Gracefully Growing Old
Old age, what a scary thought, or maybe not! Growing older is as much a body change as it is a mindset change. Approaching 60 myself, rapidly I must add, I see the things that were once important to me, not being as important, and the things that I value most in my life growing even more valuable.
Recently good neighbors of mine were stricken with major health issues that caused them to move closer to family for the care that they will need. We all think we are impervious to these kinds of issues because we take care of ourselves, body and mind. Well, not so. Keeping active is an all important part of “staying young” and this becomes more of a challenge as we age.
Life is short and we need to make every effort to live it to the fullest. Go for that walk! Make your body move! Don’t feel like going outside today, stay indoors and move during commercials of your favorite TV show. You need to move and if it’s only during the commercial breaks, you can get approximately 15 minutes of movement in during an hour show. This does not mean running to the refrigerator to grab a snack, although you’re moving, unhealthy snacks will just ruin the effect. I know you can do this, make it your choice!
Keeping our mind active is also an important part of slowing the aging process. Be sure to read, or listen to books on CD’s, you can do this while taking a walk thereby killing two birds with one stone. Please don’t take this literally! Your entire body is working together to become stronger. Volunteer, it really helps stimulate your mind when you’re helping someone else, besides making your heart feel so good. You don’t want to be that old person you see struggling in the mall, and you don’t have to be.
Don’t overdo, check with your doctor before you start training. Excess stress on your joints can cause more damage then benefits if you aren’t careful. Go slow at first and work up to what’s comfortable to you. Never let someone else push you if you don’t feel up to it. Go swimming if you can, good aerobic exercise without the stress.
I’ve chosen not to let “Old Age” become who I am. But, to take hold of what life I might have left and make the very most of it. You can do this too! Let the aging process enter your life gracefully and without regret on your part.
No one said I ever had to “grow old”, that’s why I decided to age gracefully.
To read more stories about the aging process visit Marion’s website.
