As we get past 45 there is a greater awareness that health is the whole picture of physical, social, mental, and financial
According to Worthington, editor-in-chief of Healthy Aging Magazine and executive director of Healthy Aging, “We saw a need to draw attention to the myths of aging, to shout out ‘Hey, it’s not too late to take control of your health, it’s never too late to get started on something new.’ Why not think about the positive aspects of aging instead of the stereotypes, why not re-define yourself ?”
It makes perfect sense cause September is when kiddos go back to school. So why not create the inspiration that we are never too old to learn. Our life, especially our health, should be a willingness to be a forever student. So this can encourage us to get going in a positive way in all areas of our life: physical, social, financial, and mental.
This is powerful in the pursuit of a positive lifestyle
To get your creative juices flowing on how you too can age with grace and glory here are some tips for this Healthy Aging Month:
1. Do not act your age.
I always say I am the age of my 2 digits added together. So I am currently 9! I then think about what it was like to be 9 and I have fun!!! This is positive thinking and goes a long way toward feeling better about yourself.
2. Be positive in all that you do.
If asked, “How are you doing?” Do you respond with, “oh my back is hurting….” etc… Or the person who says “I’m so good you wouldn’t believe it!” Which would you rather be?
3. Distance yourself from negative friends.
This may sound cruel but negative people have us focusing on the negative. Surround yourself with energetic, happy, positive people of all ages and you will be happier too.
4. Walk like a kid.
Put a bounce and a spring in your step! You can do it. Analyze your gait. Do you walk slowly because you have just become lazy or, perhaps, have a fear of falling? Make a conscious effort to take strides that have bounce, walk with your heel first, and wear comfortable shoes.
5. Push your shoulders back!
You can shave a few extra years with this trick. Look at yourself in the mirror. Hold your stomach in, have your shoulders back, chin up and check out how amazing your neck looks! Fix your stance and practice it every day, all day until it is natural. You will look great and feel better. check out this wonderful morning stretch routine for your beautiful self.
6. Smile!
Research shows people who smile more often are happier. Your teeth are just as important to your good health as the rest of your body. Not only is it the first thing people notice, but good oral health is a gateway to your overall well-being. Go the extra mile and practice a little self-love, self-esteem has a direct relationship with our overall well-being.
7. Connect with others!
Stop brooding and complaining about having no friends or family. Do something about it now. Pick up the phone, landline, or cell and make a call to do one or more of the following: Volunteer your time, Take a class, Invite someone to meet for lunch, brunch, dinner, or coffee.
8. Go for walks.
This is not only great for your physical health but for your emotional health. It allows you to socialize with those you pass by and practice many of the above tips.
9. Set up your annual physical and other health screenings.
Make time this month to research health providers that take time to listen and are seeking to help from the inside out with the correct health advice for your concerns. Not everything is solved with a pill. You may need to address a lifestyle change and re-design your thinking and habits.
10. Tap into your creative side.
Who says taking music lessons is for young school children? You may have an artist lurking inside you just waiting to escape. Have you always wanted to play the piano, violin, or tuba? Have you ever wondered if you could paint a portrait or scenic in oil? What about working with wood? Sign up for a class or better yet volunteer for a youth program so you can learn alongside and again hitting many of the above tips!