Why Are We Afraid Of Aging?
For starters, when we’re constantly fed advertisements for anti-aging products we’re being told every day to hold on to our youth. Society and the media make us more afraid of the inevitable fate of getting older. Aging is hard enough already. Instead of being consumed by our youth-obsessed culture, we need to focus on ways we can accept life at every stage and enjoy aging as much as we can.
1. Practice Self-Love
Be who you are! It’s easier said than done but with practice, you can learn to love and accept yourself for who you are. There are so many mixed messages about appearances like how you should color your grey hair or wear modest clothes. Try not to make choices based on others and accept the skin you’re in.
2. Live With Purpose
Find out what truly matters to you. People often feel better about their lives if they’re doing something that gives them purpose. Whether that’s a career path, a hobby, connecting with family, or charitable acts, live a life with meaning that motivates you.
3. Befriend People Of All Ages
Friends your age are wonderful to have but don’t hold back from making friends of all ages. Younger friends will keep you savvy and your older friends will count on you for that! Relationships with people of various ages let you endure a range of experiences and will open your mind to different perspectives. You’ll live a well-balanced lifestyle and learn from all stages of life.
4. Keep Learning
You’re never too old for school and you’re never too old to learn something new. Learning keeps your mind engaged and sharp. We live within a vast universe, there’s an endless list of topics to learn about. Not only will learning make you wise, it will open you up to more possibilities and entertain your life.
5. Be Active
Daily exercise is key to a healthy body and mind. Staying active at every age is crucial to our well-being but it doesn’t always have to look the same. Adapt your exercise to your body, whether that’s weight-lifting at a gym or practicing yoga at home. If you’re able, walking is always encouraged.
6. Define Your Way
You don’t have to listen to what other people say about how to live your life at your age. Society shouldn’t define what life looks like for everyone and times are changing anyway. Listen to your intuition and live where and how you want to live. This “do it my way” attitude will help you enjoy aging more because your age won’t limit you.
7. Practice Stress-Reducing Tactics
The earlier you learn to handle stress, the easier it gets as you age but reducing stress at any age will only benefit you in the long run. You’ll enjoy getting older if you ease your anxieties about it. There are many tips and strategies to help manage stress such as meditation, therapies, and walking outside.
8. Ignore Anti-Aging Marketing
Try to ignore the anti-aging market as best you can. You don’t have to get surgeries or apply 47 products to your skin every day if you don’t want to. It’s time we embrace wrinkles and look at them as a sign of a life well lived. Look after your skin and your body by staying hydrated and applying sunscreen but the rest of the cosmetic stuff is unnecessary.
9. Be Mindful
Time will go by slower the more present you are and memories will be more clear. Practice mindfulness every day until it becomes more natural to you. Living in the moment will not only help you slow down but it’s proven to help accept and appreciate yourself too.
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10. Find New Hobbies
New hobbies make life interesting. You might be ready to try something new for the sake of it or you need a new activity that your body is capable of doing. Engaging in hobbies benefits us as we age in so many ways, from training our brains to keeping us social and happy.
11. Socialize
Friends are the best medicine in the world. Socializing only gets more and more important as we get older. Friends and family are there when you need the support and interacting with others benefits our well-being. Sometimes a chat with a pal is all you need to put you in a good mood. Involve yourself in social activities like group lunches, book clubs, or pickleball tournaments.
12. Spend Time In Nature
Spending time in nature is a walk in the park! Nature can teach us a lot about life. The more we appreciate and engage with nature, the more we understand the world. Whoever said a breath of fresh air wasn’t one of the best things for us?
13. Talk To Older People
You might think you’re old but the thing is, there will always be someone older than you! Talk to older people and ask them questions. It might ease your mind to listen to them share their experiences and know what it’s like to be at their age. They could learn a thing or two from you too.
14. Read Self-Care Books
Reading is good for the soul! Many people have already figured out how to live a happy and meaningful life so why not give what they have to say a try? There are thousands of books about life and its hardships that could help you if you’re worried about aging. Who knows, one of these books could positively change your life.
15. Make Healthy Choices
Maintaining a well-balanced diet and drinking plenty of water are key for longevity and energy. You’ll enjoy getting older more if you’re able to move your body and stay awake past 3 pm. You don’t need a strict diet, you just need to make sure you’re getting all your vitamins and nutrients by eating healthy meals and staying hydrated.
16. Don’t “Act Your Age”
If people judge you for wearing a shirt they don’t consider to be “age-appropriate”, let them judge! If it fits you and you like it, that’s all that matters. The same goes for your behavior–– There are times for maturity and there are times to get a little silly. Life is easier when you don’t always take it so seriously and you need to have fun at every age.
17. Take Advantage Of The Senior Discount
Don’t be insulted when you get offered the senior discount, embrace it! You’ve supported stores and paid full-price long enough, it’s time to pay less. Take advantage of the perks of being a senior and enjoy your discounts and deals wherever you can.
18. Volunteer
If you’re retired, volunteering is something you can do with your extra time that positively impacts your life and others around you. Give back to your community by volunteering at a shelter, helping with a fundraiser, or walking dogs at the animal shelter.
19. Accept Aids
Many people won’t accept that their hearing is getting worse or their vision is blurry because it means they’re getting old. Instead of refusing hearing aids or specialized glasses, take them as soon as they’re needed. You’re going to cave in and get them eventually so you might as well help yourself now instead of suffering.
20. Routine Health Checks
Routine checkups with your doctor and dentist will greatly help with aging. Professionals can keep an eye on you so you don’t have to worry for no reason. With regular appointments, you’ll always know what you need to do to keep yourself as healthy as you can.
