How to Enjoy Getting Older
At West Janisch Health Care Center, we recognize that getting older can be hard for some people. Because our culture is so focused on maintaining youth, it can be hard to accept aging. Reaching acceptance will help to develop a more positive attitude about the process. Taking care of your body will help support your positive attitude and educating yourself about what to expect will ease the transition.
Facing Fears of Aging
Identify the things that you’re most afraid of to help you confront them. The way you think about yourself and the process of getting older will affect the way you view your own life. For many people, getting older means getting closer to death. Either their own or the death of a loved one can trigger these fears. Confronting the cause of this fear may help as may planning your end-of-life care.
Becoming physically frail, or developing health conditions related to aging, as well as becoming fearful about losing your independence may cause fears regarding aging. Concerns about changes in appearance can also be worrisome. Seek out role models who have engaged gracefully with aging in your own life. Learn about ways you can keep your support to retain independence as long as possible.
Talk with friends, family, or professionals who are supportive. When identifying your fears with close friends, you’ll likely feel better if nothing has changed.
Focus on the Good
There are many reasons to look forward to getting older. You will be able to use your lifelong experience in order to help others. Aging may allow you to slow down and enjoy your life. You may be able to enjoy learning and traveling if you have saved up an ample amount for retirement. You may have more time to focus on the positive because during retirement you may be free of work and school responsibilities for the first time in your life.
Seek Out Role Models Who Have Aged Gracefully
If you fear getting older, it may be because you associate aging with negative examples that you have witnessed. Many people enter old age with alert minds and healthy bodies and a bright appreciation for life. Look for examples to emulate in your own life, the media, and the community.
Get Moving
Find something you enjoy. Set a goal for light-moderate intensity exercise for at least two hours a week. Walking is one of the best exercises to help strengthen muscles, bones, and joints.
Fuel Up
Eat three meals daily, with an emphasis on fresh produce, lean meats, and calcium from low-fat dairy products, not supplements. Limit red meat as well as salty, fatty, and cholesterol-laden foods because they can spike blood pressure and/or increase the risk of heart disease. Strive to eat home-cooked food more often than processed or restaurant meals.
Find Support
At our facility, residents can rest assured that someone is by their side every step of the way through the aging process. Contact us today to learn more about our services and how we can help you or your loved one.