Old and Fit - Embrace the Golden Years

H ow to grow old and fit, and embrace the golden years? And have a wonderful and enjoyable experience? Getting old and into retirement...

How to grow old and fit, and embrace the golden years? And have a wonderful and enjoyable experience?

Getting old and into retirement is not just about the senior discounts, free bus ride, and special counters in the bank etc. It is about enjoying the endless hours of free time and reconnecting again with your family members, friends and your mind and body.

After six decades of wear and tear on your body, you can expect some decline on your physical wellbeing. And after years of trying to make a statement, you have angered, offended or maybe pleased someone?

Old and Fit - What Do You Want to Do?

Aging is a natural transition and you may have a different take on this whole progression. Some of you may have a greater tolerance for ambiguity. So you are able to see the bigger picture in life. Some may want to return to college, start a new online business or maybe run a marathon!

Living in this digital age, you now have free access to knowledge and information. You may be old and fit, but you can still use this to adopt a healthy lifestyle. Or follow the preventative health care procedures which can reduce or prevent health problems associated with aging.

Sure, how you age is your personal choice. What I have here are suggestions that you may want to consider. If that is okay, shall we move on?

If you don't make peace with your past it will keep showing up in your present - Wayne Dyer

Embrace the Golden Years

Even if you have had some unhealthy habits throughout your lifetime, it is never too late to be aware and understand what your mind, body, and spirit need. Making lifestyle changes that will improve your health can enhance your wellbeing now and in the years to come. Do it one at a time and don't rush yourself into it. I have taken on to gardening on a 'full-time basis' now. This is one of those physical activities that are not physically taxing but very satisfying. If you are not into gardening, give yourself a go and see if it works for you.

Unfortunately, there is a profound cultural fear of aging. This, in turn, glorifies the young and deprecates anything old. In any case, you should always have a positive outlook on getting older and embrace what time has to offer. Make your sixties a deeply meaningful period.

RELATED ARTICLE: House Design for Our Old Age

Old and Fit - Learn New Things

In the study by Professor Gary J. Kennedy of Geriatric Psychiatry and Behavior Science, Montefiore Medical Center in New York, the growth of neurogenesis i.e. new brain cells, continues well into your sixties. Therefore, the capacity to learn new things stays strong.

Thus, with your extra hours, you can learn new skills any way you want. For me, I took on website building because I want to turn my passion for things that I know and like, into an online business. There are several courses available online and most of them are via paid membership. You can do a web search and there will several that will pop out.

Forgetfulness Old Age

If you find yourself suddenly in a space, it is a mild case of forgetfulness. This is due to the transmission of nerve impulses between cells that is slowing down. It is something that shouldn't worry you. But real cognitive decline becomes especially prevalent in your seventies and eighties.

The best remedy is to exercise your mind to be more mentally active. As reported in The Guardian newspaper, doing tongue exercise can prevent memory loss and even Alzheimer's Disease. That is why in Islam, Muslims are encouraged to read the Quran every day as each verse in the Quran will give different tongue movement. This is akin to doing a tongue exercise!

Loneliness in Old People

Whether by choice or chance, the number of single elderly people living alone is increasing. Based on The Telegraph's report, there is an increase of 10% over the last decade for the UK. Based on The Washington Post, the figure is even higher at 12% for the USA.

The reason: They want to stay independent, live in a smaller space and connect with family and friends through social media. Yeap, technology has now taken over the elderly people's mindset!

There are also some that find it hard to request for help. It hurts their pride and self-esteem to rely on others when they were once able to do so for themselves and others as well.

Fighting Loneliness

Keeping quiet and ignoring the distress that you are in can be dangerous. Without realizing it, it can be too late to help. By not asking for help because you do not want to bother people is false humility. We, including myself, tend to think this way.

You are not enforcing people from taking on more than they can handle. But instead, you are endangering yourself especially when it comes to health issues and depression. If you sense that something is significantly amiss, request for help.

In Asian culture, it is instilled in every individual that it is the duty and responsibility of a child to care for their parents. That is why the unmarried individuals and childless couples would go to lengths to adopt a child in the hopes that their future is secured.

Retirement Homes for Elderly

In Asia, checking your elderly parents into a retirement home was unheard of decades ago. But this is now very common, especially among the Chinese communities. Some still think that people in retirement homes are unloved and has no one to care for.

This is a highly misconstrued as most of these retirement homes are properly monitored with good nursing support. Family members can also rest well knowing that their parents are being well cared for. So keep an open mind when it comes to it. 

Find Old Friend and Reconnect

With social media's popularity even with the elderlies, finding old friends and family members is easy. With a simple search, you can find them on Facebook, WhatsApp, Twitters or even on LinkedIn.

Or you prefer to find new friends instead? Making new friends after sixty can actually be fun and engaging. It is easier to start by finding friends that share the same interest as you. So go join a yoga class or tai-chi or go to a theater. Anything that you loves. Who knows you might meet someone there.

Enjoy this new friendship and pay attention to them. Embrace this new connection. Embrace the golden years. Be yourself no matter what. Some will adore you and some will hate everything about you. But who cares? It's your life. Make the most out of it - Unknown Author

Now is the Time to Travel

Yes, to explore new places and immerse yourself in a new culture and language. You can travel alone, with your family or friends, whichever you are most comfortable with.

It can be a trip to a nearby city that you had not been before or to a different country. There are many packages designed for the elderly but if you are not a fan of group travel, you can travel solo.

As a senior citizen, you get cheaper rates on public transportation, hotels, and dining. Just ask and you might be lucky.

Or Do Voluntary Works

Giving your time to a noble cause can be a gratifying experience. There are several associations who are more than happy to welcome older volunteers.

Love animals? Check out the local SPCA and see what errands you can help them out with.

Worried about the environment? You can join your local communities or societies that share the same concern as you.

Or volunteer your services at the local churches, mosques or temples.

Better still, bring your grandchildren and do a gardening project. Share your knowledge with them. Whatever skills or traits you possess, you can easily pass it to the younger generation. Not only does it keep you engaged, it also helps maintain a healthy relationship with your family. At the end of the day, your contribution does matter.

Keeping Seniors Busy and Active

Keeping yourself busy and active is important. An active lifestyle will helps prevent common problems such as depression, loneliness, or even heart disease.

Find something to do and reconnect with people. If you have something to share, feel free to comment below.

Thanks

 It is not the strongest of the species that survives, nor the most intelligent that survives. It is the one that is the most adaptable to change - Charles Darwin

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