By Barbara Pierce
Twenty years ago In Good Health—Mohawk Valley Newspaper was first published. I’ve been fortunate to write for it since then. I’ve written often about aging over the years — as I aged.
I’ve talked with many of you along the way and appreciated that you shared your expertise and wisdom with me. I’ve learned so much from you. Much about how to age.
I’d like to share with you the things I’ve kept hearing over and over as ways to thrive as we age. The things that we should consider prioritizing as we age, so that we can have the best life possible and maintain our independence.
1. Taking care of our health should be a top priority
“As we age, prioritizing health becomes essential because the body’s resilience decreases over time,” said physician Harry Capone, Oneida Health TriValley Family Medicine, Canastota. “We become more vulnerable to injury, more susceptible to infection and the risk of cancer increases as we age. Preventive care, regular check-ups and healthy habits help maintain independence and quality of life.”
“Early detection of health issues can prevent complications and improve outcomes, making proactive health management the cornerstone of healthy aging,” he added.
It’s crucially important to have a relationship with a primary health care provider. They manage chronic conditions, coordinate care, ensure preventive screenings, address mental health, and serve as our health advocate, leading to better outcomes. They offer continuity, a relationship that helps catch subtle changes and provides guidance for healthy aging, making them your central “conductor” for all your health.
2. Move your body more!
It’s a sad fact that the physical decline of our bodies happens gradually. Muscles decrease; hearts become less functional; we tire quickly. Bones become more fragile. Cartilage degenerates. Flexibility is reduced. Joint motion more restricted.
It’s a downward spiral. We gradually adapt. It happens so gradually that we don’t notice. Or we cope.
But it doesn’t have to be like that. Aging is not the enemy. Inertia is the enemy, experts say. More than 50% of the physical decline associated with old age may be due to lack of physical activity, says the National Institutes of Health. That’s significant. The stakes are enormous. Maintaining our independent functioning is a high priority.
Compelling evidence strongly suggests that increased physical activity fights against decline.
You can get off that slippery slope by keeping your body moving. ‘Use it or lose it’ was right. If we don’t keep our bodies moving, we’ll lose strength, stamina and endurance.
“Approach the care and feeding of your body as a job,” advised dancer Twyla Tharp when she wrote her book “Keep it Moving” at the age of 79. She suggests: “Pick your poison. Run, lift weights, dance, swim, skate, broad jump. Make a commitment and practice it regularly.”
Even moderate amounts of physical activity can keep you functioning well; it doesn’t have to be strenuous. Walking, square dancing, swimming and bicycling are all great. Choose activities you enjoy; you’re more likely to keep it up if it’s fun.
It’s never too late to get fit. The body responds to exercise, no matter what age. Start slowly; aim for small improvements.
3. Nurture your relationships
Stay connected with family, friends and community; appreciate the relationships in your life. “The things that matter most to people facing a terminal illness aren’t things; they’re other people,” said one expert.
We’re naturally social creatures. Social interaction is good for our minds, bodies and souls. In fact, studies show when you have a satisfying relationship with a partner, family, friend, neighbor or co-worker, you’re happier, have fewer health problems and live longer.
Friends are crucial for emotional support, boosting mental and physical health, increasing happiness, providing new perspectives, helping with tough times. They’re a great support system.
When we’re older, falling into friendships becomes harder. But it’s important to continue developing and maintaining strong social ties with others. To make new friends, consider volunteering, joining local clubs, adult learning centers. Keep in touch with old friends.
4. Keep learning
Learning new things is probably the best way to keep your brain alive. Exercising your brain is just as important as exercising your body. Activities that challenge your brain keep your mind active and help slow cognitive decline as you age.
Take a class to learn something new while meeting new people. Look for opportunities to participate in activities. Get out and about by going to a sporting event, volunteering, trying a new restaurant or visiting a museum. Learn a new skill, such as tai chi, cooking or playing a musical instrument.
5. Embrace joy
Joy is a powerful emotion; embracing it can positively improve overall well-being. Embracing joy means actively choosing to cultivate happiness, by focusing on what you can control and practicing gratitude.
Joy is an inner contentment that isn’t dependent on external circumstances. For example, close your eyes and vividly remember a joyful moment from your past. Let yourself re-experience those positive emotions. Or once in a while, line up a row of warm chocolate chip cookies and dip them in milk. Go on little adventures.
Smile. Even if you don’t feel like it, the act of smiling can trigger joy in your brain. Laugh a lot to release endorphins.
Embrace the joys of old age. You’re smarter, you’re more experienced and you have more time to do the things you enjoy.