Have you heard of gerascophobia?
It’s a Greek term that translates to “the fear of getting old.”
To a certain degree, all of us are afraid of growing older. We might worry about losing our youthful looks or developing serious health problems.
But while we can’t control the aging process, we can control how we react to it. Growing old gracefully is possible–you just have to know how to do it.
In this post, we’ll consider 8 tips for aging gracefully.
1. Be Proactive
Getting older doesn’t mean it’s time to sit on the sidelines. You should be more involved than ever in taking care of yourself, your family, and other obligations.
Do you have any concerns about your physical, mental, or emotional health? Don’t ignore them. Stay up to date with your doctors’ visits and annual checkups.
You don’t want to be a hypochondriac–but you also want to be sensible. If something seems “off,” get it checked out.
Now’s also the time to ensure your family will be cared for if something should happen to you. If you don’t already have one, sign for a life insurance policy for seniors–like the one offered by LifeNet Insurance Solutions.
2. Enjoy Your Favorite Foods and Drinks
No, this doesn’t mean throwing all caution to the wind and eating and drinking yourself silly.
Your doctor is probably telling you to eat less sugar and salt and more fruits and vegetables. This is sound advice, and you should follow it–most of the time.
Sharing a meal with loved ones is one the greatest pleasures in life. While you need to keep your health in mind, don’t obsess over it to the point where you stop enjoying the little things.
So go ahead. Have that piece of cake or a nice glass of wine–just don’t overdo it.
3. Never Stop Trying New Things
If you’ve retired, you probably have a lot more free time than you’re used to.
Don’t let it go to waste! There’s nothing wrong with relaxing in front of the television, but don’t let that become your main activity in life.
Have you made your own personal bucket list? If not, now’s the time to do so.
Would you like to swim with dolphins? Plant a garden? Learn to paint? Jump out of a perfectly good airplane?
Whatever your ambitions, make them a priority. Just because you’re getting older doesn’t mean you have to slow down. If anything, now’s the time to grab life by the horns.
Carpe diem!
4. Accept the Aging Process
No, you no longer have the body you did when you were 18. Neither does your spouse, or your siblings, or your closest friends.
Wrinkles and gray hair are a natural part of growing older. Rather than obsess over them or try to cover them up, embrace them as part of who you are.
Even if your body no longer looks the way you’d prefer, continue to love and care for it. It got you this far, didn’t it? Appreciate it for the life you’ve had and the life that’s still ahead of you.
5. Stay Connected
As we get older, it’s easy to lose touch with people.
Retirement means you’re no longer going to the office every day. Maybe your kids have grown up and moved away, too. This can leave you feeling lonely and isolated–if you let it.
Remember all that spare time we talked about earlier? Use it to reach out and stay connected.
Call up your kids or grandkids. Reconnect with long-lost friends–or make some new ones. Overcome your fear of technology and invest in a smartphone so you can stay connected to everyone you love.
This advice applies to your spouse, too, who is also going through the aging process. Take up a new hobby together, plan a regular date night, or rekindle your connection in the bedroom.
The more active you stay, the younger you’ll feel.
6. Explore New Places
Let’s revisit that bucket list you started earlier. Have you included any places you’ve always wanted to see?
It could be a faraway exotic locale. If your health and financial situation allow for it, why not book a ticket there? Remember–you only live once.
You don’t have to travel to the other side of the world to discover new things, either. Exploring a nearby national park or taking a summer road trip with your grandkids could be one of the best memories you’ll ever make.
7. Adopt a Pet
Research has proved that animals can boost our health and wellbeing–especially as we get older.
Pets are the ultimate example of unconditional love. They’re there for us and they love us no matter how bad our day has been. Even the simple act of petting a dog or cat will lower your blood pressure!
Fostering relationships with people is important, too, of course. But if your home is feeling empty without the kids around, open your heart to a new pet.
8. Speak Your Mind
As we grow older, younger people may tend to ignore or dismiss us. Don’t let them!
You’ve lived a long life full of valuable experiences. There’s so much to pass on to your kids, grandkids, and anyone else lucky enough to know you.
Don’t be afraid to assert yourself, especially when it comes to your own independence. You have every right to voice your opinion and decide how you want to spend your days.
This will ensure your quality of life remains as high as possible as you move through your golden years.
Final Thoughts on Growing Old Gracefully
Are there secrets to growing old gracefully? Absolutely.
This list was just a small sample of all the ways it’s possible to grow old gracefully. Staying focused on yourself (and your loved ones) is sure to make your golden years the happiest time of your life.
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