Scott Lilienfeld, a psychology professor at the Emory University in Atlanta, says that all age-related myths are born out of memory compiled by half-baked theories and the media that endorses these theories. This is true! Just Google the keywords ‘common health issues in seniors’ or ‘chronic issues in seniors’ and see the type of blogs you find.
Most of them concede health issues are part of aging and one should be really careful as they age. Some say there is a connection between health concerns and grownups. But it is safe to say that most of the things that we know about aging are outright wrong.
Stay with us until the end of the blog as we unravel why aging does not mean physical or mental illness, and how one can age gracefully without worrying about it. No, this blog is not about the tips to stop aging signs or ways to slow down physical changes. Instead, this focuses on more serious myths on aging, what it really means and why one should never be worried about getting old.
Why doesn’t aging mean physical health issues?
There are millions of seniors who carry on with their daily activities without any dependency even in their 90s and 100s. Then why is it only the seniors who are prone to health issues more than the other age groups? It is the lifestyle and personal choices of a person that need to be blamed for health issues, not the natural aging process.
Having said that, yes, age does slow down a person. It has a clear impact on the way the body functions, efficiency of immunity, and bones and joints. But slowing down does not mean unhealthy or illness.
Why aging, doesn’t have to mean ‘emotional issues’
Unfortunately, many people, including some healthcare professionals, concede that emotional imbalance is part of aging. People of age groups can act grumpy, become angry for petty issues, and can act without control over their own emotions. This is more of a personal trait than an age-related issue.
Why aging does not mean ‘mental issues’
Information at the fingertips has opened gates for naming ceremonies even for simple stress and personal issues. Mental issues or depression in seniors are real and one should talk and seek proper professional help. But some self-diagnose mental issues after reading a blog or an article and live thinking about it.
One such self-diagnosed issue is the ‘midlife crisis.’ All those people who claim that they are experiencing a midlife crisis, probably would have experienced child-life crisis, and adult-life crisis but they just did not realize it. Not just midlife crisis but attributing any mental illness to old age is just not right. Aging doesn’t have anything to do with mental health issues.
What does age really mean?
Aging is just another phase in life. People who have gained mental maturity do not really worry about the growing age number. Birth, life and death are nothing but experiences that everyone experiences.
Liking one phase and denying another phase is not the way. Aging means realizing this and accepting every change that it brings. It also means realizing that one might shrink physically but becomes boundless mentally.
How to age gracefully?
Graceful aging is a result of years of discipline, healthy lifestyle and activities that enhance physical and mental growth. Healthy aging requires one to be cautious about their lifestyle. Healthy diet, enough physical activity and timely medical checks together make a person age gracefully.
- Best diet for seniors to age gracefully: What we eat for energy and growth of the physical body is the most important aspect in aging gracefully. Include fresh veggies, leafy greens, seasonal fruits, and natural sources for minerals and proteins in your diet.
- Best exercises for seniors: Physical activity for seniors is another important factor in aging gracefully. Ensure you get enough physical exertion every day. If you do not know where to start, start with a simple walk every day.
- Periodic medical checkups: Health issues are not always external. Some can be due to the genetics and hereditary factors. Follow periodic medical checkups, vaccinations for seniors to keep many senior-related preventable issues at bay.
All these activities help one become physically healthy. Mental health is as important as physical health. Involve in mindfulness activities on a daily basis to stay free from stress, anxiety, and other negative emotions like anger, frustration and so on.
Mastering the art of aging requires years of persistence and perseverance for years. However, the result is worth all the efforts. Positive living should be everyone’s ultimate goal in life. Aim for it and make conscious efforts to attain it.
Athulya Homecare is a senior home healthcare provider in Chennai. Follow our blog to stay up to date with all tips and hacks on senior living and wellbeing.
