It is rightly said that age is just a number. While good genes certainly help, having a positive attitude, emotional and physical well-being might be even more important to navigate through life.

A 2016 study in Applied Psychology found a strong connection between being positive, staying healthy and living longer.

While strolling through bookstores, it's hard to miss the magazines that focus on youth and how to look younger. While it's normal to worry a bit about wrinkles and changes that come with age, there's more to ageing well than just appearances. Ageing gracefully isn't just about trying to look young again. It's a natural phase of life and is more about having a healthy body and mind to enjoy life at its best. 

 

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As time moves forward, our bodies and minds undergo changes, but there's beauty in each phase of life. Approaching life with a positive mindset and nurturing habits can make the process more fulfilling. It's about taking care of yourself physically, mentally, and emotionally to make the most of every stage of life. Similar to how a good bottle of wine gets better with time, our lives can improve if we show ourselves love and care. .

Let's explore some simple yet impactful ways to age gracefully and live a fulfilling life.

 

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Learn to Cope with Change

As the saying goes, change is the only constant in life. Being accepting and embracing this change is essential to be happy as time passes by. One way to cope is by accepting that change happens and it's okay to feel uneasy about it. Instead of resisting, try to adapt to the new situation step by step. Take it slowly and give yourself time to adjust.

Also, talking to someone you trust can help. Sharing your feelings about the changes might make them feel less overwhelming. And remember, it's alright to ask for help if you need it. Keeping an open mind and being patient with yourself can make adjusting to change a bit easier. Additionally, instead of criticising and cribbing for what’s going wrong, try to shift your focus on things you are grateful for. 

 

Exercise Regularly 

According to the Department of Health & Human Services, individuals should incorporate 2.5 to 5 hours per week of moderate-intensity exercise, 1.25 to 2.5 hours per week of vigorous-intensity aerobic exercise, or a combination of the two. Additionally, muscle strengthening exercises of moderate intensity for two or more days per week.

According to a 2022 study by Edith Cowan University, a single bout of exercise has been shown to elevate anti-cancer proteins called myokines in people with advanced prostate cancer, to levels that can significantly suppress tumour growth.

We all know that regular physical activity has health benefits, including weight control, strengthening the heart, bones and muscles and reducing the risk of certain diseases. A 2017 study by the University of California has found that just one session of moderate exercise can also act as an anti-inflammatory. The findings have encouraging implications for chronic diseases like arthritis, fibromyalgia and  more pervasive conditions such as obesity.

 

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Keep Yourself Engaged

When you are free you tend to engage your mind in insignificant things as well. With growing age, individuals tend to withdraw themselves from performing the basic activities they used to do. To overcome this, try incorporating new hobbies or delving into fresh learning experiences like picking up a musical instrument, exploring a foreign language, trying out different games, or engaging in a new sport, injecting life with purpose and happiness. These ventures not only bring joy but also contribute to maintaining a healthy mind, preventing mental decline as you age.

Embracing these new activities will infuse your days with excitement and a sense of accomplishment. Each new skill acquired or hobby explored adds layers of fulfilment. 

 

Exercise your Brain

A 2017 study by Johns Hopkins University found that brain training activities help significantly in improving memory and attention. 

Exercising your brain is as important as keeping your body fit. To age gracefully, engage in activities that challenge your mind, like reading, exploring new hobbies, or spending time socialising and enjoying music. These activities stimulate your brain and contribute to maintaining a positive mental state.

Furthermore, dedicating time to specific brain exercises regularly helps prevent conditions like dementia. Start from simple tasks like puzzles, brain games, or learning new skills actively. This will help train your brain, ensuring it stays sharp and functioning at its best. Just as physical exercise strengthens the body, consistently exercising your brain can significantly enhance your cognitive abilities, making each day of life more extraordinary.

 

Understand Your Reactions

Life is unpredictable and worrying about what comes next could be dreadful. To relish life, it is important not to be overwhelmed by everything and control the controllables. It means acknowledging that we can't change everything around us but can choose how we react to what happens. By knowing what we can control, like our responses, attitudes, and efforts, we gain a sense of empowerment. For instance, we can't control external events or others' actions, but we can control how we approach challenges, our perspective, and the decisions we make.
It's about directing our energy towards things we can influence positively. Instead of dwelling on circumstances beyond our control, we can channel our efforts into actions that align with our values and goals. This approach helps us navigate uncertainties with a greater sense of calm and purpose. Focusing on the controllable factors allows us to steer our lives in a direction that reflects our intentions, fostering a more graceful and meaningful existence.

 

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Take Care of Your Physical Health 

As we age, our bodies undergo changes that can lead to more health concerns. It becomes crucial to address these issues promptly by seeking timely medical care, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, and keeping up with regular check-ups. 

• Educate yourself on menopause: Understanding menopause helps in managing its symptoms and changes, ensuring a smoother transition in this phase of life.
• Take a calcium supplement: Supporting bone health, especially during menopause when bone density may decrease, aids in preventing osteoporosis.
• Boost electrolytes: Maintaining electrolyte balance helps combat fatigue, muscle cramps, and supports various bodily functions, contributing to overall well-being.
• Add collagen: Supplementing collagen can benefit skin elasticity, joint health, and potentially aid in managing menopausal symptoms like joint pain.
• Watch your cholesterol: Monitoring cholesterol levels is crucial for heart health, especially during menopause, as hormonal changes might impact cholesterol levels.
• Visit your doctor regularly: Regular gynaecological and body check-ups ensure early detection of any potential issues, supporting overall reproductive and general health.
• Maintain your oral health: Good oral health is linked to various systemic conditions, so proper dental care is crucial, especially during menopause, for overall health and disease prevention.

 

Need all your wellness solutions in one place? A whole new world awaits just a click away.

 

Regular health checks are essential for everyone, but they are particularly important for individuals who are at risk of or already have any underlying condition. Taking regular health checks can help detect the condition at an early stage when it is easier to manage and treat. With the UR.Life HRA, we help you to invest in your well-being through seamless interventions and targeted medical treatments. 

Our holistic wellness approach caters to all aspects of your well-being. We ensure that you can bring your whole self to work. With our medical professionals by your side, routine health check-ups will never be an issue. Advanced laboratory technologies back UR.Life’s Occupational Health Centers (OHC), and with highly qualified experts/technicians, we’re committed to delivering trusted and quality recommendations, modifications and advice to you.