Ways to be Happy and Healthy at Old Age
Old age is a time when you sit back and enjoy your life. You are much wiser; people’s opinions do not fluster you. You are much more comfortable with yourself. Your kids left home and you have all the reasons to do the things you want to do. Enjoying your life allows you to healthy aging.
It is completely understandable why you might feel lonely as you get older. Old friends and work acquaintances have left town. Even worse, many people close to you could have passed away. There are a few ways that Keep Older Adults Happy and healthy
- Exercise
Exercise and physical well-being are a great place to start. Exercising lifts your spirit and energy levels make you feel better. While exercising your body releases endorphins also known as feel-good hormones. If you have not been exercising before, it is not too late to start with light workouts into your routine. Even if you did not exercise before, this reduces your chance of getting disabled by 25 percent.
Exercise also helps get relief from chronic pain conditions like arthritis. It helps in maintaining weight. It also prevents from developing diseases such as obesity and diabetes. Improves our metabolism, lowers blood pressure and strengthens our immune system. Before joining any exercise program please consult your doctor.
- What you eat
Although your body is experiencing some changes, mealtimes can still be fun. Try to eat with your loved ones to avoid feeling lonely. Also, make an effort to ensure your food is tasty and well presented. This will trigger your senses and improve your appetite. Drink plenty of water to go on a high-fiber diet. Water is also suitable for healthy skin. Your diet should be as per your healthcare provider’s instructions.
- Join Support Group
When a change occurs as it usually will, you will need a reliable support system. It could be due to a recent loss or a diagnosis. Work through your emotions by talking about them. Listen to the people who have experienced similar situations. This relaxes your soul and helps you heal.
The knowledge of the suffering will make you feel less alone. Consult a health professional if you are feeling depressed. This can be treated with medication and psychotherapy; thus, improving your physical health. Disability indeed makes us feel depressed, the inverse is also true (depression can lead to disability). That’s why it is important to always reach out to someone and talk about your suffering.
- Look after your Appearance
Because you are advancing in years should not mean that you can’t do it in style. When you look good, you feel even better. Wear sunscreen when you go out into the sun to protect your skin, drink plenty of water. Get a neat haircut or try to change your hair color. Dark hair color makes your features look severe while a lighter skin tone softens them. Looking good will boost your confidence and fuel your purpose.
- Laughter is the best medicine
Laughing lowers the stress hormone cortisol. As per the study done in 2014, 20 minutes spent watching funny videos helps improve the memory in seniors. Some researchers proven happiness lowers the risk of heart illness. So, laugh as much as you can because laughter is the best medicine.
6. Explore Things Around You
To avoid social isolation and improve your health and well-being: get out of your home. See more things where you are. You might get out to a local park or shopping center. Anything that connects you to the people around you is always worthwhile. Even the smallest social experience can make a big difference. Think about the places you wish to explore and see how you can go there. You should also think about any activities that you might interest you travel to a new place.
7. Be More Creative
A creative person is one who thinks about the many great things one can do. Consider yourself more creative in your life too. You could attend an art or music class where you can learn how to play an instrument or artwork. You could attend a writing class. Where you can learn from a professional writer about how to produce your narrative work of art. Being creative allows you to challenge yourself to think more. What can be done when you try to produce appealing works of art. You can do anything you wish to if you put your mind to it.
8. Volunteer for work near your place
One of the best ways for the people to make the most out of their lives is by looking into great volunteer opportunities. These are events where people can go out. And assist other peoples to organize special events in a community. It could be working at the polling station during an election. Planning a parade or other community celebration. Cleaning up an area in the neighborhood, many volunteer opportunities abound. You can bring your talents and efforts out to help with anything.
As you start helping other people, you find it’s easier to enjoy life as you help people in many ways. You will find satisfaction in assisting others to make your community a little happier. You can meet different people during your volunteer works. You can meet other people, who also have the interest to serve their community. The social and emotional benefits you get by volunteering your time. And effort in your community is always ideal.
9. Learn to cope with change
As you age, there will be periods of both joy and stress. It’s important to build your resilience and find healthy ways to cope with challenges. This helps you make the most of the good times and keep your viewpoint during tough times. Concentrate on the things that you are thankful for. Acknowledge and express your feelings with your loved ones. Accept the things you can’t change. And focus on the things you can control such as the way you choose to react to problems. Take daily action to deal with life’s challenges by taking a small step at a time. Even a small step boosts your confidence and reminds that you are not powerless.
Depressing feeling, as well as psychological well-being, should not be a burden as you age. Use the points you have read about here. You will find it is not too hard for you to feel better about yourself and where you are going with your life. Dealing with old age always helps as you look to stay confident and comfortable with your life.
Regardless of your age, you can always find the purpose of your life. Finding what’s meaningful to you can take some time and practice, so simple experiment. Wake up every day asking yourself ‘how will I take advantage of this new day? or ‘how can I be of service to someone else today?’ and be open to any opportunities that may arise.
Thank you, for taking out your time to read.
Happy Living Foundation provides Couple Counselling, Pre-Wedding Consultation. We also provide counseling for Depression, Stress Management, Career Counselling, Behavior Modification. If you are living in Delhi NCR, India or any other part of the World, you can approach us through any of these mediums. Please visit Happy Living Foundation or call us at +91-9810885481
Author:
Hitesh Mohan
(Licensed Psychologist)
