The Basics of Healthy Aging

In preparation for September, which is Healthy Aging Month, take stock of your health and how your caring for your most precious asset - yourself. Exercising good self-care starts with being honest with yourself. The next step is to make the necessary lifestyle adjustments.

Taking care of ourselves, inside and out, is lifelong project and there’s always room to tweak our process in favor of achieving better health. Autumn ushers in an ideal time to refine your self-care regimen. Use these tips to get started.

Confront habits that don’t serve you

We all have them, and we all know what they are. It’s those habits that you worry about in the quietness of yourself - whether it’s the junk food, smoking or alcohol. What habit might you be holding onto that you know doesn’t serve you?

It’s one thing to have a delicious indulge, something that you do every here and there that you know you’re in control of; it’s another thing to harbor a habit that you know makes you feel physically bad. Plus, it makes you feel guilty because you can feel that it isn’t good for you.

Unnecessary guilt can be a psychological danger, but it can also be productive if it’s pointing us to the realization that habits we’re holding onto are hurting us. If you have any of those, take this opportunity to be honest with yourself about it. Confront the habit, then figure out how to let it go. It’s powerful to exert your control over something that you know isn’t right for you. There are physical and psychological benefits that stand to feel better than continuing a habit that makes you feel bad.

Move

Exercise benefits every part of your body - your eyes, joints, muscles, hands, feet. Your body is a machine that was made to move. Keep it tuned up like any machine that you use on a regular basis. Do whatever exercise is available to you - walk, swim, dance, stretch. Make it fun by taking a chair yoga or water aerobics class, walking with a group of friends or playing a sport like bocce, bowling or pickle ball. Your local community center and YMCA are likely to offer a variety of classes that offer a range of opportunities. Try something new or pick up an old favorite.

Sometimes, it can feel hard to get started when it comes to exercise. But you’ll feel the benefits fast. A Web MD article on the link between exercise and emotional health explains: “Improved self-esteem is a key psychological benefit of regular physical activity. When you exercise, your body releases chemicals called endorphins. These endorphins interact with the receptors in your brain that reduce your perception of pain. Endorphins also trigger a positive feeling in the body, similar to that of morphine.”

Exercise is good for you on so many levels. The key is to start with movements that aren’t too difficult for you. The goal is to move, not to overextend.

Don’t hesitate to call into your doctor’s office if you have any questions about exercise you’re considering; he or she will be glad you’re investing in your health.

Eat well

We all know what we’re supposed to do - eat less of the bad stuff and more of the good stuff. Follow through. Do it in an easy way that you can maintain. Buy a couple cans of peaches packed in water or juice and a bag of frozen beans each week. Start working those into you diet. Canned and frozen produce is easy, cheap and can even be healthier than fresh. Stop by the farmers’ market and buy fresh produce that’s in season. Sometimes it can be expensive, but there’s some foods that are always well-priced: cucumbers, tomatoes, eggplants, melons and greens.

You don’t have to overhaul your diet-just enhance it with good food that benefits you.

Laugh

Read good books. Meet up with friends. Volunteer your time at church or at your community center. Take senior day trips. Make a new friend. You have so much value to offer the world. Sometimes it can feel hard to keep getting out there and making a social life for yourself. But you’re worthy and you’re valued. Enjoy your life and you will feel and live better.