Ageing in style

FARZANA SHAKIR offers tips on how to make the ageing experience a healthy and happy one

Ageing gracefully is not just desired by everyone everywhere, one presumes it must be most widely wished for, right after the yearning to stay forever young. Of course, it is the right of every human being to be able to age and retire with grace and dignity. And like all good things in life, this right is totally achievable. But the trick is in taking a holistic approach and targeting your physical, emotional, social and spiritual wellbeing to achieve this state of nirvana.

While people are now living longer, they don’t often live healthier lives. Ageing well is all about maintaining emotional wellbeing and retaining mental and physical functions by socialising, eating healthy and engaging in physical activity. In order to sidestep some chronic health conditions prevalent in old age, it is important to make some lifestyle changes as early as possible in life, and integrate good strategies which will become habits by the time you really need them. And there can’t be a better investment than the one you make in your health.

But even for those who’ve left it a little late, there’s hope; all it takes is a little commitment to adapt to new routines and replace old habits.

Here are a few pointers to help you age in style:

Physical Health

Start rooting for healthy bones, and the earlier in life the better. Chronic bone conditions rampant in old age like osteoporosis require a continuous calcium intake so develop a habit of including milk, cheese, yoghurt and other sources of this mineral in your diet on a regular basis. Start your daughters on at least a daily glass of milk.

Get into the habit of exercising daily. If nothing else, go for a short walk. Tai Chi and other exercises for improving balance are excellent in strengthening muscles, preventing falls and keeping you on your feet as you get older. It is, however, advisable to consult your health care provider before starting an exercise regimen.

Our body needs Vitamin D to retain bone health. The best source of this is the sun, so soak it up but in measured doses. If for some reason you find it difficult to get outdoors, discuss the option for a vitamin D supplement with your doctor.

Mental Health

Resistance training boosts cognitive ability. Activities like swimming and aerobics are good for your brain, and research shows that even simple weights training that seniors can easily handle, works wonders in increasing their mental abilities.

As we age, one of the most common complaints is of memory decline. Oxidative damage is the main cause of mental deterioration. You can stop your mental degeneration by eating foods rich in antioxidants. Think berries, especially blueberries which have been proven by research to prevent and help reduce the effects of age-related mental conditions like dementia and Alzheimer’s. Fish, citruses, avocadoes and wholegrains are other brain-friendly foods.

Our bodies require water as an absolute must to function properly. The brain is 80% water and brain nutrition is primarily hydration. So develop a habit of drinking

But the trick is in taking a holistic approach and targeting your physical, emotional, social and spiritual wellbeing to achieve this state of nirvana plenty of water, at least eight glasses a day. Increase your water intake when the weather is hot and humid or if you are ill. In addition, two to three cups of fresh brewed tea works wonders towards replenishing the body. A well hydrated body is better equipped to ward off signs of physical and mental erosion.

Doing brain games like crosswords and Suduko and physical activities like walking, dancing, golf, knitting, typing on the computer, learning sign language or playing a musical instrument, all promote improved brain functions.

Spiritual Health

Spirituality is a term often used interchangeably with religion when in fact, it is far more encompassing. Research has found that the state of spiritual transcendence beyond the material and self is directly related to health, happiness and emotional stability in older people. So integrate spirituality in your life.

People of different cultures have differing philosophies and practices of spirituality, but in the end they all result in similar positive outcomes.

Religion is a way of expressing spirituality. People who are members of a religious circle enjoy social support and a sense of belonging which is highly significant in coping with age related changes.

Strategies to bring spirituality into your life include prayer, meditation, relaxation, artistic expressions like writing a memoir, personal healing by giving away mementos and distributing possessions, doing voluntary work, imagery as in creating a memory garden and reflecting on what life has taught us by our experiences etc.

Emotional Health

To age well, it is absolutely essential to maintain your emotional health. Minimize chronic stressors. People who stress out easily are more prone to diseases like Alzheimer’s and cognitive decline. Maintain a sense of humour. See the lighter side of things and don’t clog your mind with negative thoughts. Positive thinking will keep you from aging quickly.

As we age, traditions become more important to us. If these are lacking in the older people’s life, it can give rise to feelings of meaninglessness. These emotional insecurities are more evident in the aging migrant population. So stay in touch with people of your community, form a social network as in later years this will serve as a connection with your history and heritage.

If you are experiencing emotional distress, try meditation. This age-old art of silencing the mind and increasing concentration works wonders in promoting inner peace in the midst of life’s daily turmoils.

So acquire the knowledge of self, understand your body and mind and take measures right now to ensure they keep functioning optimally till the very end.

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