If you’re wondering how to age well, start by getting acquainted with a trusted primary care physician. This physician will be your health home base and will be the first line of communication for all your medical concerns. Share your family’s medical history with your physician so that he or she can identify any elevated risk factors and determine whether you need further tests. These relationships will help you age well. Listed below are some other ways to age well.
Staying hydrated
Drinking water is an essential part of your daily routine. Water contains more than 80 per cent of our body weight. While all food sources contain some water, certain foods are more hydrating than others. For example, celery, watermelon, cucumber, and tomatoes are high in water. Other foods high in water content include cucumber, spinach, strawberries, and cantaloupe. Keep a water bottle on hand, and drink plenty of fluids throughout the day.
Eating well
In addition to getting plenty of vitamin D and essential minerals, eating vegetables daily can help you age well. These are also high in natural antioxidants. Your diet should include a variety of colourful foods and the darker the pigment, the more vitamins and minerals it contains. Green leafy vegetables such as Swiss chard and kale should be part of your daily diet, as should dark red and yellow fruits and vegetables. You should also include lean protein in your diet, as this helps preserve muscle tissue.
Getting creative
Creativity has been proven to support healthy ageing and is associated with openness, which is also related to longevity. According to James C. Kaufman, a creative expert, creativity is essential to support well-being as we age. In his book, “Getting Creative to Age Well”, Kaufman emphasizes the importance of everyday creativity, which refers to the creative processes that take place during ordinary tasks. This is not limited to visual art or music; it can also involve writing, drawing, or photography.
Staying cognitively engaged
If you have a sense of artistic expression, you may be the type of person who enjoys painting or pottery classes. In addition to art classes, you might like to sign up for a creative writing seminar or join a painting or knitting class. Even better, you can try joining a group of artists, who can help you expand your social network while sharing your joy of creating art. Besides helping you stay engaged, these activities can also help your mind stay healthy and active.
Stress management
A key aspect of ageing well is managing stress. To do so, you need to take steps to identify your sources of stress and find ways to eliminate them. Exercise is a well-known mood booster, and it is one of the best ways to lower your stress levels. Finding a physical activity you enjoy is a good start. Maintaining strong social connections is also essential. Laughter is a great stress management tool.
