I know you’ve heard it expressed over and over but have you taken the time to understand what it means to “age gracefully?” For some, it means accepting the number of candles on your birthday cake from a place of gratitude, thankfulness, and acceptance. But for others, it’s a euphemism that downplays the hardships of growing older. Yet, aging gracefully is possible for all mature people. It comes down to mindset and looking at this time of life from a positive perspective. For mature adults, their older years can be a rewarding time, and many are seizing this most valuable time on earth to be the very best versions of themselves from a mind, body, and soul perspective.
Let’s separate the words, aging gracefully. The formal definition of the word aging is defined as, the process of growing old. Now, when we look at the word gracefully, the formal definition is, in a respectful and dignified way. Okay, so when we put the 2 definitions together, aging gracefully is, the process of growing older in a respectful and dignified way.
Many people over the age of 50 often refer to themselves as old or accept this term used by others to define them. I have never embraced the word old, when describing myself. The formal definition of the word old is, having lived for a long time, no longer young, of a specified age, having existed for a specified period of time, showing the characteristics of age, worn out. No wonder just the mention of the word aging and getting older causes some people to feel a sense of hopelessness and despair.
No one has the right to label a person, worn out just because of their age. Of course, with each passing day, we will no longer look like we did yesterday but that in no way suggests that a person has outlived his or her usefulness.
So, my first word of advice is to stop calling yourself old! Instead refer to yourself as refined, seasoned, mature. Do not embrace the concept that you are a “has been.” This is far from the truth. Commit from this day forward to embrace each day with the outlook to live life with purpose and intention.
Here are a few tips to aging gracefully:
- Stop calling yourself old
- Put a stop to all that stress!
- Get Plenty of Sleep
- Eat a Balanced Diet
- Learn Something New
- Hydration is vital. Our bodies are 50-60% water. Drinking water regularly helps keep everything flowing and working in our system.
- Reduce Sodium
- Exercise, it keeps us young. In fact, moving more actually slows aging at the cellular level. Plus, you’ll experience an increase in energy, flexibility, and overall sense of well-being. You don’t need to run marathons or torture yourself with the world’s most challenging spin class. Simply put on your shoes and go for a walk.
- Maintain a positive attitude which is believed to insulate us against the common stressors and negative experiences that may occur with age. Practice mindfulness, gratitude, and joyfulness.
Getting older doesn’t mean decline or despair. It is a reason for celebration! There are plenty of ways we can age with grace, beauty, and joy. We can experience more happiness, more success and get even better with age and experience.
My final words of advice in the aging gracefully process is to love who you see staring back at you in the mirror.
Thank you for reading what is a series on the aging process. Again, you deserve to be the very best version of yourself from a mind, body, and soul perspective.
Sign up for my free on-line masterclass, Discover Secrets to Aging Gracefully~How to Age with Dignity and Style. Get the course here
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Angela Harris is President & CEO of ALH Successlines