We can all agree that one of the saddest sights is a 60-year-old trying to convince themselves and the rest of the world that they are 20. The trick doesn’t work any better for men. Shopping at Forever 21 does not actually make you 21 forever. Furthermore, it is questionable why anyone would want to remain in that state.
One of the biggest industries is the anti-aging industry, as if the natural act of getting older were a bad thing we need to fight against and avoid at all cost, even the cost of being in denial of the obvious: Every one of us is older today than we were yesterday. And that is a cumulative condition that only ends one way.
According to the latest reports, 100% of humans start the process of expiration the moment we are born. And each passing day brings us a little closer to that inevitable conclusion. The good news is that throughout the course of that process, we can have the time of our lives. All we have to do is live it to the fullest. One of the ways we do that is by embracing each new stage as it comes to maximize its potential. That is called aging gracefully. And here are some thoughts on how to do it:
Minimize Wear and Tear
The new face of knee replacements belongs to people in their 40s and 50s. The reason for this is a combination of the technology getting better, and people less willing to put up with debilitating pain as they once did. There is also the desire to fight against the inevitability of aging.
Getting older means slowing down and doing less. But if we don’t slow down and continue to do as much as we did in our twenties (if not more), then we can pretend that we are not really aging at all. But you can have a great life in your older years that includes a lot of activity. You just have to be more selective about what you spend your physicality on.
You might want to sell your house with stairs if it hurts to go up and down the stairs. You have plenty of other options. Another option is searching for the best lift chair solution for your staircase. Fortunately, lift chair experts can complete the installation on just about any set of stairs.
By going this route, you can spend more of your energy out and about, and less of it struggling with stairs. You don’t have to stop being active. You just have to choose your battles more wisely.
Get Better Sleep
We know that insufficient sleep can cause impaired cognitive function as well as a feeling of ongoing lethargy. As you grow older, you do not have endless reserves of energy. And your memory isn’t what it once was. The good news is you probably don’t need drugs to correct the situation, you probably just need better sleep.
Instead of investing in a cruise, try investing in a good bed. There is still time for the cruise. And you will enjoy it more if you have more energy and a sharper mind. If you tend to nod off in your chair while watching TV, invest in a good sleep chair so that the time you are nodding off does not result in a sore neck and back.
Get Healthier Before You Get Older
The time to focus on your health is now. Complications of high blood pressure, diabetes, and obesity are magnified with age. If you want to age gracefully, and for the longest possible time, lose that 20 lb right now. And find a way to keep it off. It will be much harder to do 10 years from now.
With greater health, you will be able to do more for a longer period of time. The key is not denial of age, but preparation for it. Take care of your skin today. And it will take care of you in your golden years. Exercise sensibly and minimize wear and tear. Get your eight hours instead of watching the Late, Late Show every night. And count calories today so you don’t have to do it tomorrow. Age gracefully. Age beautifully.
