Men’s Health Month: Secrets to Feeling Great as You Age Gracefully

When it comes to aging, most of us know it’s inevitable. However, you do have control over whether age is accompanied by poor health, sore muscles, and joints, or a quick-diminishing appearance.

There are many easy keys to aging gracefully – including staying active, eating right, and protecting your skin from sun damage – and better yet, they are all within your control. We encourage you to follow these tips on how to age gracefully and have the physical and mental health to enjoy it.

• Exercise
  • Regular exercise significantly lowers your risk of diseases, such as heart disease and cancer, and helps you retain your mobility longer. Exercise also lowers stress and improves sleep, skin and bone health, and mood. Exercise is also one of the best things you can do to help prevent dementia and other cognitive changes.
• Mental health matters
  • Being happy and keeping your stress down goes a long way in helping you live and age well. To keep your mood elevated, consider doing these:
    • Spend time with friends and loved ones – meaningful relationships and a strong social network improve mental and physical well-being and longevity.
    • Accept your age – there’s evidence that people who maintain a positive attitude about aging live longer and may recover better from a disability. Aging is inevitable and learning to embrace it can make all the difference.
    • Do things you enjoy – Taking the time to engage in activities you enjoy will only fuel your happiness.
  • Get enough sleep
    • Good sleep is important for your physical and mental health. Quality sleep prevents mood swings, improves your memory, and decreases the risk and symptoms of diseases like diabetes. Aim to get quality sleep each night and try to stick to the same sleep schedule.
  • See your healthcare provider regularly
    • The older you get, the more you’ll want to routinely visit your healthcare provider to check in with your health and prevent diseases from progressing. Healthcare providers will always be available to help you find answers and keep you feeling at your best no matter your age.
  • Stay optimistic
    • When you choose to be optimistic and grateful, your mind and body respond in kind. People with a positive outlook live longer and have fewer heart attacks and depression than more negative people. A positive outlook may help you exercise more and eat better.

Though aging is inevitable, some people find it difficult to deal with the changes that come with getting older. Aging gracefully is more about being healthy and happy than keeping wrinkles at bay. LifeWorx delivers the finest local elder and lifestyle services and we’re here to help you find peace of mind and improve your quality of life. Contact us today and let us help you age gracefully.