Sometimes called the ‘golden years’, the later years of life can be a new chapter with much to look forward to from enjoying retirement, spending more time with family, discovering new talents and traveling. It’s true that getting older can sound intimidating, but with healthy aging, it does not have to be. Aging is a part of the natural process of life and can be celebrated as a new phase of life full of wonder and excitement.
One of the biggest impacts on our success in our golden years is our attitude towards this glorious time. Yes, it can be a time of significant change. Managing this change and creating a new perspective about our future can help to live the best lives that we can live!
Rhythms Home Care has developed a way to create this new perspective with a framework based on five pillars of wellness – Social, Intellectual. Purposeful, Physical, Spiritual.
By focusing on each of the pillars, older adults can design a lifestyle that is fulfilling and exciting – perhaps different from our earlier phases of life but no less important and invigorating.
This philosophy has been tried and tested with thousands of seniors and has proven to be a successful formula for thriving in our golden years.
Social engagement is critical for all ages but may need more attention as we age and circumstances change.
Intellectual purposeful engagement of the mind can keep our minds sharp, strong and alert. Activities such as puzzles, games, hobbies, learning a new language or technology and more are great ways to stimulate our minds.
Purposeful activity involves choosing to engage in the things that matter to us and feeling like we make a difference and are in control of our own lives.
Spiritual engagement offers purpose and meaning to our lives. This connection with spirituality, religion, nature or other force greater than ourselves provides a solace and a sense of purpose and guidance.
Physical health is one of the most important and visible dimensions of health. Staying physically active and maintaining other prescribed medical regimens is critical to overall wellbeing.
We all want to enjoy our years and it is entirely within our reach. Along with the above recommendations, here are additional tips for healthy aging:
- Choose a healthy lifestyle: Eat healthy foods that are rich in vitamin B12, fiber, Omega3, Calcium, Iron, Vitamin D, Vitamin C, Potassium and Magnesium. It is also important to maintain a healthy body weight and establish good sleep patterns, more nutritional Tips for Older Adults.
- Stay connected to other people: It is important to maintain and nurture relationships with your loved ones, including your spouse, family, friends and neighbors. Focus on staying active in the community and connecting with younger adults.
- Exercise your brain: Stimulate your brain through mental activities. Keep an open mind towards learning new things and developing new talents.
- Be physically active: Daily exercise for about 30 minutes. Including aerobic exercise or strength training can help stimulate the brain and strengthen bones and muscles leading to healthy aging. Learn more about how home care benefits heart health of older adults.
- Set goals and make plans: Goals are a great way to get out of your comfort zone. That gives you the ability to be in control of your life and ultimately leads to mastery and accomplishment.
- Think positively about yourself: In order to feel good about the world around you, think positively about yourself, and remember your identity.
- Regular medical check-ups: Visiting with your doctor annually enables you to engage in preventative health behavior. That also helps you discover any symptoms or illnesses.
- Do not worry about the small things: It’s too easy to worry about things that don’t matter. Do not let the small things affect your overall perspective on life.
Our golden years should be celebrated, and these tips will help everyone age positively and in healthy ways.
