“Wrinkles are engraved smiles.” - Jules Renard. If you are turning 60, chances are you might already be sensitive about the lines on your face. But rather than frowning in the mirror, I believe that we need to learn to embrace them. Wrinkles aren’t imperfections or the signs of end, but it is a manifestation of all the amazing things you have gone through as a senior.
Wrinkles are just a natural part of aging. It is most prominent on the visible skin, such as the face, hands and neck. Although genetics play a crucial role in skin texture and structure, sun exposure, lack of proper care and chemicals are the major cause of wrinkles in seniors. Think of it as an art rather than an imperfection.
As you grow older, cognitive abilities like memory, attention, planning etc deteriorate and this is a very normal part of ageing. The blog titled - ‘Age Gracefully, Age Positively’ on 60Plus India’s page, which is a leading service provider for senior services and products beautifully describes the changes that occur in seniors through the ageing process.
Tips for a healthy ageing
Apart from dreading about the wrinkles on your face, there is so much more to aging well. Aging gracefully isn’t about trying to look like you are in your 20s, but it is about living your best life and having physical and mental well being to enjoy it. Ironically, as a bottle of wine, you can get better with age with the proper care and lifestyle changes. Read on to know more about what to do and not to do on your quest of age happily.
Exercise
The seniors benefit the most from exercises than any other generation. Exercise in seniors significantly lowers risk of many chronic diseases and helps retain mobility longer. Regular exercise lowers stress, improves mental health and sleep. It is recommended that seniors have at least 2.5 to 5 hours of exercise each week which has aerobic exercise, strength training, yoga, etc. Some simple exercises include walking, swimming, cycling which are great for seniors. More elderly seniors need to incorporate balance training to their regime too.
Get plenty of sleep
Ever woken up from a sleepless night only to discover that your skin looks dull and old? Good sleep is vital for healthy aging. Most of the seniors need 7-8 hours of proper sleep for a great life. During sleep our skin cells repair themselves and build new muscles. Our stress hormone levels get adjusted and we feel renewed. As a manner of habit, practice good sleeping habits and aim for uninterrupted sleep time. Sleep in a dark and cooler room. Strictly avoid electronics which emit blue light, which disrupts sleep. White noise machine is a great remedy if you tend to wake up easily. Good sleep is paramount for your physical and mental health and also plays a role in your skin’s health.
Eat a balanced diet
Healthy foods is the path to follow for a better aging experience. Balanced diet helps us ward off many of the age related effects on the body. A diet rich in fruits and veggies means plenty of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. It also helps maintain a stable weight. Heart diseases, diabetes, BP can be easily prevented, if not delayed it we have a healthy and well rounded diet. Keep your salt intake a minimum and avoid sugar sweetened drinks. Good nutrition keeps us mentally sharp and able to enjoy everyday activities. Special customized food for seniors is specially prepared to suit individual needs and is tasty and healthy meal.
Stay Hydrated
Hydration is important as you age. Our bodies are made up of 50-60% of water. What's fuel to a machine is water to us, keeps our body running. Water flushes toxins in the body and helps digestion. Proper sleep, higher cognitive abilities, perfect weight are all linked to ample water intake. Water also helps avoid wrinkles and dry skin. How much water you should drink depends on your thirst, activity level, sweat and even gender. Alternative to drinking water are hydrating fruits and veggies like cucumber, grapes and watermelon. So, drink up for a smoother aging!
Mental health matters
Last but not the least, take proper care of your mental health as much as you take care of your physique. Being happy and reducing stress goes a long way in ageing well. Spend quality time with loved ones, build meaningful relationships and social presence. Spend time in nature, pursue your long wanted hobby, volunteer for social causes, etc. Stress has a negative impact on health and unfortunately causes us to age sooner. Keep your emotional habits healthy too through self-care, gratitude, empathy. Remember, your mental health matters as much as your physical.
The biggest way to age healthily? Put a full stop to all that worrying! It is easier said than done. Begin to accept your age and those engraved wrinkles. Seniors who maintain a positive attitude about ageing tend to liver longer and are more self-reliant. Ageing is inevitable and learning to embrace it makes a huge difference. Do things you love. Wishing you a happy ageing!
Author: Team 60plus India
Keywords used : Wrinkles, Health aging, Aging gracefully, Exercise, Sleep, balanced diet, hydrated, mental health matters.
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