Making the Aging Process Easier

Aging is inevitable. As early as in our twenties, our bodies begin the aging process. The process is slow and gradual. There is no specific birthday milestone that determines whether you are old – it is a matter of your physical, emotional, and mental well-being. Aside from these, your spiritual health is just as important.

Tips for making the process of getting old easier

To some, the aging process is scary. It reminds us of our mortality. To others, it is a reminder to live each day to the fullest and to appreciate the little moments. So many people are denied the gift of old age due to early death, and we should treat it as a gift and a blessing.

You can make the aging process easier by adopting a few tips now. These suggestions address your physical, emotional, mental, social, and financial needs. You must practice self-discipline daily to make a difference in your overall life. These daily practices and habits will help you slow down the aging process and make your golden years more manageable.

Move everyday.

Although picturing yourself sitting in your rocking chair on the front porch snapping beans may be your vision of aging, there is a time and place for that, but it may not be in healthy aging. There will be times when you need to rest, of course, but to maintain mobility, you need to move your body daily.

This can be as simple as taking a daily walk, stretching while watching television, or using your body weight to do pushups against the kitchen counter. It is also never too late (as long as your doctor gives clearance) for you to take up cardio workouts like dance or aerobics, kickboxing, weightlifting, or Pilates.

People often find yoga poses and flows extremely helpful in maintaining flexibility, strength, and balance, which decreases your likelihood of getting hurt if you take a tumble. Check out classes at your local gym or community center. You can also find at-home workouts online.

Eat healthy foods.

If you want to live a long and healthy life, increase your chances by avoiding processed and fast foods, excessive sodium, and added sugars. Try to stick to healthy meals with whole grains, fruits and vegetables, healthy fats, and lean proteins. Watch your portion sizes and eating habits.

As we age, our appetite changes, and we may not be as hungry. Ensure you are eating nutritious foods and take a supplement if needed. You may want to check your bloodwork and add supplements like calcium plus Vitamin D3 and Vitamins C and E to increase your immunity and strengthen your bones.

Collagen powder in drinks may help with skin, nails, hair, and joint pain. Ask your doctor before adding supplements to your diet, as some can interfere with the absorption of certain medications.

Sleep well.

Sleep likes to elude us as we age. It becomes harder to fall asleep, and we may awaken in the middle of the night, unable to fall back to sleep. We may take naps during the day. This is part of the aging process. The circadian rhythm shifts the older we get.

To get back into a more manageable schedule, eat an earlier dinner and avoid spicy food, especially a few hours before bed. Stop using your digital devices like tablets and phones before bed. The blue light emitted from these devices can make sleep more difficult. Instead, read or write in a journal.

Stop smoking and overconsuming alcohol.

Ask yourself how many smokers you know who have lived a long life without a physical illness. This is not to say that if you stop smoking, you will never get sick or receive a cancer diagnosis. However, your chances of living longer dramatically improve when you stop smoking.

Overconsuming alcohol can also cause detrimental effects. Check with your pharmacist if you regularly imbibe, as some medications cannot be taken with alcohol. Combining alcohol and drugs can cause dizziness or a drop in blood pressure. Speak honestly to your physician about the amount of alcohol you consume.

Stay up-to-date with medical appointments.

As we age, doctor and specialist appointments increase. We can either view these extra appointments as inconveniences or as blessings in disguise. Schedule all of your screenings within a few weeks to get them out of the way. Many lives have been saved by a screening that caught a diagnosis early enough for treatment.

Your mindset is critical during this time. If you receive a medical diagnosis, do not throw up your hands and admit defeat just because you think you are too old to fight. You are still here because God is not done with you yet. Many people have received a terminal diagnosis from doctors, only to still be doing God’s work five to ten years later. It is not over until God says it is over. Continue doing God’s work and use your testimony to bring others to Him.

Reduce stress.

Reducing stress is easier said than done, but removing stressors from your life can make it smoother. If you have toxic relationships, now may be the time to distance yourself from negativity. If you struggle to pay your bills, analyze your expenses, cut out excessive spending, and budget your income. Consider using free services like libraries for your entertainment.

Practice stress management activities such as stretching and taking walks. Watch humorous movies to lighten the mood and spike endorphins. Spend time with friends doing fun things like playing mini-golf, games like BINGO, or attending concerts.

Remember, you can implement stress-lowering activities solo, like relaxing in a hot tub, reading a good book, or listening to calming music.

Have an emotional support person.

As Proverbs 27:17 (NIV) reads: “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.” The aging process comes with new challenges and emotions, and it is good to have at least one person you can lean into and confide in during stressful times. This can be an old friend or a family member. It can be a sister or brother in Christ. Find someone with whom you can share struggles and make them aware that you are there for them.

If you do not have anyone like that, look around your neighborhood, community, and church. Join groups in your church or local groups of people with the same interests as you. Is there a single mother or young man that needs a friend? You may become a role model/mentor to someone who needs encouragement and guidance.

Work your brain.

Cognitive decline is a part of the aging process, and you want to slow this down as much as possible as early as you can. Working puzzles and playing memory games keep neurons firing and communicating in your brain. You can purchase inexpensive games at thrift stores or try a few digital games.

Learning something new also increases the chances of your mind staying younger longer. Try a new card or board game, video game, musical instrument, or piece of music. Work with games that require hand-eye coordination to put your brain to work.

Become financially literate.

Being financially secure, or at least having enough to live on through the golden years, relieves stress as we age. It is never too late to become financially literate. It may seem like another language, but learning how to save, invest, and start small side hustles can help you prepare for the future.

If you have a family member that is well acquainted with finances and investments, ask them how you can get started. If you do not know anyone, check with financial advisors specializing in retirement and investments. You can also take financial courses online.

Counseling for the Aging Process

The aging process can take its toll. You have never been this age before, so it is hard to know if what you are experiencing is normal. Reach out to a Christian counselor specializing in aging and geriatric issues, cognitive changes, and mental health conditions. Call our office today to schedule an appointment.