5 Wellness, Diet, and Exercise Tips for Helping You Age Gracefully
Collaborative Post
Have you ever seen a public figure on your TV screen that hasn’t been in the news for a while, thought to look up their age and been surprised when the number you see on screen doesn’t add up to what you’re seeing on your screen? Indeed, a minor procedure here and there doesn’t hurt, but there is so much more to ageing than looking younger.
While wrinkles and general sagging aren’t uncommon as you get older, an optimistic spirit and overall good health can go a long way to helping you age gracefully. Ultimately, growing old is all about living each day like it’s your last – and taking care of yourself through wellness, diet, and exercise is the only way you’ll get there!
Yet, you might wonder how you go about doing this. Fortunately, we’ve outlined several wellness, diet, and exercise tips in this article, including looking after every aspect of your outward appearance, from your teeth to the hair on your head and taking care of your mental health. Continue reading to find out more.
Look After Your Physical Appearance
One of the most significant hold-ups people have about ageing is how it affects their physical appearance. From the loss of muscle tone and thinning skin to wrinkles and loss, breakage or thinning of hair, old age can wreak havoc on our outward appearance, which is why we must endeavour to look after it while we’re young to avoid the severity of the changes when we’re older.
Of all the side effects of ageing, two of the most noticeable effects are the ones it has on our skin, and hair since these are among some of the first things a person notices about us. Fortunately, there are several ways we can ward off dark spots, wrinkles, thinning spots and hair loss by taking a few proactive steps in our youth.
From avoiding bad habits like smoking, and wearing sun cream every day, to trying low-level light therapy, and avoiding hairstyles that pull on your scalp – all these things and more can prevent the severity of hair loss and skin conditions later in life. Another popular way to avoid hair loss if you’re genetically predisposed to it is by using prescription medications like finasteride and minoxidil.
Consider using online pharmacies like Oxford Online Pharmacy for cost-effective hair loss treatments and more information about the types available. Using their site, you can organise a consultation with a GMC-registered doctor who can work alongside you to develop a hair loss treatment plan suitable for the type of hair loss you’re experiencing.
Take Care Of Your Mental Health
When we are mentally fit, we enjoy our life, all our surroundings and everyone in it. Looking at the world with these lenses can be incredible since it inspires us to be more creative, do things we wouldn’t usually do, and learn new skills. Not only does positivity radiate out of us, but everything we commit ourselves to, including dealing with complex emotions and challenging times that might crop up in our professional and personal lives.
However, when we’re suffering mentally, all the above is reversed, and it can become a chore to do even the simplest tasks. Whether it’s mustering the energy to brush our teeth in the morning or to drag ourselves out of the house to do a weekly shopping – there’s a lot that poor mental health can cause us to suffer.
To prevent this from carrying into your golden years, it is essential that you take care of your mental health to the best of your abilities. Fortunately, there are several ways that you can endeavour to look after your mental health, from getting the correct amount of sleep daily, having a positive mindset, maintaining a well-balanced diet, getting regular exercise, and much more. Even furniture can have an impact on mental health. Find out if your home or medical practice could benefit from Mental Health Furniture from Knightsbridge.
Get Involved With Physical Activity
Although there are times when the mention of the word ‘gym’ would make even the most dedicated gym fan’s knees buckle, unbeknownst to many, getting involved with physical activity is one of the best ways to keep yourself fit and healthy in your mind, body, and soul.
Committing to an exercise routine is one of the best things you can do to contribute to ageing gracefully; this is because when you participate in physical activity, your body releases endorphins which trigger a reaction that is akin to euphoria.
Due to this pleasurable feeling, many people who participate in physical activity can get addicted to it – which is where the term ‘runners high’ was coined. Not only does exercising feel good, it also enables you to achieve your fitness goals, which can spur you on further.
Typically, older adults should aim for at least one hundred and fifty minutes of vigorous-intensity exercise such as jogging, running, hiking, or any other type of cardio exercise. This will help keep their joints moving, stimulate their mind, and much more.
Find New Hobbies To Try
Another way to increase your efforts to age gracefully is by having more fun. One way to get more pleasure into your life is by finding a new hobby, which is beneficial for expressing joy and relaxing after a long day and benefits your physical and mental well-being. Contrary to the old proverb, you can teach an old dog new tricks!
Even though our minds and bodies may slow down over time, speed has no bearing on learning new hobbies. All you need to teach yourself new tricks is joy, a can-do attitude, and a positive spirit. Fortunately, there are hundreds of hobbies to get involved in nowadays; whether you’d like to try your hand at pottery-making or dabble in online cookery classes – there are dozens to choose from.
Whichever you try, having a hobby boasts significant benefits for older adults, from being a creative outlet, working the brain, relieving stress, improving physical fitness, giving them a better sense of purpose, and, arguably most important, a chance to socialise.
The latter benefit is considered one of the most important since studies show that older adults who are a part of a hobby group are more likely to live longer than those who aren’t, which is one of the critical aspects of ageing gracefully.
Schedule Regular Doctor’s Visits
Although ageing gracefully is not all about being the picture of health, it is best to schedule regular doctor’s visits to identify any health issues quickly before they become too much of a problem to manage. Generally, you should see a doctor once a year if you’re above fifty years old and have no underlying health conditions, which should gradually increase as you age.
However, how often you should see a medically trained professional also depends on your family’s medical history, lifestyle, and existing conditions, so ensure that you keep a watchful eye on your health and report any notable changes to your GP.
While at your appointment, your GP may also make recommendations based on your age, like vaccines, screenings, and check-ups, so ensure that you listen to and book them if your doctor feels you could benefit from them. Staying in the best health possible is vital to ensure that you age gracefully and without unnecessary fuss.
And, of course, don’t forget to visit a dental expert like this dentist who does the best dental implants in Delray Beach too. Remember that your teeth’s health deteriorates naturally as you grow old so making sure that they’re in good condition is crucial.
Photo by Jos Zwaan on Unsplash
