Growing older is an emotionally-charged topic. Some people dread big birthdays, while others find joy in the aging process. Despite ageism and negative stereotypes of aging in society, getting older is a privilege, and choosing to age gracefully instead of fighting to hold onto youth may even help you learn to celebrate this new stage of your life.
Aging gracefully is about more than just your health and how you look. It’s also about keeping an open mind, adapting to change and using the wisdom you’ve gained to enjoy your golden years to their fullest.
Seek Out Beauty
Seniors have seen and experienced a lot of life, but that doesn’t mean you can’t still feel awe at the beauty of the world around you. Studies show that older adults who take an “awe walk” where they spend 15 minutes outdoors paying attention to their surroundings see an increase in positive emotions. Whether you’re stimulating your senses by looking at art, buying a bouquet of flowers or appreciating a high-quality meal, finding beauty in the mundane makes for a more meaningful life.
Reflect On Your Accomplishments
It’s easy to get caught up thinking about things you could have done differently. Take the opposite approach by reflecting on positive memories and things you’re proud of achieving, whether that’s talking about them to another person or writing them down for yourself. Reflecting on past accomplishments has been shown to boost self-esteem and feelings of importance while growing older. It can also help provide direction for what else you’d like to achieve in your golden years.
Accept Changes in Your Hair and Skin
Wrinkles, laugh lines and gray hairs are all an inevitable part of the aging process. Wearing sunscreen every day goes a long way in preventing sun damage, but as we grow older, our skin naturally becomes drier, more fragile and less elastic. Though stress can also be a contributing factor, the age at which you go gray is mainly determined by genetics. Covering gray hair and selling anti-aging skin products are big markets in the beauty industry, with the goal being to look as young as possible.
In the end, it’s a personal decision whether or not you choose to dye your hair or pursue anti-aging treatments. But embracing your natural hair color and skin texture can save you a lot of time and money and even help you accept yourself as you are.
Prioritize Your Health
The older we get, the more we realize we can’t take our health for granted. Even if you aren’t having any health problems, visiting your doctor regularly can help catch problems before they begin or become serious. Even when you’re not due for a doctor’s appointment, you can stay on top of your physical well-being by getting 7-9 hours of sleep each night, incorporating movement into your routine and eating healthy foods.
Mental health is an equally important part of your health that many older adults forget about. An estimated 7 million seniors experience depression. Other mental disorders like anxiety and dementia are also common in seniors. Maintaining social connections, learning new things and keeping an active mind and body through activities such as yoga, puzzles, dancing and reading can reduce the risk of developing mental health problems in your golden years. However, if you’re experiencing symptoms of a mental disorder, it’s best to speak to a professional.
Try New Things
Renew that childlike sense of curiosity by opening up your mind to learning and trying something different. Mixing up your routine keeps life exciting and opens you up to new ideas. Even if you’ve lived in the same place your whole life, there are still new ways you can experience your city. Try out that new restaurant, buy something from a store you’ve never been inside or visit an exhibit at a local museum. You could even pick up a new skill that gets you out of your comfort zone and in the pursuit of lifelong learning. If you’re feeling extra adventurous and have the means to do so, consider traveling somewhere else altogether.
Life Insurance From Americo Senior Life
In the end, aging gracefully is a choice. You can’t reverse the natural aging process, but you can choose to age with grace. As you embrace your golden years by reflecting on the past and living in the present, don’t forget to look ahead to the future, too. Planning for the end of your life can be overwhelming, but Americo Senior Life can help you find a life insurance policy that fits your budget and offers flexible death benefits. Call us today or go online to receive your free life insurance quote.