Today’s seniors are redefining what it means to age gracefully, with a focus on quality of life and personal sense of well-being rather than counting birthday candles.
What Does “Aging Gracefully” Mean?
The concept of aging gracefully can mean something different to different people.
At Avista, we believe it means empowering older adults to live each day with dignity and confidence, providing an opportunity-rich environment for residents to define their seniorhood on their own terms. That is why our programming emphasizes physical health, mental health, a balanced diet, socialization, and protecting cognitive function: so we can support older people as they define the aging process for themselves.
5 Habits to Help Embrace Aging
What does it mean to age well or age gracefully? The answer to that question will change depending on who you ask. For many people, there are certain habits that can support a positive attitude while aging, including the following.
1. Social Activities
Social connections are important at any stage of life. Research consistently links a strong social network with lower stress levels and reduced risk of health issues like dementia and heart disease.
As people age, they may face greater risk of social isolation. As such, family members and friends of seniors may consider prioritizing spending time together. Social activities families can enjoy with their aging loved ones include card games, watching movies, walking, or simply sitting and talking. Just spending time together can be the greatest boost an aging loved one needs to maintain a positive outlook.
2. Volunteering
A sense of purpose can help someone feel motivated to live each day to the fullest. Research even suggests a link between having a strong sense of purpose in life and lower risk of cognitive impairment, making it a key part of aging gracefully for many people.
Volunteering is a fantastic way to feel valued and connected to a larger group or cause. Adult children can ask local religious organizations, food banks, and other institutions for volunteer opportunities they can participate in with their aging parents.
3. Regular Exercise
Research consistently links regular physical activity (with a mix of cardio and strength training) to outcomes like a lower risk of high blood pressure. The benefits of exercise don’t stop with retirement, either; seniors can better manage stress levels, weight maintenance, and more with an exercise program approved by a licensed healthcare provider.
Exercises seniors might enjoy include low-impact activities like walking, water aerobics, or indoor rowing. The “secret” to a good workout routine for seniors is to find something enjoyable and appropriate for their ability levels that they can reasonably commit to on a regular basis.
4. Learning New Things
Exploring new hobbies or learning new skills can provide a sense of purpose along with offering mental stimulation that research suggests may help keep the brain healthy. Learning a new language, for example, can be a great mentally stimulating activity for older adults. What’s important here is that the activities have to be challenging, giving the brain its own “workout.”
5. Balanced Diets
Research suggests that balanced diets can support healthy aging of the mind and body.
According to the USDA, a balanced diet for many older adults can include:
- Little to no saturated fats (sat fats)
- Little to no added sugars
- Reduced levels of sodium
- Whole grains
- Lean proteins
- Foods rich in vitamin D, potassium, and calcium
It’s important to remember that the list above is not complete and that these guidelines are just that: guidelines. Each senior’s needs are unique and best discussed with a licensed healthcare provider.
Graceful Aging at Avista
Aging gracefully doesn’t have to mean being 65-years-old with minimal gray hair. It can mean approaching a new stage of life with a positive attitude, where enjoying each day is not stopping the visible signs of aging, but is worth striving for.
Disclaimer: This article is provided for general informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Each individual’s health situation is unique. Readers should consult a licensed healthcare provider for guidance related to their personal health concerns.