services to see if it's right for you or call our Care Team today at 434.202.8565.
Disclaimer: Please check with your physician before making any changes to your diet, exercise, or medication routine.