Stress and Healthy Aging: What Are Some Positive Ways To Aid In Healthy Aging?

Real Age vs. Chronological Age

I recently took a look at a website that tried to determine your real age compared to your chronological age and was pleased to see that it covered a variety of areas related to positive stress management. This site sparked some interesting questions regarding healthy aging.

What are some of the positive traits that aid in healthy aging?

A healthy genetic background is a good start – but also being positive, staying active, being able to relax, using a sense of humour, being organized, involved in hobbies/community, having a spiritual side, and striving to be a continuous learner are all positive traits of healthy aging.

What are some of the negative traits that hinder healthy aging?

Traits that can hinder healthy aging include areas such as negativity, having high or unrealistic expectations, being a worrier, being a person that has difficulty relaxing or a person that doesn’t take care of themselves by getting enough sleep, proper nutrition or by not exercising.

How does the mind and body work together to keep us healthy?

The mind and body are so tightly connected that it is difficult and often pointless to separate the two.

If the body is not healthy the mind reacts, and if the mind is full of worry the body functions are affected. Beverly Beuermann-King Click to tweet

Taking care of both through nutrition, exercise and/or stimulation, and rest/relaxation, the mind and the body will work more efficiently and in tune with each other, which should result in a healthier aging process.

Beverly’s Hot Tips For Those 50 And Up As They Strive To Keep Happy And Healthy As They Age?

Besides the obvious of healthy eating and regular exercise, one should also be sure to include:

adequate sleep (usually between 7-9 hours per night- the body best repairs itself when it gets ‘chunked’ sleep)
6-8 glasses of water (to avoid dehydration which can affect ones memory)
regular relaxation including deep breathing (increases circulation to the brain which is required for alertness, memory and problem-solving)
regular daily exposure to natural daylight (helps to regulate melatonin and serotonin which can affect mood and energy cycles)
decreasing or eliminating the use of alcohol, caffeine, and nicotine which adds extra stress to the body and mind
a sense of humour which helps to release natural endorphins
mentally and regularly exercising our brains by problem-solving, organizing and prioritizing
a positive attitude and perspective
a variety of hobbies to add satisfaction and enjoyment to life
increasing areas for support and information – through family, community, spirituality and professional assistance

Any examples of people you know who have put healthy aging into practice?

I am fortunate to have several people in my family who have aged gracefully and were longevity seemed to be the norm. My sons grew up with 6 grandparents and 6 great-grandparents. I also had an associate who at the age of 50, while dealing with severe depression, took up running her first marathon. If we take the time to look around, there are many healthy role models out there. I especially like the over 100 sprinters category when looking at inspiration.

If you have some strategies to share – comment on this posting!