Today, all over the world, people are living longer than ever before. In the United States alone, according to the 2010 Census, more than nine percent of the population was age 70 or older, and the senior population continues to grow and thrive in their later years. Perhaps it is because we have access to better healthcare, people are eating healthier and staying active, or some combination of all three factors. If you are approaching your golden years, here are a few ideas on how to age gracefully.
Take Steps to Stay Healthy
Staying in good health as you age is one of the best things you can hope for. In order to help keep your good health, or improve it, see your physician regularly. Getting a complete check-up once a year (or more, as advised) can keep you healthier by detecting any signs of illness early. Since dietary needs change as you age, you can also talk to a nutritionist for tips on improving your diet as a senior citizen.
Keep Doing What You Love
Just because you are getting older doesn’t mean you have to stop doing what you love only to sit in a rocking chair all day. Get out of the house and have fun! If you gardening, then get out in your yard and plant some vegetables or flowers. If you love to read, join a book club. If you love being outside, take your grand kids for a walk. Whatever it is you have always enjoyed, staying involved in those activities will help keep your body active, as well as having social, emotional, and physical benefits.
Move Out of Your Old House
If you have lived in a large family home for most of your life, you may also want to consider moving into a maintenance-free living option so you have more free time to do the things you love. Maintaining your own home can mean a lot of interior and exterior upkeep. When you live in a community of retirement homes, you have the opportunity to live a more carefree life without all the worry of home ownership.
What to Look For
Many retirement communities include yard maintenance and even have housekeeping options available. Additionally, many of these senior communities offer programs meant to keep residents active in both mind and body. You could take a yoga class, a cooking class, and sign up for group excursions to local and far away places. When you begin your search for a retirement home, look for places that offer many different options that encourage your involvement in all kinds of activities.
Aging gracefully is a beautiful thing, and you can do it if you set your mind to it and make it a priority. Stay fit, eat healthy, and stay involved in social activities. The secrets to aging gracefully and living well over the age of 70 cannot be found in a potion or a magic anti-aging pill. Instead, they are found in simply enjoying life to the fullest, no matter what your age.
With parents that are aging, writer Melanie Fleury often thinks about how to simplify their lives. She has found that retirement homes are a real option that could work for her parents in the future. It would afford them the active lifestyle without the maintenance and ongoing costs.
