Aging Well: 8 Things To Do

By Shlomo Maital  

   I found this list of eight things, written by Ava Sinclair – what we senior citizens can do, in order to age well.[1] Some of you might find one or more useful – or already employ them.  

   Seniors who age well:

 1) They stay active.  “Staying physically active is no secret to a healthy life, but it’s especially important when it comes to thriving in your 60s and beyond.”   There is a stealthy enemy of us seniors;  it’s called sarcopenia,  muscles that rapidly weaken when they are not used.  Let’s keep moving it!

2) They embrace continuous learning.  Stay curious.  Learn new things and new skills.  Find interesting people to chat with, and find out their stories, things they know and do.

3) They maintain strong social connections.  I know some people very close to me, who moved South to escape frigid Canadian winters.  They left behind their social network, built over 50 years.  In the South, they knew no-one.  It was a disaster.  Try to avoid it. You need warm hearts around you, not just warm weather.

4) They practice gratitude.  There is a lovely short Hebrew prayer that is said each morning, on waking:  Thank you, living G-d, for restoring my soul, with boundless faith in me.  I like to say it in the evening, just before I fall asleep, and review all the blessings I received during the day.  Let’s be grateful for what we have, not angry for what we lack.

5) They eat a balanced diet.  Now, here I have a caveat.  Of course, it’s good to eat properly.  But, if there are foods you enjoy, and they are ‘unhealthy’ (ice cream?) – enjoy, in moderation.  Things that make you happy, in moderation, keep you healthy. Someone very close to me was told by doctors – no salt.  His food became tasteless – and at a stroke, he lost interest in eating.  Bad advice. 

6) They nurture their passions.  Now this one is valid for all ages, from zero to 120.  What is YOUR passion?  Pursue it.  You have time to do so, now that you are retired.  Some people never do find their true passion.  Pursuing a passion gives life meaning …amd we all need a reason to get out of bed in the morning and tie our shoes. 

7) They remain adaptable.   As we seniors age, our bodies stiffen somewhat.  Exercise can help.  But worse – our brains stiffen.  We become inflexible, in our habits, glued to a fixed routine.  It helps to shake up the routine, and become open to new things, new agendas, new times.   We need flexible brains, to deal with the many challenges that will come our way.  And this is true for ALL ages.

8) They live in the present.  It is in the nature of seniors, to dwell a lot on the past.  Fond memories can be a treasure.  But, let’s not overdo it.  Be mindful of the present —  plan your day, fill it with things you enjoy, with service to others…and give the past its due, but not more so.

[1] https://geediting.com/people-who-thrive-in-their-60s-and-beyond-usually-display-these-8-unique-behaviors/