No matter how many cosmetic procedures you get done, you are going to age eventually. Instead of trying to fight it, embracing getting older can help you to age with grace and dignity. However, given our society’s obsession with youth, it can be difficult to picture what aging gracefully might look like. To help you out, we’ve rounded up 10 tips to help anyone age with grace, from staying physically active to starting new hobbies:
Take care of your skin
Visible signs of aging are inevitable, but there are still many steps that you can take to maintain a hydrated and glowing complexion as you age. Wearing sunscreen every single day is the most essential step in an anti-aging skin care routine. Applying skin tightening creams can also help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Most people’s oil production slows down as they age, causing their skin to become dry, so you should prioritize gentle facial cleansers and nourishing lotions that won’t strip your skin.
Eat healthily and stay hydrated
There’s a lot of truth to the phrase “you are what you eat,” and your diet has a big impact on how you feel as you age. Occasional indulgences are fine, but for the most part you should be prioritizing lean proteins, fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat dairy products. You should also watch your alcohol and caffeine intake and instead focus on drinking plenty of water and other non-caffeinated beverages, such as herbal tea.
Get moving
Staying physically active is key to maintaining flexibility, mobility, and balance as you age. Cardio activity will help to keep your heart and lungs strong, while strength and resistance training will build your bones and muscles and help to fight off conditions such as osteoporosis. If you are new to fitness, going for a walk every day is a great place to start. On the other hand, if you have kept up with an intense exercise program for a long time, you might need to adjust the intensity level as your body changes as you age.
Experiment with a new style
Most people’s taste in clothes evolves as they get older, and outfits that you loved a few years ago may no longer be hitting the mark. When thinking about refreshing your wardrobe, you don’t have to follow the fashion rules for older adults, unless you want to! Don’t be afraid to take some fashion risks and experiment with new colors, patterns, or silhouettes. Wear the clothes that you want to wear, whether that is a beige tunic or a brightly colored vintage dress.
Keep your brain sharp
Keeping your brain sharp is crucial for age and gracefully, but it can be tough to do once you retire and you’re no longer working multiple days a week. Fortunately, there are many different ways to mentally challenge yourself, whether that is completing a sudoku or crossword puzzle, teaching yourself a new skill, volunteering with a new charity, or traveling to a new place. Find new activities and challenges that you enjoy and will be motivated to do over and over again.
Maintain social connections
Some older adults tend to isolate themselves as they age, which can have negative impacts on both your physical and mental health. Definitely make an effort to reach out to your existing friends and try to schedule in-person meetups when possible. However, it’s also a good idea to pursue new friendships with other people at all stages of life. You might be surprised at the number of new friends that you can make, especially intergenerational friendships!
Pursue new interests
One thing that can help you to feel younger and age gracefully is to try out new hobbies and pursue new interests, or return to an older hobby that you haven’t had the time for recently. Many older adults find themselves with a lot of extra time on their hands once they retire, making this the perfect opportunity to take up that hobby you’ve always wanted to try. Hobbies can also open up new social opportunities and help to keep your brain sharp by teaching you a new skill.
Spend time in nature
Spending time in nature is beneficial for your physical and mentally health, boosting your mood and encouraging you to get moving. Even just sitting outside will increase your vitamin D levels and help you to feel better. Welcoming nature into your home in the form of plants and flowers can also benefit you. Inviting a friend to go for an easy walk in a park is the perfect way to check off multiple things on your to-do list at once.
Quit smoking
If you currently smoke, then quitting is one of the most effective things that you can do to age healthfully and gracefully. Smoking ages your body prematurely and significantly increases your risk of many diseases, including cancer. Talk to your doctor about what resources are available to help you quit smoking, and seek out others in a similar situation who can help you keep yourself accountable.
Look to the future
Learning from the past can help you stop yourself from repeating the same mistakes over and over again. However, excessively dwelling on the past will age your mindset and keep you from enjoying your life. Rather than ruminating over things that have already happened, try to stay present and focus on the future with a positive and hopeful mindset. Your best years may even be ahead of you yet!
We hope this guide helped you feel confident about the possibilities of aging gracefully. What else are you doing to age with grace with dignity? Let us know your ideas in the comments below!
