The World Health Organization predicts that the number of people aged 60 and over will double by 2050. They focus their efforts on reducing the physical disease risks for those already in this age group.
This article will tell you about some things you can do to help you age healthier and happier. Some of these activities have been proven to work, while others are mental health tips that can make life easier for you as you get older.
It All Starts With Physical Health
Although you will learn mental health tips for successful aging, we must begin with your daily activities, which include good body care. Adopt the following healthy lifestyle habits to help you live your best life in your senior years:
- Be active and exercise regularly.
- Increase your standing time.
- Consume nutritious foods.
- Get enough rest.
- Every day, go to bed and wake up at the same time.
- Live a smoke-free life.
- Limit your alcohol consumption.
- Attend regular doctor’s appointments.
The New Psychology and Resilience Focus
Researchers discovered that we need to broaden our understanding of psychological and social well-being to promote healthy aging and resiliency.
Rather than focusing solely on reducing risk factors for chronic disease (evidence suggests that disability is increasing and life expectancy is decreasing), we must consider other factors.
Resilience, psychosocial well-being, and social well-being are among the other factors. Scientists believe that by incorporating these factors, they can discover new ways to improve seniors’ quality of life and longevity.
Maintain Social Contact
Maintaining contact with family and friends is an important part of aging well. Because older adults may have hearing or vision loss or cannot drive at night, they mustn’t feel socially isolated.
Loneliness and social isolation can have serious consequences. According to the National Institute on Aging, social isolation and loneliness are associated with an increased risk of heart disease, obesity, anxiety, depression, cognitive decline, and Alzheimer’s disease.
Developing new social contacts was associated with improved (self-reported) physical and psychological well-being in research on older adults cultivating new social ties.
Calling family members once a week and texting or emailing a friend or new social contact every day or two is an easy way to keep those connections strong. Just make sure to nurture and strengthen your relationships.
Learn New Things to Improve Your Cognitive Function
Scientists wanted to see if sustained engagement in learning cognitively demanding novel skills over time would improve cognitive function in adults 60 and older. Participants spent an average of 16.51 hours per week learning to quilt, digital photograph, or do both for three months.
The findings prove that sustained participation in these challenging and novel activities improved participants’ memory function. However, sustained participation in social activities yielded only minor benefits.
Keep Stress Under Control
We all experience stress at some point in our lives. It is important to find better ways to deal with it to promote healthy aging, as stress has numerous negative consequences. Here are some common but ineffective ways to deal with stress.
Unhealthy stress reactions may include the following behaviors:
- Drinking alcohol
- Turning to drugs
- Gambling
- Overeating
- Starving yourself
- Becoming compulsive about shopping or sex
- Smoking
Rather than allowing stress to accumulate and negatively impact you, incorporate the following stress-reduction measures into your daily routine:
- Begin meditating with mindfulness.
- Exercising to alleviate frustration.
- Listen to music or dance.
- Keep a journal and write down your thoughts and beliefs.
- Exercise gratitude.
- Maintain your optimism.
Treat Depression Symptoms
The death of a spouse, family member, friend, or pet is a common cause of depression in older adults. Dealing with health issues, changes in the body and the natural aging process can all lead to sadness and depression.
However, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that depression is a treatable medical condition that is “not a normal part of aging.”
If you believe you are depressed, seek the help of a mental health counselor. They’ll be there to assist you.
Have fun
When you were working, you didn’t have time to do the things you enjoyed. But now that you’re free, you can see a play or go to a jazz concert. These activities are very good for your well-being.
Taking a creative writing class or enrolling in a painting class can help you improve your health. These activities have been linked to improved memory and resilience in older adults.
Older adults should not be afraid to use their past experiences to help them overcome difficult times. This will help them be more resilient and handle challenges better.
Maintaining good mental health can help you stay healthy as you age. Here are some tips to help you stay on top of your health.
