Age Better With These Tips – One of Them is Uncommon (But Fascinating)
Yes, you’re going to get older. Like everyone else. But that doesn’t mean you can’t improve the aging process!
Are you actively aging well?
The World Health Organization (WHO) defines actively aging well as “increasing and improving opportunities for health, participation, and security” to enhance your quality of life.
It’s a bit of a mouthful, isn’t it? And how do you do that?
Well, you need to not just BE. You need to be involved with others in ways that make you happy – and you need to “create opportunities” to do that (i.e. think about ways to make it happen). You need to focus on your physical, mental, and emotional health.
Because you want to be happy during your aging process, don’t you? (We all do).
Here’s how.
(And tip #1 is something you won’t find elsewhere – but it’s surprisingly important!
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Grip Strength
According to a study in Clinical Interventions in Aging, grip strength is related to “multiple health and happiness markers”.
Isn’t that interesting? Keeping or improving your grip strength can make you happier as well as healthier? Wow! That surprised me!
Part of the reason grip strength is so important is that it helps you to stay independent for longer. –
Improving your grip strength can also improve your:
- Upper Limb Function
- Overall Strength
- Fine Motor Skill
- Cognitive Ability
- Emotional State
To strengthen your grip strength, try this exercise:
- Squeeze a squash or tennis ball with your whole hand 5 to 10 times
- Repeat using only your thumb and index finger.
- Repeat using your thumb and each other finger.
You can do this while you’re relaxing or watching TV, so it’s easy to fit in with your schedule.
2. Stay Active
Your activity level helps you maintain good muscle mass, strength, and bone density. This means you are less likely to fall – and even if you do, you’re less likely to break major bones.
According to a study in the Journal of Physical Therapy Science, adults age 52 and older tend to have a decreased activity level, leading to poorer health outcomes.
The CDC recommends older adults engage in:
- 150 minutes a week of moderate-intensity aerobic activity
- 2 sessions of strength training each week
- General activity – as much as possible
Remember, “exercise” doesn’t only mean gym work. You could go for a walk with friends, get involved in a fun group sport, do some gardening, dancing, clear up a whole pile of housework (not fun, I know, but it does help!) and anything at all that simply keeps you moving.
If you have health problems, talk with your doctor about what activities are safe for you. Be as active as possible and increase your activity level as you grow stronger. Staying active helps you age well by improving your:
- Posture
- Stamina
- Strength
- Independence
3. Maintain a Healthy Weight
If you are overweight, you have a much higher risk for chronic disease and poor health.
To maintain a healthy weight, you should
- eat lots of fresh fruit and vegetables
- cook healthy meals from scratch at home instead of dining out
- avoid processed foods.
Choose one-pot meal recipes or meals that are quick to prepare and cook – the internet is full of yummy recipes. My husband and I cook a huge casserole or something similar each weekend – then on week-nights, we only have to reheat our main meal, so it’s quick and easy.
And there are special offers on this super-eco-friendly cookware ……
Processed foods are changed from their natural state – for example,
- breakfast cereals
- bread
- chips or crisps, pies.
- bacon, sausage, ham, salami and paté
- microwave meals or ready meals.
- Cakes, donuts, biscuits / cookies and other baked goods.
For your health, you really need to avoid processed foods. Yes, have that takeaway – but have it as an occasional treat, not your normal food!
4. Exercise Your Brain
The more you use your brain, the better your overall health and quality of life. Studies in the journals Nature and PLoS Medical show that good cognitive function can reduce the risk of dementia. Try exercising your brain with these activities:
- Jigsaw Puzzles
- Sudoku
- Learn a New Language
- Art Classes or Crafts
- Nature Walks
5. Socialize
As you age, the opportunities for social contact may decrease. A report from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine found that one in four adults age 65 and older are socially isolated. The report also found that social isolation increases the risk for:
- Hearth Disease
- Stroke
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Suicide
- Dementia
- Premature Death
You can improve your aging process by staying socially connected and active. You may find social connections through:
- Joining a Book Club or Other Hobby Group
- Volunteering
- Writing Letters to Family and Friends
- Email or Social Media
Improving your aging process helps you be more independent, increases your cognitive ability, and builds social connections. There are many simple ways to improve your aging process and quality of life – and these 5 ways are all eco-friendly as well as healthy!.
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How do YOU improve your aging process? Let me know in the comments below.
Warm regards,
P.S. Are you getting together with friends / family soon? Look younger – this week – withOUT spending a fortune! Click here for Age Better now!
