By
A B Fraser, MD
Submitted On March 08, 2016
No one is immune from getting older. So we might as well enjoy
life while we can, with good health and happiness. And, like my father
always says, "It's better than the alternative."
For many of us the biggest problem with aging is the negative impact it can have on our quality of life. We just can't do the things we were able to do when we were younger.
Many see this as an obstacle too big to conquer and they give up. Some spend the rest of their days watching television, struggling up the stairs, and taking three naps a day. They're "too tired" to do anything else. What other option do they have? After all, aging is a natural process. It gets the better of everyone eventually. You just have to suck it up, right?
Well, not necessarily.
Others prefer to tackle aging head on. They live for as long as they can with vitality, energy and good health. But how do they do that?
Let's take a look at 5 characteristics of those who are aging well...
1) They Still Try New Things
Okay, so you're getting a bit older. Perhaps you've passed 65. You've settled down. You don't want to try anything new. You've done it all. All you want to do is sit down and catch up on your TV shows. No one is supposed to bother you.
The thing is, your brain still loves new stuff. It doesn't stop growing unless you make it stop. And if you make it stop, it's going to bring aging crashing right down on you.
2) They Have Friends And See Them Often
Older people are more susceptible to loneliness than younger people. Our worlds grow inevitably smaller as we retire from work, stop driving, etc. This really does diminish the quality of life, because loneliness can cause both mental and physical problems.
Those who are aging well, though, know the importance of having friends and maintaining contact with them.
They have many types of social connections:
3) They Stay Mentally Active
Using your mental faculties regularly is one of the keys to keeping you young in your mind. Older people who regularly complete puzzles, surf the Internet, and get creative through writing, art, sewing, or whatever else are aging well because they're keeping their brains active. As you get older, it's extremely important to look after your mind as well as your physical body.
4) They Know What Makes Them Happy
When we have no idea what makes us happy, we certainly can't pursue it. We end up living lives of stress, turmoil, and unhappiness. We're not satisfied. This takes its toll on our minds and bodies. It accelerates the aging process.
Older people who are aging well really have a better handle on the happiness thing. They know what makes them happy - and they're going to do it. They've learned to say "No" to people, and to focus on bringing positivity into their lives.
5) They Get Around
People who don't get out and about much are at greater risk of developing dementia, diabetes, heart disease, depression and more.
People who know how to age well get around a lot. They sweat it out at the gym, take up yoga classes, and walk everywhere. They have a healthy, well-balanced diet and maintain a stable weight.
For many of us the biggest problem with aging is the negative impact it can have on our quality of life. We just can't do the things we were able to do when we were younger.
Many see this as an obstacle too big to conquer and they give up. Some spend the rest of their days watching television, struggling up the stairs, and taking three naps a day. They're "too tired" to do anything else. What other option do they have? After all, aging is a natural process. It gets the better of everyone eventually. You just have to suck it up, right?
Well, not necessarily.
Others prefer to tackle aging head on. They live for as long as they can with vitality, energy and good health. But how do they do that?
Let's take a look at 5 characteristics of those who are aging well...
1) They Still Try New Things
Okay, so you're getting a bit older. Perhaps you've passed 65. You've settled down. You don't want to try anything new. You've done it all. All you want to do is sit down and catch up on your TV shows. No one is supposed to bother you.
The thing is, your brain still loves new stuff. It doesn't stop growing unless you make it stop. And if you make it stop, it's going to bring aging crashing right down on you.
2) They Have Friends And See Them Often
Older people are more susceptible to loneliness than younger people. Our worlds grow inevitably smaller as we retire from work, stop driving, etc. This really does diminish the quality of life, because loneliness can cause both mental and physical problems.
Those who are aging well, though, know the importance of having friends and maintaining contact with them.
They have many types of social connections:
- Partners
- Best friends
- Siblings
- Bridge partners
- Fellow church, temple or mosque goers
- Yoga class members
3) They Stay Mentally Active
Using your mental faculties regularly is one of the keys to keeping you young in your mind. Older people who regularly complete puzzles, surf the Internet, and get creative through writing, art, sewing, or whatever else are aging well because they're keeping their brains active. As you get older, it's extremely important to look after your mind as well as your physical body.
4) They Know What Makes Them Happy
When we have no idea what makes us happy, we certainly can't pursue it. We end up living lives of stress, turmoil, and unhappiness. We're not satisfied. This takes its toll on our minds and bodies. It accelerates the aging process.
Older people who are aging well really have a better handle on the happiness thing. They know what makes them happy - and they're going to do it. They've learned to say "No" to people, and to focus on bringing positivity into their lives.
5) They Get Around
People who don't get out and about much are at greater risk of developing dementia, diabetes, heart disease, depression and more.
People who know how to age well get around a lot. They sweat it out at the gym, take up yoga classes, and walk everywhere. They have a healthy, well-balanced diet and maintain a stable weight.
Interested in the "10 Steps" you can start taking today to stay healthy, and decrease your risk of stroke and dementia? Visit http://saynotostroke.com/blog and sign up for the newsletter..
Article Source:
http://EzineArticles.com/expert/A_B_Fraser,_MD/1482844
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