Despite magazines and different brands vigorously marketing anti-aging as trying to look 20 something, there’s more to taking care of yourself than just physically looking your best. Maintaining a Healthy lifestyle is one of the top tips to staying young … and that includes both physical and mental well-being.
Our bodies go through numerous changes at every stage. As we age, it becomes increasingly important to pay attention to detail. With small but consistent revisions to your routine, you can easily manage the changes that accompany growing older.
Read on to find out 6 ways to make sure you are taking the best care of yourself as you continue to age.
#1: Take Care Of Your Skin & Hair
Your skin and hair can have a massive impact on your self-confidence. So, it’s critical that you take care of them as you age.
Drinking plenty of water, using sunscreen, and following a healthy diet can help prevent wrinkles, age spots, and dry skin. You can also use anti-aging creams to keep your skin looking its best. And if the need arises, don’t hesitate to get a non-surgical treatment at VCI if it can help you stay confident.
It is also important to take care of your hair by using the right shampoo and conditioner. You might also want to consider using natural oils, such as coconut oil, to keep your hair healthy and hydrated.
#2: Eat Well
As you grow older, changes in metabolism, taste, and digestion might affect your appetite and what foods you eat. In such cases, diet and eating habits are easily overlooked. However, it is important to pay attention to what you are putting in your body. Now, more than ever, healthy eating is essential to maintain the right energy levels.
Although older adults have low calorie needs, most people require a higher nutrient intake than younger adults as they start to age. And making sure you are not nutrient-deficient is very important. You can start by including more fruits, vegetables, and dairy in your diet. If you are unsure of what foods to begin with, it might be helpful to see a dietitian.
Remember, small changes in your eating habits can go a long way. From staying in shape and maintaining a healthy weight to preventing serious diseases, a well-balanced diet is the key to healthy ageing.
#3: Stay Physically Active
Staying physically active is as important as having a healthy diet, if not more so. Physical exercise not only helps you stay active and mobile, but it has also been proven to significantly improve cognition and sleep, reduce stress, and rejuvenate your skin. Plus, you get improved blood circulation around your body, better productivity, and an elevated mood.
Fortunately, dedicating as little as 20 minutes a day for exercise can make noticeable improvements to your overall health.
Experts recommend aerobics or muscle-strengthening activities for adults or a combination of both. However, if you have crossed 55, you might notice low energy levels or health issues that can keep you from exercising as much.
At this stage, yoga or light exercises like taking a 30-minute stroll around the neighbourhood would be best for you. Remember, consistency is key.
If you are looking to improve balance, flexibility, and strength, aerial yoga is another great option to consider. It is a combination of arts and athletics that offers a range of physical and psychological benefits. From relieving stress to helping with back spasms and scoliosis, aerial yoga is recommended by doctors worldwide.
#4: Explore New Things
Putting yourself first is crucial at every stage of life. With age, you might find yourself feeling disconnected from your surroundings or bored of the same monotonous routine. And spending time on yourself is a great way to cope with that.
This may entail finding new ways of self-expression or even learning a new skill. Doing poetry or paintings, for example, are both great ways to give time to yourself in a healthy way.
Research has also proven that seniors who engage in stimulating activities are at a lower risk of developing dementia.
Plus, as you explore a new skill, you can join a community of fellow artists. This will improve your social network as you connect with new people, form new friendships, and share your feelings about your newly learned skill.
#5: Don’t Forget Mental Well-being
As you age, you might experience feelings of loneliness or isolation, especially as family dynamics and social circumstances change. This is why it is important to establish a support system that you can rely on and reach out to for help.
Staying connected with loved ones and old friends can help prevent negative feelings and physical and mental decline. In this regard, you can:
- Use social media to stay connected with friends and family
- Join a local community club and attend weekly meetings
- Become an active member of your alumni group
However, there are still some who find it difficult to connect with others. In such cases, spending quality time with yourself or volunteering at local centres can help encourage feelings of fulfilment and a sense of purpose.
#6: Go For Regular Health Check-ups
It is always wise to go for regular check-ups. But these visits become even more important as you grow older. That’s because many illnesses — such as osteoarthritis — are more common in old age. Seeing a doctor regularly and keeping up with your medicines can help you prevent an illness before it starts or keep any existing conditions from worsening.
Unfortunately, many people become intimidated when they visit their doctor. But keep in mind that communicating your concerns to your doctor is very important to optimise your health and stay up to date in terms of your medicine dosage.
Final Thoughts
The ageing process is different for everyone. And while some people age gracefully, others might find it difficult to cope with the changes that come with old age. However, by following these top tips to staying young, you can make the ageing process a bit easier on yourself.
From maintaining your mental well-being to staying active and connected, these tips will help you age gracefully and enjoy your golden years to the fullest.
