Aging Well: Prioritizing Self-Care
websitebuilder • February 4, 2021
The importance of wellness is seldom fully realized until its absence becomes more prevalent. In a perfect world, we would all start training for aging in our 20s. Rare are those who give any thought to aging at all, until we get there. Although it is never too late to start taking your aging health more seriously, the sooner healthy practices become habits the richer the golden years. The goal for the third spring of life should be to thrive, not just survive.
Sadly, many Americans give little credence to the concept that self-care is the Holy Grail. There is a stigma about aging; you get old, then you die. That mentality is frightening and downright false. Getting old isn’t shameful. Not investing in self-care is.
It is all too common for people to turn their nose up at exercise, nutrition and a good night’s sleep. Yet these are the three superpowers of staying healthy at every age. We say we don’t have time, it is too difficult to change or, the supreme expression of denial, it is what it is. In reality, we don’t take the time or make the time because losing weight, quitting smoking or eating nutritiously takes work. Folks are looking for surgical intervention or a magical pill to erase decades of damaging practices.
Even when the sole beneficiary of a healthy lifestyle is the one looking in the mirror, it doesn’t trip the breaker. Or does it? If anything or everything you just read is resonating, take a deep breath and take a stand. Start now. The big three—exercise, diet and sleep—will never fail you.
Champion your plate with protein, fiber and foods that come from the ground. Take care of your mouth. According to the American Dental Association, a dentist can spot signs of nutritional deficiencies, infection, cancer and other illnesses. If you just don’t feel right for more than a couple of days, see your doctor. Take care of your skin by always wearing sunscreen with moisturizer. Dermatologists can find most skin abnormalities early, so see one twice a year. Get informed about gut health.We produce less stomach acid as we age so you may need to eat differently. Eat more nutrient-dense foods and fewer calories.
Just as important as physical health is mental health. Being happy and keeping your stress low can add years of fruitful living.Realize that you and only you are in control of your destiny. We all have highs and lows, but it’s how you handle it that makes the difference.
Have fun, explore, learn and give. The best is yet to be.
Cathy Graham is the director of Graceful Aging Wellness Center, part of Bethlen Communities in Ligonier, Pennsylvania, and a District 3000–HRFA member.
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