Gracefully Growing Old
The closer I get to 60, the more I realize that life is so important and that everything that matters to me is so much more important. Our bodies change, our mind changes, but this doesn’t have to be a negative thing.
“Staying young” doesn’t mean that we’re turning into Benjamin Button, but doing things now to slow the aging process is a smart idea. Neighbors of mine have faced serious health issues that have caused them to move where their family can take care of them. They never seemed to challenge their bodies or minds and are paying the price for it now.
Life is short and we need to make every effort to live it to the fullest. Go for that walk! Make your body move! Don’t feel like going outside today, stay indoors and move during commercials of your favorite TV show. You need to move and if it’s only during the commercial breaks, you can get approximately 15 minutes of movement in during an hour show. This does not mean running to the refrigerator to grab a snack, although you’re moving, unhealthy snacks will just ruin the effect. I know you can do this, make it your choice!
Keeping our mind active is also an important part of slowing the aging process. Be sure to read, or listen to books on CD’s, you can do this while taking a walk thereby killing two birds with one stone. Please don’t take this literally! Your entire body is working together to become stronger. Volunteer, it really helps stimulate your mind when you’re helping someone else, besides making your heart feel so good. You don’t want to be that old person you see struggling in the mall, and you don’t have to be.
Don’t overdo, check with your doctor before you start training. Excess stress on your joints can cause more damage then benefits if you aren’t careful. Go slow at first and work up to what’s comfortable to you. Never let someone else push you if you don’t feel up to it. Go swimming if you can, good aerobic exercise without the stress.
I like my life and I want to make the most of it. Therefore I’m not letting “old age” take over. Don’t live to regret the chance you have to age gracefully.
“Old Age”, just a state of mind in my book.
