Creating a Healthy Lifestyle

Aging begins at birth and continues through the later years.  But we don’t usually think of aging during the younger years.  It is only during middle age that we are aware of our own aging, such as the unwanted changes in our skin and loss of hair. As we look into the mirror we become more cognizant of our own aging.  But even as we see the changes, we deny it to ourselves by using various kinds of makeup and moisturizers.  As we look for all of the changes that seem to occur quite frequently during this time, we desperately search for a ‘solution.’

Therefore, it seems that we are continuing to search for the elusive “fountain of youth.”  It is a fantasy that seems to be the miraculous cure for our aging bodies.   So we try a variety of ways to hopefully eliminate or at least disguise the reality of aging.  At the extreme end, we may take botox or have plastic surgery.  Or, at the least, we take all kinds of supplements to forestall or ‘stop’ the aging process.  But no matter what we do, evidence of aging continues to haunt us.  We may conceal it for awhile.  However,  as we look at ourselves and our reduced energies, the reality is not pleasant.

In spite of all of these fears and anxieties about aging, we can reframe our thinking about aging.  As we get older we can continue to be healthy.  As we become healthier, we will achieve a more positive view of aging.  It doesn’t have to be an inevitable decline, but rather, a continuing growth to a healthy life.  We will be more satisfied with our life and actually look forward to getting older.

There are many things we can do to age healthily, and feel better about ourselves:

Exercise

The first step is to exercise intensely for about thirty minutes a day.  Make sure you combine aerobic and weight-lifting as  an important part of your program.  Exercise will improve the circulation of blood and give you a healthy heart and brain.  You will also feel good and refreshed after exercising.  Of course, consult with your physician if you have a physical condition.  Do the best that you can, and increase the intensity of the exercise as you are able.

 Stimulate the Mind

Stimulating the mind will make your brain healthier.  Nerve cells or neurons will continue to grow, even as you grow older.  You may be able to prevent or delay the onset of Alzeimer’s disease or other types of dementia. Your brain will continue to ‘grow’ as you age.  You also will have a better self-image and self-esteem.

Discover New Projects

You don’t have to do the same things as you grow older.  There can be new projects and possibilities.  Try something new that you’ve never done before.  Find a new hobby that you enjoy.  Go back to school.  Do a creative art project or write a book.  The possibilities are limitless, but it has to be an interesting and stimulating activity that you will enjoy.

Practice Mindfulness

Although meditation and mindfulness is important at all ages, during the later years it is even more essential to practice mindfulness in all of the things that you do.  Mindfulness is focusing on your experiences with acceptance and without expectations.  Judgment is suspended, and you can perceive anything from moment-to-moment.  You can get a more clear view of the reality around you, whether it is a relationship, object, or the beauty of nature.  It is difficult at first, but with practice you will become more skillful with the ‘art’ of mindfulness.

I discuss “healthy aging” in a chapter of my latest book, “Create a Healthy Lifestyle: ‘Secrets’ of Health and Happiness.” I explain in further detail the path towards healthy aging, with some case examples.   The crucial point is that you can become healthier as you grow older, beginning at Middle Age through the older years.  But it’s important to begin today, no matter what your age is today.  Enjoy the journey!