Accepting Your Greys: Healthy Ageing
One of the recent shifts in modern culture is that of accepting old age.
While in the past many celebrities tried to fight off old age with medical procedures, such as the tightening of skin, some are now starting to accept their grey hair.
I believe this new cultural shift is very healthy.
Being ashamed of one’s self creates needless stress, which is the cause of a myriad of diseases.
5 Healthy Habits to Grow Old with Grace
Ageing is a period with rapid changes in the body, almost similar to puberty! Your immune system changes drastically, and so do your natural body clock cycles.
Practice habits which make sure you stay healthy the longest possible.
- Physical activity
Regular physical activity will prevent many chronic conditions, including heart diseases, diabetes, depression, and arthritis.
Consult your doctor and try to incorporate a daily physical activity that you enjoy.
- Diet
Make sure you get plenty of Vitamin E, probiotics, omega-3 fatty acids, and fruits and vegetables in your diet. Minimize sugar.
Staying well-hydrating and minimizing calories without malnutrition is one of the healthiest ways to stay healthy and even increase lifespan.
The recommended caloric needs per day for people aged 60 and above are 2,000-2,400 for males and 1,600-2,000 for females (depending on the level of physical activity one takes part in; an active lifestyle requires more caloric intake than a sedentary lifestyle).
- Socialize
Keep in close contact with family and schedule regular meetings or group activities with friends.
- Get Enough Sleep
Lack of sleep can cause issues such as depression, memory problems, and increased fall risk.
Avoid looking at screens and blue light before bed time.
- Reduce Stress
It is estimated that more than 90% illness is either caused or complicated by stress.
Take active and uncompromising responsibility in saying ‘no’ to activities which stress you.
Midlife Crisis
An ever-growing problem in modern life is the midlife crisis. When people go through it, they are forced to introspect. It can be tough – but on the other side, one can show up as an evolved human.
Try to find healthy inspiration in people who have successfully navigated through a similar period, or take the approach of trueintrospection and find out what you have always wanted to do, and do it!
Ageing forces the body and the mind to change. Rather than resisting it, embracing the change can make the process a lot easier, and even enjoyable.
Disclaimer: This content including advice provides generic information only. It is in no way a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist or your own doctor for more information.
References:
- US National Library of Medicine, ‘The Role of Nutrition in Enhancing Immunity in Aging’, official website (accessed on 12 June, 2020)
- National Institute on Aging, ‘What Do We Know About Healthy Aging?’, official NIH website (accessed on 12 June, 2020)
- Dartmouth-Hitchcock, ‘Ten Tips for Healthy Aging’, official website (accessed on 12 June, 2020)
- Harvard Business Review, ‘Why So Many of Us Experience a Midlife Crisis’, official website (accessed on 12 June, 2020)
- U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, ‘Appendix 2. Estimated Calorie Needs per Day, by Age, Sex, and Physical Activity Level’, official health.gov website (accessed on 16th June, 2020)
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