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Aging with Grace and Purpose |
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Few things in life are certain, but aging is one of them. Every single day, every one of us is growing older. Aging brings both blessings and challenges. How we face the challenges and embrace the blessings largely determines the quality of our lives.
As an organizer, I tend to focus on planning. While we can't entirely avoid the struggles associated with aging, there are things we can do to lessen their negative impact on our peace of mind and enjoyment of life. Planning allows us to take control of those things that we can, if fact, control, and by so doing, determine, at least in part, the quality of our aging experience.
While few of the factors mentioned here are entirely within our control, we can do much to steer the odds in our favor. Consider the following:
As an organizer, I tend to focus on planning. While we can't entirely avoid the struggles associated with aging, there are things we can do to lessen their negative impact on our peace of mind and enjoyment of life. Planning allows us to take control of those things that we can, if fact, control, and by so doing, determine, at least in part, the quality of our aging experience.
While few of the factors mentioned here are entirely within our control, we can do much to steer the odds in our favor. Consider the following:
Physical Well-being |
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We all know that our bodies deteriorate in a variety of ways as we age, and the older we are, the more familiar we are with this truth! While we cannot halt the aging process or avoid all of the potential risks associated with that process, we can do a number of things to mitigate their severity and impact on our overall well-being.
Exercise is truly the panacea for much of what ails us. An increasing body of research indicates that exercise is good for the body, mind, and soul. Among it's many benefits are increased energy levels, elevated mood, enhanced immunity, and improved brain function. What's more, exercise has been shown to mitigate many of the physical challenges associated with aging.
In addition to exercise, of course, one needs to consider the impact of nutrition. Nutrition affects every body system for better or worse. The healthier one's diet, the better one's health (generally speaking). As we age, our nutrition needs change. Adjusting our diet accordingly can help alleviate many of the nutrition pitfalls that plague our modern society.
Exercise is truly the panacea for much of what ails us. An increasing body of research indicates that exercise is good for the body, mind, and soul. Among it's many benefits are increased energy levels, elevated mood, enhanced immunity, and improved brain function. What's more, exercise has been shown to mitigate many of the physical challenges associated with aging.
In addition to exercise, of course, one needs to consider the impact of nutrition. Nutrition affects every body system for better or worse. The healthier one's diet, the better one's health (generally speaking). As we age, our nutrition needs change. Adjusting our diet accordingly can help alleviate many of the nutrition pitfalls that plague our modern society.
Mental Well-being |
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One of the biggest fears associated with aging is the potential deterioration of one's mental faculties. As with physical well-being, some things are out of our control, but there is much that can be done to strengthen and even improve mental capabilities. I am always saddened to speak to people approaching retirement whose attitude is bleak, people who see themselves as old and who believe their life is essentially over. In contrast, it's heartening to interact with so-called senior citizens who have embraced retirement and are making the most of this long-anticipated time to do some of the things they've always wanted to do but have never had the time for.
Keeping your mind engaged is really the best way to keep it healthy and agile. This can be accomplished in a variety of ways from playing thought-provoking games to solving puzzles to learning new skills and information. Seeking connections with others is also great for brain health. Interestingly, researchers are beginning to look at the impact interacting with young children has on improving quality of life and longevity in the elderly. Check out this charming story from CNN about Intergenerational care: Where kids help the elderly live longer.
Keeping your mind engaged is really the best way to keep it healthy and agile. This can be accomplished in a variety of ways from playing thought-provoking games to solving puzzles to learning new skills and information. Seeking connections with others is also great for brain health. Interestingly, researchers are beginning to look at the impact interacting with young children has on improving quality of life and longevity in the elderly. Check out this charming story from CNN about Intergenerational care: Where kids help the elderly live longer.
Emotional Well-being |
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Mental and emotional health are closely connected, it's true. For our purposes here, I am thinking of mental well-being in terms of retaining mental functions such as memory, decision-making, and other cognitive tasks, and I'm grouping things like depression and anxiety with emotional well-being. However you choose to look at it, these are important considerations when it comes to quality of life.
In addition to helping with overall brain function, enjoying connections with other people also boosts emotional well-being. Spending time cultivating relationships with friends and family adds meaning and value to our lives. Another way to invest in emotional health is to seek opportunities to serve others. Research indicates that giving to others is good for your overall health and that those who do so regularly tend to be much happier. There are numerous ways in which a person can serve others and tons of charitable organizations searching for committed volunteers.
In addition to helping with overall brain function, enjoying connections with other people also boosts emotional well-being. Spending time cultivating relationships with friends and family adds meaning and value to our lives. Another way to invest in emotional health is to seek opportunities to serve others. Research indicates that giving to others is good for your overall health and that those who do so regularly tend to be much happier. There are numerous ways in which a person can serve others and tons of charitable organizations searching for committed volunteers.
Financial Well-being |
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One of the greatest sources of stress among senior citizens is finances. Living on a fixed income can be challenging, especially if you don't have a cushion set aside. One way to make your last couple of decades comfortable and relaxing is to plan financially for the future. They say that money can't buy happiness, and that is certainly true. However, careful financial planning and disciplined saving can buy peace of mind. Money means freedom - freedom to do the things you want to do with the time that you have left, freedom to travel and experience and enjoy or simply to live comfortably without worry for the future.
It's never too early to start planning for the future. Whatever your age, you can begin now to prepare for a fulfilling final chapter to your life. It won't happen magically. It takes investment over the years - financial investment as well as personal investment. It also takes a positive outlook and a commitment to making the most of your circumstances.
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Learn More |
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Click on the images below to read more about planning for some of the transitions commonly faced
by senior citizens.
by senior citizens.
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