Becoming a grandparent means you have gotten a little older and little wiser over the years. After all, if you’re a grandparent — you’re not as young as you used to be!
But no matter your age, healthy aging is an important part of your life. Don’t wait to become a grandparent to consider “healthy aging”. Even people at the age of 20 or 30 are starting to experience challenges of getting older. Whether it’s a slight weight gain, losing a little hair, or not feeling as energetic as they did as 17 or 18 — people start feeling the effects of aging early in life.
For example, as we get older:
- Around the age of 20, the number of nerve cells – or neurons – in the brain starts to decrease. We start with around 100 billion, but in our 20’s this number starts to decline. By 40, we could be losing up to 10,000 per day, affecting memory, co-ordination and brain function.
- Lung capacity slowly starts to decrease from the age of 20. By the age of 40, some people are already experiencing breathlessness.
- The skin starts to age naturally in the mid-20s.
Everyone faces changes as they age and there are times when we feel great, and times when we don’t feel as well. That’s why creating a lifestyle that promotes healthy aging as long as possible is so important. Entering the New Year is the perfect time to think about what healthy aging really means to you. And it may mean making some lifestyle changes to support your goals.
As part of a healthy aging plan, consider some of these ideas:
- Accept that some things cannot be changed, but recognize that some things CAN be changed. There are so many things in life beyond our control — such as our age, our genetics, and other things. Focus on things you CAN change rather things you can’t change. If a little weight has crept up on you, you can’t change the fact that you now weigh 10 pounds more than you want today. But you can change how much you weight next week, next month, and next year by doing something positive. Create a lifestyle that promotes healthy eating and activity to make a difference. You can’t change the fact that you may have a family history of breast cancer, but you can exercise, eat healthy, avoid smoking, limit alcohol consumpton, perform monthly breast self-exams, and get an annual mammogram to make a difference. You can’t change the fact that you get tired quicker now than you did 10 years ago, but you can increase your stamina with exercise and weight-lifting.
- Count your blessings. Although you may be going through some difficult or challenging times, you also have blessings to count. Make it a point to think about things you are grateful for. Keep a journal and write down things you appreciate in everyday life. A life filled with gratitude is a happier, healthier life.
- Stay or become active. As we get older, it’s easy to get more sedentary. But that’s exactly what makes us look and feel older. Being active is a lifestyle that helps you look and feel younger. Spend time walking, exercising, playing with the grandchildren, walking the dog, biking, swimming, or just enjoying the outdoors. Stay active and it will help clear your mind too.
- Laugh at yourself. Unfortunately, we start doing or saying some crazy things as we get older. I often see or hear my mother when I do or say things — I’ve become her! It’s important to laugh at yourself so you can stay happier, more balanced, and more in touch with life.
- Volunteer to make a difference. Healthy aging is supported by reaching out to others. Whether you’re still working or you’re retired, there are plenty of ways you can volunteer. Everyone has something to offer and it’s important to find your talents and abilities and use them to help others who are less fortunate. Perhaps you can volunteer at a library, teach illiterate adults to read, mentor children from broken families, support grieving families, help raise money for cancer research, help organize a fund-raiser, or volunteer at a nearby school. The opportunities for volunteering are limitless and the rewards are too!
- Connect regularly with friends and/or family. Healthy relationships with other people make for a healthier life. Spend time with family and friends and laugh together. Friends can help energize and encourage you to be more active and live healthier. Enjoy a conversation with at least one person outside your household each day. Engage with a variety of different types of friends – and remember that younger people may be just what you need to help you focus on a fresh perspective and a more positive future. Friends can also help you avoid or fight depression that sometimes affects us as we age. And don’t forget the value of spending time with children or grandchildren who help you see the world in a totally different way.
Healthy aging is an important part of living. It is a way to take more control of your life and get the most out of every day. Throughout this year, there will be lots of ways to enhance and improve how you live and age — and you’ll feel better with every step you take in the right direction.
Share your ideas with us as we enter 2012 with a renewed focus on healthier aging and happier living. Welcome to 2012!
