When you reach a certain age, there is that stereotype that you become old and bitter, and that you no longer see the beauty in life anymore. This is, of course, an absolute myth, and senior people can live just as happy and fulfilling lives as when they were younger. There is nothing inherently bad that comes with growing old, but let’s take a look at why some people feel there is a difference, and what you can do to combat it.
Take Care Of Your Health
Yes there are some medical issues that are more likely to occur when you pass a certain age, and yes your eyesight may deteriorate and you may experience hearing loss, but that doesn’t mean you should simply give up on your health just because you’re getting older. When you retire, you are much more likely to move less than you did before, and that is the first thing you should tackle. Just because you don’t have to go to work, doesn’t mean you should sit in front of the TV all day. Start looking for ways to keep active. Take up new hobbies, or fill your time walking around your town. The more active you are, the better chance you give yourself against complications that are tied to not moving enough. Secondly, you need to keep up a good, balanced diet. Make sure you are getting all of your nutrients, and try to especially stock up on Omega-3’s from fish, seeds, leafy greens and berries. If you have any conditions that require you to take regular medicine, make sure you always take it on time, and keep up with any recommendations the doctors have prescribed.
Create A Comfortable Environment
When we get older, we have to realise that our bodies have limitations, and some things that we used to do easily we now have to adapt. If you’ve been living in a fifth floor apartment in a building with no lift, it might be time to move to a more accessible place, if you are having problems reaching your home. If your mental health isn’t what it used to be, or you realise you need medical care on a daily basis, then you should consider comfortable retirement living. Don’t worry; you’re not going to be placed in a small room where you will be locked in for half the day. These are state of the art facilities where you will have your own space, neighbours, friends and the care that you need. This is especially recommended for people with dementia, who have trouble finding their way home or keeping up with daily routines crucial for their health.
Keep Relationships Strong
Throughout our lives, our friendship circles grow and shrink, which is perfectly normal, but studies show that elderly people are some of the loneliest in the world. This is partially because they feel like they are a burden to their families, and consequently don’t spend enough time with them. In addition, it is often due to limited mobility or other issues that they let relationships with their friends and peers fade away. It is so important to keep these relationships strong, because they help you combat loneliness, give you a reason to stay active, and raise the overall quality of your life. If you have trouble meeting with friends regularly, try to organise a book club or a tea party once or twice per month, where your group of friends will gather and socialise. On top of this, you want to keep strong ties with your family. Therefore, try to stay current with technology, or other interests they have, so that you can talk to them about things that are a regular part of their lives.
Most importantly, you need to stay positive. If you have a fresh, optimistic outlook on life, you are much more likely to be happier when you reach an older age. Forget about thinking how you’ve only “got a few years left”, or how nobody cares about you because “you’re old”, and just enjoy life like you have done all along. Remember that the world is just as beautiful as always and that there are people who need you. You have a lot of wisdom you’ve collected over the years, and it’s a wonderful thing to pass on to younger generations.
Diana Smith
is a full time mom of two beautiful girls interested in business and marketing related topics.
In her free time she enjoys exercising and preparing healthy meals for her family.
