Nowadays, people seem obsessed with the idea of never growing old. Our culture is so into delaying and fighting the process of aging that we tend to forget that it is a beautiful thing.
Indeed, growing older is a chance that not everyone gets in life, therefore we must cease to see it as just grey hair or painful joints, and rather appreciate it for what it really is: an opportunity to look back on one’s life and share the experiences and memories of a lifetime with a long list of friends and family.
In order to improve your aging experience, Home care Assistance Calgary has compiled 10 secrets that will help you age gracefully and beautifully:
1) You are what you eat:
If you eat a variety of healthy and fresh foods, you will remain healthy and full of life. On the other hand, if you load up on junk and processed foods, you’re more likely to feel heavy and sluggish. A balanced plant-based diet with plenty of healthy fats and antioxidants has the added benefit of fighting cellular damage and encouraging cellular regeneration which will leave your organs, including your skin, young and healthy.
2) You are what you drink:
Aside from avoiding sugary drinks, the quality of the water you drink is very important. Make sure to drink plenty of spring and filtered water to keep heavy metals and nasty chemicals away. Your health and energy will thank you for it both in the short and long terms.
3) Get plenty of sleep:
Sleep allows your body to repair and regenerate the tissues as well as replenish your energy stocks. Getting plenty of high-quality sleep is also essential to creating new and consolidating old neural connections, which keeps your brain healthy and sharp.
4) Mental exercise:
As the saying goes: use it or lose it! So speaking of a sharp brain, doing mental exercises can also help prevent cognitive decline. Mental puzzles, Sudoku or even learning new languages will help keep your brain healthy as you age.
5) Physical exercise:
Your brain isn’t the only organ that needs exercise; actually your whole body needs it! The benefits of working out are well known. So to avoid joint stiffness, weight gain and muscle weakness, make sure to adopt and follow an exercise regimen, walk when you can, and always stay active!
6) Anticipate:
Prevention is the best kind of medicine. And when it comes to aging gracefully, this couldn’t be truer. Often in life we tend to take things for granted and not worry about consequences. Don’t fall into this trap and take better care of your skin by staying in the shade and applying sunscreen, take care of your teeth and gums, and don’t forget to invest in comfortable and high-quality footwear, your feet will thank you for it later.
7) Be aware of your predispositions:
Still on the topic of prevention, make sure you know the diseases and problems you are predisposed to. In order to do this, take a look at your parents, aunts, uncles and grandparents. Do you have a history of diabetes in your family? Then make sure to limit your sugar consumption. Do you have a history of obesity? Make sure to have a healthy diet.
8) Meditate:
Meditation is the practice of observing the mind. Only recently, meditation has been scientifically proven to have an effect on the expression of genes responsible for aging. This means that a regular meditation practice will help you age well and gracefully.
9) Nurture relationships:
Almost all seniors insist on the importance of building and nurturing relationships instead of solely focusing on material or professional goals. Make sure to follow their advice, not only will you age happily, but you’ll be surrounded by plenty of people to share your happiness with.
10) Smile more:
Do what makes you happy; be with the people who make you happy and never lose your smile.
At Home Care Assistance Calgary our mission is to Change the Way the World Ages. We provide older and disabled adults with high quality care that enables them to live healthier, happier lives at home.