By Dr. Macie Smith
Why Positive Aging Begins with Mindset
Getting old doesn’t have to be a negative. Give yourself permission to approach aging as a positive.
Here are my two cents on the subject:
• All those candles on your birthday cake are a symbol of the immense wisdom you possess. Your vast experience is a benefit to you – and to those you share it with.
• With age comes confidence, which allows you to be the most authentic version of yourself. How freeing!
• At this point in your life, you’ve probably “been there, done that” which means you have the ability to not sweat the small stuff. What a relief!
• Accepting aging can go a long way in making the most of your entire life – not just the “young” parts. That means you are an active participant in deciding how to age. By actively defining aging, we don’t allow aging to define us.
• That’s why being intentional about how you age can make a difference between just existing and really living.
Intentionally Support and Sustain your Health
• Stay active. Find an activity that you enjoy doing for 30 minutes a day, five days a week. That will provide the recommended 150 minutes of exercise.
• Stay socially engaged. Have a friend over for lunch. Find a walking partner. Call your family.
• Pursue your passion. Figure out what you really love to do and do it as much as possible.
• Keep your brain stimulated. Learn new things, like a language or a card game or a musical instrument. Play timed games. Just like your muscles, your brain needs activity as well.
• Eat healthy foods. Make a point to add a variety of bright colored fruits and green leafy vegetables to the foods you already enjoy. Choose low fat, low salt and low sugar items. Avoid processed foods.
• Reduce stressors. Incorporate relaxation techniques into your life such as breathing, meditation, massage and journaling.
We are all obligated to age, but acting old is a choice. It’s important to keep in mind that your age doesn’t define you, your actions do.
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Dr. Macie P. Smith is a licensed gerontology social worker who is focused on helping families support their aging loved ones through long-term care. Specifically, Dr. Smith educates caregivers on how to care for seniors with dementia. She is an advocate for specialized care and assists others in finding a way to provide a better quality of life for individuals with Alzheimer’s or dementia. Dr. Smith has dedicated over 22 years of her life working in gerontology and assisting families in finding personalized solutions for dementia care. For more articles by Dr. Macie Smith, click here.
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