In old age, you should be able to enjoy your life. You are comfortable in your own skin and other people’s opinions do not matter as much as they did before.
You have accumulated a wealth of wisdom and you should be free to do what you enjoy doing. However, people are often not as healthy or comfortable as they would like to be at this time in their lives. What can you do to make sure you’re able to enjoy your old age?
Have a sense of purpose and stay connected
A strong sense of purpose has a protective effect as you age. Staying in touch with family and friends and taking an active role in being a grandparent can help you to have a sense of purpose. Loneliness rivals obesity and smoking as a health risk.
Make sure that you interact with at least one person a day. Join clubs with activities that interest you and volunteer where you could meet people who share your interests.
Consider signing up for social media sites like Facebook or Twitter as a way to keep in touch with younger relatives, friends and to keep up with what’s happening in the world.
Join a support group
If you have any kind of health problem, it can help to join a support group. You will be able to talk through your emotions and receive support from others who have been through similar experiences.
You may even be able to receive advice on how best to deal with your condition. For example, you may have a breathing-related condition and think of an oxygen machine as heavy and difficult to use. Being introduced to a modern portable oxygen concentrator could give you a new lease on life.
Learn something new every day
Learn a new language, skill, sport or instrument. Studies show that learning something new and breaking out of your normal patterns helps to keep your brain alert and can even improve your memory.
Dr. Park, a neuroscientist at the University of Texas at Dallas, tested this theory out by assigning new skills to 200 older people. The research, published in the journal Psychological Science, found that memory improved and the improvement was retained.
Don’t forget to laugh
Laugh as much as you can because laughter really is the best medicine. Laughing with friends or even watching a funny TV program can help you cope with daily stressors.
Researchers have found that the less stress you have, the better your memory. Laughing reduces your stress hormones and changes your brain wave activity to a state that increases your ability to recall.
Exercise
Exercise lifts your spirits because it causes your body to release endorphins. Even if you have never exercised before, it is not too late to start. A Harvard study found that those who incorporated light workouts into their routine, even if they did not exercise before, reduced their chances of becoming disabled by 25 percent.
Eat a nutritious diet
Even if you have to eat alone, make sure your food is tasty and well-presented. Make sure you drink enough water and that your diet includes enough fiber like whole foods, nuts, fruit and vegetables as well as enough lean protein.
Take care of your appearance
Looking good helps you to feel good. Wear sunscreen when going out into the sun, use anti-aging creams, drink plenty of water, learn how to apply makeup to flatter your aging features and have a good haircut. If your teeth are stained, consider having whitening treatment. When you look good, you feel more confident and this has a positive effect on your health.