February 17, 2013
Aging is not a disease. Key to successful aging is acceptance of the changes that are taking place in the body and the mind. Experts agree that aging gracefully is not always easy but attitude matters a lot. Aging in itself is not a problem but what you think and feel about the aging process could be. It is true that the clock begins to tick away whether you like it or not. Therefore, denial is not going to get you anywhere.
Anticipating the changes that come with aging could help you from being overwhelmed when it does happen. Preparing oneself psychologically for what is yet to come is an art in itself. There is a positive side to aging- it also means you are wiser and are more experienced and it has its own perks. As you board a crowded bus, four youngsters get up to give you their seats (they used to).
Dentures, bifocals, hearing aids, walking canes, and adult diapers are things invented to make the lives of the elders comfortable and not to embarrass them. However, it has to be borne in mind that coloring the hair may make you look younger but it may not make you feel younger. It is impossible to fool oneself no matter how hard one tries. In a society that is obsessed with anti-aging formulas, graceful aging becomes a challenge. Face-lifts, tummy tucks, wigs and Botox are no remedies for the sense of isolation and emptiness experienced by many elders.
One of the realities of aging is that you start attending funerals more than Christenings or weddings. Death of a spouse, or close friends can be unnerving for many and the question “will I be next?” becomes a natural outcome. One has to develop a mature perspective about these threats and not slip into depression. Losing one’s freedom is much worse than sagging muscles or aching bones and many elders retaliate when well-meaning loved-ones overwhelm them with do’s and don’ts. (Try not to be irritated if your children call you from across the ocean to ask you if you have turned off the stove or bolted the door.
Given below are some tips to help you age with grace:
- Regular exercise is good to keep your mind, your heart, your metabolism active. Walking, jogging, swimming is good enough at least two to three times a week. “Exercise can help make you stronger, prevent bone loss, improve balance and coordination.” says Dr. Chanda Dutta, Chief of Gerontology at the National Institute of Aging.
- Even when folks are bed-bound or restricted to a wheelchair, there are exercises that can be done sitting down or lying down. If the elder is a paralytic, then the loved-ones or caregivers can assist them in exercising- massage, physiotherapy definitely help in recuperation and rejuvenation even in survivors of stroke.
- Challenge yourself physically, mentally and socially. Phrases like “I am too old, I am weak, I cannot do it” should be eliminated from your vocabulary. Be realistic but do not lose hope. You may not be able to run like you used to 10 years ago but you can walk.
- Learn something new, unlearn what is destructive. There is no age limit to learning. Keep your mind alert and active with brain exercises.
- Laugh more. Humor strengthens the immune system. Learn to laugh at yourself. Smile more frown less. Cry if you feel like it but do not feel sorry for yourself.
- Let go of all the bygones that are unpleasant. Forget past hurts, it is not worth hanging on to them. Besides, if you hang on to the past, the present could become a nightmare.
- Try to make friends with the younger generations. There is a lot we can learn from others. Communicate with people your own age. Learn how they are handling the aging process.
- Keep the spirit alive. Even when the body is falling apart, you can keep your spirits up.
- Respect your body - do not indulge in smoking or drinking or any risky behaviors. When the immune system is compromised, these habits could be deadly. Eat in moderation. As we advance in age we should be eating to live not living to eat.
- Include lots of fruits and vegetables in your diet. Increasing fiber in the diet helps regulate the metabolism. Remember, dentures are not just for cosmetic purposes, they help in chewing the food which enhances assimilation and digestion. Constipation and bloating are two complaints common among the elderly that result from not chewing the food and lack of fiber intake.
- Take care of legal issues. Make a will.
Always remember, senior citizens are not second class citizens. When someone treats you like one, you gently remind them that they too will be seniors someday.
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