As we age, it’s important to
maintain the zest for life. Ageing healthily includes staying physically
healthy as well as maintaining a sense of purpose.
Change is difficult irrespective
of what age you are at but elders should continue to rediscover themselves. While growing old you experience many changes including
loss of friends, family, health, career, independence and financial support. Most
important factor at this time is to understand that sense of loss needs to be balanced with positive ingredients. This will help you age well.
There are many common thoughts that elders have about ageing:
- Old age will bring to me poor health and I will be dependent on others.There are some diseases that are common in older adults but many elders age healthily by eating a healthy diet, exercising and managing stress by looking at positive ingredients in their life in spite of loss of career, friends and family.
- Memory loss is inevitable part of ageing. This is not true as brain is such an organ that it can be trained and new learning can take place at any age. There are many things that can be done to keep the memory sharp throughout your life.
- Older adults cannot learn new things. This is not true. If you believe in yourself and you set up a positive environment for yourself, you can learn at any age.
Healthy ageing means finding activities that you enjoy. Most
important thing is to begin doing something. It could be investing time in a
long-neglected hobby, learning something new (playing an instrument, learning a
new language), getting involved in your community activities, spend time with
nature (gardening, fishing), join a book club, visit a museum; the possibilities
are endless and can vary as per your interests. The important thing is to find
activities that are both meaningful and enjoyable. Taking time out to nourish your
spirit is never wasted.
