Written by: Barbara Powell Love, Executive Contributor
Executive Contributors at Brainz Magazine are handpicked and invited to contribute because of their knowledge and valuable insight within their area of expertise.
My philosophy is that nothing gets old except for shoes and clothes. I want to enjoy aging without the pressure of anyone telling me that something is not for me because of my age. It irritates me to no end when people try to put me in a particular bracket for my age and treat me differently.
“With aging, I become more certain in my decisions, more positive about who I am, more in charge of myself and my life.” – Unknown
I never divulge my age unless it’s necessary, and there are not too many necessary reasons that I can think of for me to do that. For some people, it seems that they are obsessed with labeling people when they reach a certain age. I want to age gracefully without someone treating me according to how they respond to knowing my age.
You might ask, ‘What is Aging Gracefully?” I believe that the art of aging gracefully is simply the process of embracing changes that naturally occur in my body as I grow older. It is also about growing in wisdom, experiences, and renewing perspectives. I believe it is the beauty of not getting old but getting better. It’s aging like a fine wine. I understand that growing older is a natural occurrence, however, when I take care of my body, mind, and spirit, I can enjoy the wisdom that comes with aging, yet defy the aches, pains, wrinkles, and the so-called ‘acting my age’ that many others seem to embrace before their time. I believe that my mindset makes a huge difference in my overall health and well-being. I fight growing old with a vengeance, and I like to think that I am a seasoned citizen, not a senior citizen.
Let me share Seven vital tips (not a complete list, however) that I have implemented in the art of Aging Gracefully: 1. Maintain a healthy diet.
When I say diet, I don’t mean that I am suggesting that you go on a diet. However, I believe that what goes into my body is more important than what I put on my body. Therefore, I am mindful of what I eat. I make it my lifestyle. You have heard the saying, ‘You are what you eat’, I’m sure. I am very particular about what I eat and how I prepare it. I avoid dairy, and that includes one of my past favorite foods, cheese. I have learned to make my own vegan cheeses, salad dressings, mayonnaise, etc., from nuts. I have learned to substitute tofu for eggs and use gluten-free flour and nuts and grain flour for pancakes and other bread. Did you know that according to dieticians (Sinrich, 2019), there are foods that directly contribute to longevity, reduce heart disease and stroke, diabetes, and more? Some of my favorites from that list are berries, and I have not yet found a vegetable that I didn’t like, and beans. I learned a long time ago that certain foods such as fried foods, oily foods, red meat, and refined sugars, can take a toll on my skin as well as my health, so I eliminated them. I used to love all fried foods, butter, some red meats, and some high-cholesterol meals such as fast foods, processed foods, dairy, and even casseroles with lots of cheese. Now, my diet mainly consists of fruits, vegetables, protein, nuts, and healthy fats.
2. Drink lots of water.
I prefer alkaline water. Water carries the nutrients that we need to our cells and flushes out all the toxins that can consume us and helps with digestion. Staying hydrated is essential as we age. People who don’t hydrate stand a great chance of contracting kidney diseases have foggy brains, and experience fatigue. In addition, staying hydrated is great for your skin. Who wants to walk around with dry and wrinkled skin if it can be avoided?
3. Keep it moving.
Walking is my favorite form of exercise. I love walking around the lake near my home. It is one of the most peaceful times of my day. Movement helps to maintain a healthy weight. Obesity opens and keeps the doors open for diabetes, high blood pressure, and other chronic diseases, so walking and/or regular exercise controls and even prevents many of the medical issues associated with aging. Focused movement helps to improve my mood, increases muscle strength, and also allows me to get much-needed Vitamin D.
4. Get enough sleep.
Adequate sleep is essential as we age. We need 7-8 hours of uninterrupted sleep to maintain a healthy existence. There is also nothing wrong with grabbing a nap in the middle of the day if necessary. Being well rested helps me to accomplish my long list of activities that I have on any given day.
5. Maintain a healthy social existence.
Staying connected to family and friends can reduce the feeling of loneliness. Living a life of isolation can bring on depression. If you don’t have friends and you don’t like your relatives, join active social clubs and meet new friends. Get connected and stay engaged in an activity that you enjoy.
6. Manage Your Stress.
Did you know that stress can kill you? Chronic stress can and will have a negative effect not only on physical health but mental health as well. Tai Chi, yoga, deep breathing exercises, sex, yes, sex, and walking are some fun ways to relieve stress and improve your overall well-being. I find something to make me smile or laugh during my day. Laughter is great medicine and essential to well-being. My suggestion is to throw away those excuses that may be forming in your mind right now. They are irrelevant. Don’t get weighed down by the stresses of life.
7. Get Regular Health Screenings.
Staying up to date with your health allows you to enjoy life, not suffer through life. Get a date book or use your phone calendar and log-in appointments for those regular mammograms, colonoscopies, bloodwork, and yearly checkups. Get regular blood pressure checks and stop worrying so much about things that you have no control over. This goes along with managing your stress, which is a vital part of living well. Having regular health screenings helps to detect any issues early on when they are easier to treat. Aging gracefully is not about trying to stop the aging process. We are going to get older, but we don’t have to grow old. Embrace aging but stay open-minded, stay beautiful, stay active, stay healthy, and stay socially engaged. Until next time…Stay healthy and beautiful!
Barbara Powell Love, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine
Barbara Powell Love is currently the Office Manager for a small medical practice. She earned a Bachelor of Science Degree concentrating in Business Development. Barbara is also the owner of Beebe Love's Beauty @www.beebelove.com, a blogging website to promote beauty, motivate, inform, provide mental stimulation, educate, inspire and encourage other women over 50 to embrace their inner beauty and pursue their dreams. Her blog focuses on personal development, leadership, and lifestyle. She encourages women to become Seasoned Beauties instead of becoming Senior Citizens.
