5 Tips To Love the Age You’re In

Aging is inevitable.

The way we feel about aging can land within the entire spectrum of emotions. For some, it’s a scary time filled with change and loneliness, while others, may accept or even love their changing bodies.

How we choose to define, view and accept the changes is crucial to our ability to “age gracefully.” Positive aging allows us to weather the expected and unexpected changes we experience. In some cultures around the globe, the elders are looked up to for wisdom and guidance as well as are respected and revered. Although other cultures may place more value on youth and physical beauty over the wisdom that comes with age. Some of this mentality is deeply ingrained, however, at the end of the day, it all has to do with the power of thought.

So what is positive aging? 

It really is more of a way of living, than a state of being. It is the process of maintaining a positive attitude and feeling good about yourself, keeping fit and healthy, as well as engaging in life to its full potential as you age.

In this day and age, we are living much longer than prior generations. Statistically, if you live to 65, you will live to 84, and if you make it to 84, you will live to 92. We are benefiting from the best medical care of any prior generation. There are many more retirees than ever before. We are currently living in the cusp of this “silver tsunami,” where every day in the US, 10,000 people turn 70 — and that will continue for the next 18 years. It’s a phenomenon this country has never experienced since its founding. On top of that, the retirees of today have higher expectations of their lives — often interested in embarking on cultivating new iteration of a career or a “side hustle.” They are traveling more, and thanks to modern medicine, are no longer slowed down by a new knee or a new hip because they’re able to recuperate and continue with their active lifestyle.

You see, there’s more to celebrate in the process of aging than we realize. Here are a number of tips and reminders on what makes aging a successful, positive experience:

• CREATE GOOD RELATIONSHIPS: Good relationships keep us happier and healthier. So, book that girls’ (or boys) night out to cultivate friendships, or go on another honeymoon with your spouse and rekindle the romance that started it all.

• FIND A SENSE OF PURPOSE: The Japanese call this “ikigai,” loosely translated as “a reason to get up in the morning.” This doesn’t mean you abandon your retirement plan. It simply honors adults who know they are not yet done giving back, sharing wisdom, learning, and thrive at their age no matter what comes their way.

• MOVE YOUR BODY: No matter your age, it’s never too late to get fit. Aside from possibly reducing the impact of illness and chronic disease as well as enhancing mobility, flexibility, and balance, exercise also improves sleep, boosts mood and self-confidence, as well as amps your cognitive functioning. So go ahead, take a lap around the pool, pull out that yoga mat, or take a walk in the woods. Just get a move on.

• EAT YOUR FRUITS AND VEGETABLES: The basics for healthy nutrition starts with lots of fruits, vegetables, healthy proteins, and whole grains, but as we age, our bodies’ needs change as well. We need to amp up our hydration, fiber, antioxidants, and fatty fish intake. For some people, however, eating blueberries and salmon isn’t enough, so take some supplements to boost your health game.

• CELEBRATE YOUR AGE: Don’t hide your age, embrace it and be proud of it. Whether you’re a teen, in your twenties or much older, aging is another chapter filled with new experiences, lessons, and memories to cherish and gain. Celebrate it, enjoy it. 

After all, life is all about moving on and being ready for what lies ahead, so let’s remember it’s a gift to be another year older. What matters most is how you live your life between each birthday celebration