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How to Age Gracefully in Mind, Body and Spirit

You can live to the ripe old age of 100 or even 120 years with joy and grace.

Although it takes some good genes to age to such ages gracefully, a sense of purpose and an optimistic spirit can benefit you more as you age, regardless of your genes.

An Applied Psychology study review (a review of 160 published studies) done in 2011 found that there’s a link between general health and longevity, and a positive state of mind. It may be worth trying CBD Gummies for Anxiety to improve your mental health.

Wellness is all about your life context, spanning your relationships, attitudes, physical health, work, and creative outlets. According to holistic integrative medicine, the cornerstone of complete wellness is your mind-body connection. 

Integrative medicine shows that your mental state, especially a sense of purpose, impacts your lifespan. A 2014 Psychological Science study found that goal-setting and the actions put in place to attain them contribute towards healthier lifestyle choices and a longer life expectancy. 

Hobbies, connections with people, active leaning and positive life engagements can help you live healthily in your 90s or even 100s.

Despite the differences in people from all walks of life, we all age and grow older every passing day. However, aging well differs from mere aging. There is a lot that can happen to the body as it ages, changes are normal, but it can be frustrating in some areas, for example, a man may experience erectile dysfunction causing worry and low mood, this can be rectified by using certain medications that Blink Health has available. It can be daunting going through changes but there is always assistance available that can help people through.

Anything that touches on the mind, body and spirit, ranging from diet to an active social life to exercise, support healthy aging.

Keep your mind sharp with curiosity and learn something new daily. Commit to casual therapy or counseling for good mental health. 

And, with lots of sleep, good food, regular exercise and regular health checkups, your body can enjoy great health.

An active social life, making new friends and spending quality time with your loved ones are key to a wholesome spirit. With a healthy mind, body and spirit, you can live a long and happy life. 

Here’re tips to help you age gracefully in mind, body and spirit:

6 Tips to Help Condition Your Mind, Body and Spirit to Age Gracefully 

  1. Laugh, keep a sense of humour and be positive

Read humorous essays, watch funny movies and enjoy jokes to prolong your life. Take life lightly and joy seriously even in tough situations to live longer. 

Develop a sense of humor in every situation to come out of it better. It’s also a great way to lift your spirit and boost your mind health.

Maintain a positive outlook as you age to live healthier and longer life. Find the positives in every bad situation and hang around positive people to live happily. Instead of finding fault in people and situations or complaining, be positive. 

Laughter is a great way to maintain positivity and increase your lifespan. Make sure that what you watch, read and consume is positive because positivity attract positivity. Inspiring podcasts, good news and TED talks can uplift your mind and spirit for healthy living. 

  1. Eat well to support your aging body 

Heavy weight strains your joints, digestive system and internal organs. Your body works harder when you’re heavy to keep you going. Eventually, something gives.

However, an optimal weight allows your body to focus on healthy living without the need to cope with:

  • Clogged arteries
  • Inflamed joints 
  • A dysfunctional colon. 

Eat easy-to-digest foods and spiced fresh meals to nourish your brain with healthy nutrients for better functioning. 

Avoid overeating, skipping meals, processed foods, or eating late to nurture your brain and body for healthier living. Your biggest meal in a day should be lunch to ensure that you eat less when you’re likely to be inactive. 

Choose foods rich in antioxidants such as fruits and vegetables to help you fight free radicals that hasten aging. Antioxidants also prevent chronic diseases and premature aging. 

Legumes, grains and nuts are also rich in energy and proteins for body-building. You’ll need proteins for cell renewal and rejuvenation to keep you looking younger. Detoxify your system to trigger cell regeneration for younger looking skin.

Avoid caffeinated drinks such as tea and coffee, and alcohol.

  1. Use washable incontinence panties

Women and men tend to leak urine as they age. Your vaginal and bowel muscles weaken as you become older, leading to urine leakage. Other factors such as childbirth, pressure and stress can worsen incontinence in women.

In this case, you’ll need washable incontinence pants to absorb leaking urine and prevent embarrassing moments. Incontinence underwear are washable for reuse and to save on costs long-term.

They’re also comfortable and smooth for use even when taking part in physical activities. 

  1. Stay connected with community, friends and family

Loneliness isn’t good for your mind and thus health as you age. Stay connected with your local community, friends and family to gain support and fight loneliness.

Your spiritual group and community can foster social connections and build both your spirit and mind. Meditation, nature walks and creative pursuits are great ways to connect with yourself and kick out negativity and clear your mind. 

Ayurveda recommends a connection with a higher purpose as a major pillar of resilience and health. Selfless social values and ethics can help you increase your longevity. This is also a great way to build a support community or group through service.

Getting a listening ear to your life issues is a way to solve your problems half-way and get the support you need to age in peace. Let the beauty inside you blossom for a beautiful look on the outside as you grow older. 

With meditation, you benefit as follows:

  • Protect your mental, cognitive and physical health
  • Improve your inner beauty
  • Enhance your immune system 
  • Foster healthy aging. 

Together with the right social connections, you’re bound to keep your mind and spirit active and healthier. 

  1. Stay active

Physical activities and regular exercises can help you stay active to live longer and age gracefully. Keep moving throughout the day to increase your metabolism and burn excess fats or calories.

Even if you love winding down to a good read, do so after engaging in some exercise. Do the following to stay active:

  • Cycle to work
  • Take walks
  • Work in your garden 
  • Use the stairs instead of an elevator 
  • Park your car farther from the office entrance 

House chores can also give you an opportunity to move around when at home and stay active daily.

Yoga improves joint health and flexibility, bladder control, digestive disturbances such as sleep, constipation, and mental health. 

A Duke study found that practicing yoga for 45 minutes thrice or 4 times weekly can support aging. It has protective effects on your aging brain and the greater gray matter responsible for stress and emotional control. 

Yoga slows down stress and the effects of aging, enabling you to age gracefully. 

Ayurveda and yoga eases the transition to menopause to help you age gracefully. With regular exercise, you’re able to retain cognitive abilities longer as you age.

  1. Develop a positive attitude and find purpose 

Life is fun and fulfilling when yours has a purpose. It gives you the joy and motivation to continue living. 

Your actions, priorities, outlook on life, and values are based on your attitude. Life is a blessing and that’s how you should see it. Develop a positive attitude and appreciate every moment in life.

Distract yourself from your concerns and troubles in life. Instead, focus on the positives or things that put a smile on your face. The things that or people who make you laugh are the most important in life.

Every little things in life count. Make new friends, reconnect with family members and old friends to get the rapport you need to overcome life’s blues and find happiness. 

Nature is beautiful; enjoy it. Support and help the less fortunate in the society to gain a sense of purpose, satisfaction and pride.  Embrace joy, love and hope to make your days bright. Be grateful for every good thing because they make life beautiful. 

Even after retirement, you can find purpose through community groups, volunteer work, family, church, etc. Purpose gives your life meaning and drives you to continue living. 

Conclusion

A healthy mind, body and spirit can help you age gracefully. With anything from regular exercises and living an active lifestyle to eating nutritious foods and living for a purpose, you can inspire yourself to live healthily and age gracefully.

Bio: Anna Williams has worked in aged care for over a decade and now enjoys a slower paced life writing for Zorbies and volunteering locally. She loves to cook, and spends her weekends exploring hiking trails with her 2 beloved pups.



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