Growing Old is a Journey – Enjoy the Ride

Growing Old is a Journey – Enjoy the Ride

Albert Albert
6 minute read

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Paraphrased from the quote made famous by the Nissan Motor Corporation several decades ago, this is what most people strive for. Growing old gracefully and living a rewarding and happy retired life. Anthony T Hincks also puts it very aptly with “Youthful pleasures last until old age, and then they become old treasures.”

Sadly, for many people, the journey isn’t always a smooth ride. Old age brings us any number of afflictions, annoyances and inconveniences. While many of these challenges can be overcome, or at least managed, some are unavoidable. And this becomes more of an issue, the older we get.

Having said that, we’re going to be looking at the positive side in this article. We’ll focus on some strategies that you can implement to help reduce the number of bumps in your particular stretch of the road. Or at least, to delay their appearance for as long as possible.

These strategies will cover a number of lifestyle aspects as well as some of the interventions and assistive technology that are available to help older people minimize the inconvenience of the conditions they may be suffering from.

Prevention is better than cure

Many age-related conditions can be avoided, delayed or be made less intrusive or restrictive by taking precautions. Some of these precautions can be implemented very early in life and become routine. Others may require lifestyle changes later on to maintain good overall health or to adapt to the unavoidable changes caused by aging.

It's important to note that genetics also plays a role in the development of age-related conditions, so some conditions may be more difficult to prevent or delay than others. However, by adopting healthy lifestyle habits, you can reduce your risk and improve your overall health and quality of life.

Maintaining a positive attitude is one of the keys to enjoying the journey of growing old. A positive attitude can help us cope with the challenges of aging and find joy in each day. Instead of focusing on the limitations of aging, we can focus on the opportunities and experiences that come with each stage of life. Here then, are the things you should do to be able to stay positive.

Keep fit and eat well

Exercise and diet are two aspects of lifestyle that are very easy to turn into lifelong habits. Exercise helps to maintain your physical health and reduce your risk of many age-related conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, and osteoporosis. Ideally, an exercise routine should include at least five hours per week of moderately intense exercise.

The International Journal of Clinical Practice, in a 2016 research study, found that a multicomponent exercise program provided the most benefit. Such a program would include routines for cardio vascular fitness, strength training, balance and co-ordination training and stretching exercises for flexibility.

As exercising becomes more challenging when you're growing old, you should gradually migrate to lower impact exercises. For example, rather walk than jog. Or take up swimming if you have access to a pool. Just ensure that you keep the intensity level up. It’s advisable to join a group or work out with an instructor for safety and to provide encouragement and motivation.    

A healthy diet ensures that we take in all the required nutrients while avoiding those that are harmful. Together, exercise and a healthy diet contribute significantly to reducing your risk of age-related conditions like heart disease, diabetes or osteoporosis.

Keep your mind sharp

Stay mentally active and manage stress levels. Engaging in mentally stimulating activities such as reading, playing games or learning new skills have been shown to help maintain cognitive function and reduce the risk of dementia. They also act as a stress reliever. In addition, you can practice stress-reducing techniques such as meditation, yoga, or deep breathing exercises.

Staying socially engaged is also vital for mental health and stress management. People who are socially active are far less prone to depression and anxiety. They’re more likely to get help when they experience health issues and they will also generally be more active.  

There are many ways that you can get mental stimulation, whether alone or with one or more partners. Puzzles are a great way to pass time and to give your brain a bit of a workout. Depending on your preferences and aptitude, word games and sudoku can provide hours of stimulation and relaxation at the same time. And the web is awash with free apps.

Alternatively, get creative and take up drawing or scrapbooking. If your finances allow it, you could knit or start upcycling or recycling household items. There’s even the possibility of selling the things you make to cover their cost or to provide an additional income.

Look after your inner health

Avoid smoking and excessive alcohol consumption. Smoking is the foremost cause of preventable deaths in the US and kills more people than HIV, motor car casualties, drug and alcohol abuse and firearms. Excessive alcohol consumption also contributes to an increased risk of cancer, heart disease, and liver disease.

Don’t try to be a medical hero. Having regular health check-ups or getting treatment when you’re ill are not signs of weakness. Regular check-ups can help identify and manage any age-related conditions early on, when they are most treatable. The same applies when you fall ill; an early diagnosis greatly improves your chances of a full and quick recovery.

Manage what you can’t overcome

As much as you keep fit, eat correctly and stay socially active, you will probably still have to deal with one or more of these conditions. If you’re unable to treat it successfully, you should be able to manage it so that it doesn’t hamper your lifestyle and spoil your journey.

This is where you can benefit from the expertise and the support of a company like LL Medico. We have more than 25 years of experience in products for age-related conditions and we’ve helped thousands of people maintain their lifestyle and dignity.

We stock a huge range of adult diapers as well as equipment and consumables for incontinence, impaired mobility and diabetes. Shipping to the continental US is free and delivery takes 1 to 3 days. Our support staff are available by phone at (855) 422-4556 or on live chat from 9 am to 5 pm EST. Or you can drop us a line at [email protected].     

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