Learning How to Age With Grace and Dignity

If the cosmetics industry is any indication, aging is seen as an enemy that must be defeated. We are to arm ourselves with age-defying potions and anti-aging micro-sculpting moisturizers to age with grace.

We also often hear about the physical aches and pains that many experience with aging. You might lose some strength, endurance and flexibility, and memory lapses may occur. Aging adults are also likely to have one or more chronic health conditions, resulting in a regiment of multiple medications.

Considering our society’s obsession with youth and highlighting any and all challenges of aging, it can be a bit surprising to hear that many older adults feel younger than their age.

A 2009 Pew Research Center survey found that “nearly half of all people 50 and older say they feel at least 10 years younger than their chronological age. Among respondents ages 65 to 74, a third say they feel 10 to 19 years younger than their age, and one-in-six say they feel at least 20 years younger than their actual age.”

But why this remarkable response? Pew researchers discovered that these older adults had made peace with their circumstances. This doesn’t mean they have “given in” to aging. It means they have found ways to be comfortable with themselves and make the most of who they are, regardless of their age.

Even in more recent years, research is showing that older adults continue to feel younger than their age. Living with grace and dignity is about valuing yourself as a person and continuing to do those things that interest you, challenge you and give you inner confidence. You are not trying to be someone you are not. You are fully living as the person you are!

6 Tips to Live Your Best Life and Age With Grace

Physical Health

Include physical activity in your daily routine. Engage in walking, swimming or other activities you enjoy. Try to incorporate some strength training. Eat a healthy diet of vegetables, fruits, whole grains, high-fiber foods and lean sources of protein, such as fish.  Go for regular check-ups with your physician, and report any changes in your health to them immediately. Take medications as prescribed. Don’t smoke. Manage your stress. Get enough sleep. And if you live in your own home, make sure you are receiving all the personal and medical assistance you need.

Physical vitality gives you the energy and confidence to live a richer life and age gracefully.

Attitude

Don’t dwell on negative thoughts. Pessimism feeds on itself, so you need to break the cycle of seeing everything in a negative light. Love yourself and treat yourself well, because you deserve to be treated well. Living with grace and dignity begins with self-affirmation of your worth.

Stay Mentally Active

Be an active community member. Engage in a sport or hobby. Join a book club. Learn to play an instrument. Attend plays and concerts. Take a class or a trip that you’ve always wanted to take. Staying mentally active can help sustain your memory and thinking skills, and make you feel more vibrant.

Stay Socially Active

This concept suggests that you maintain your emotional well-being, contribute to a purposeful life, and increase your self-confidence to help you age gracefully. Surround yourself with good people.

Manage Stress

Stress is not only emotionally damaging, it can cause many physical ailments like headaches, back pain, heart palpitations and an inability to concentrate. Regular physical exercise can help with stress, and there are support groups and professionals who can help.

Laugh

Another stress-relieving activity is laughter. It relaxes some of your muscles, gives you a rush of endorphins that help reduce physical pain, and leaves you with a more positive perspective. Watch a comedy or listen to a standup routing of your favorite comedian, or call a friend who makes you laugh. You might be surprised how good you feel!

For more tips on ways to age with grace, visit Bethesda’s Health & Wellness blog.