How To Age Gracefully And Enjoy Life At Every Stage

 

Table of contents 

• What it is to age gracefully?
• Accept your age gracefully 
• What are the ways to age gracefully?
• Few more tips you can follow 

What it is to age gracefully?

A whole lot of misconception is going around aging around the globe. Atleast for me aging is a misconception. I think, with age we become more strong and resilient. But, to many aging is anxiety, stress and depression. 

I remember, when I was in my ninth grade I used to wait so eagerly to grow old. For me back then adulthood was a dream. Adulthood meant freedom, independence. It was mesmerising to see adults going for trips, clubs without having to seek permission from anybody. All this was so exciting. I couldn't wait to grow old. 

Even though in my adulthood today I fail to understand people's antipathy towards growing old. Why there is so much of hesitation to accepts lines on their faces or greying of the hair. 

But in reality old age is synonymous of experience.

 Think about these questions. Who would you choose to operate you (supposing you need one) , a doctor who is in his 60s (with a bag full of experience) or a younger doctor with no or little experience to relie upon?

Who would you prefer in your college, as your professor, somebody who as young as you or someone who is a decade or two older to you?

I am sure you must be very clear with your answers. The older the better. Here fits the age old saying "old is gold." 

I never understood peoples behaviour of lying about their age. Don't you think with growth comes maturity. Do you not feel more mature then the last year? Do you not feel more confident in your 30s compared to your 20s? With age we understand the world better . Since the minute we are born we are aging. It is as natural as breathing. We all should embrace it. 

Accept your age gracefully 

Ageing is more serious a problem for women. Many women strives day in and out to keep themselves young. They are obsessed about looking 3-5 years younger to their actual age. For this they do whole lot of stuffs. But they should look young effortlessly. 

Day skin-care routine, night skin-care routine, tonnes of packs (face, hair) masks, serums and what not forms a part of their daily routine. The whole cosmetics industry is booming and flourishing on this simple idea to look young. W

hen the exploding cosmetic market is not enough people turn to surgeons. They get injection, drugs.Skin crafting is done to look prettier and younger. 

Youthfulness should radiate from your mind and not your skin. The energy(aura) that you carry should count and not your appearance. Today's youth obsessed society needs to realise that a human's value increases with age. Age is not to be ashamed of. Embrace the positive factors that comes only as you age( like experience , resilience, confidence,value).

What are ways to age gracefully?

Instead of taking at age as a battle, we can look for better ways to navigate through it. We should change our perspective and try to celebrate ageing. Why not accept it peacefully instead of waging a war against it. After all, whether you accept it not everybody has to get old. Here are few tips to use if you want to age gracefully.

• Attending cultural events: when you participate cultural events you meet people of all groups. Meeting people with different enthusiasm levels make you happier from within.Research shows that people who participate in social events actively are at less mortality risk. Going to theaters, swimming, church, playing golf are some of the events one must associate themselves with. This brings positive association people enhancing their well- being.
• Excercise: research shows that those who involves themselves in different activities like swimming, dancing, hiking, cycling they have been found more healthy. Movements in body increases hippocampus( a part of brain that is responsible for learning and memory). Increase in hippocampus decreases the rate of ageing. 
• Revisit your memories: turning back the clock is not possible but it is very much possible to live the memories of past. You can revisit your albums, you can listen to songs that were favorites, go to places you used to love the most. These things may not have a tangible effect but it will definitely make you live your younger days (brings back memories). It could also be done for fun. Researches call it 'mini time wraps'.  

• Stay updated with technologies: it is very common to see older people refusing technology. But, we all know how comfortable and fast has the world become because of these technologies. Old people must use technology. They can build more social connections, feel more connected which will keep them more happy and healthy.I mean using tik-tok not really that tough. They can send and receive emails without having to wait for somebody else to do it for them. They can order food, stuffs at home. This will keep them updated and engaged. They need a more open attitude towards technology. 
• Stimulate your senses: as we age our senses of smell, taste and hearing becomes dull. Spending out time in the arms of nature (greenary) , would be a great way to sooth yourself. Sensorial stimulating element helps protect your senses to some extent. It also adds to your joy. 

Few more tips you can follow 

• Embrace yourself (by looks, body, health) in all stages of life.
• Buy yourself flowers or any other gift that makes you happy.
• Spend time with nature. Gor for a long walk amongst trees, swim across rivers. 

Ageing is a boon if you ask me. Embrace it with love and positivity. The above given tips will only help you enhance your maturity level making you more robus. With time you become more resilient towards challenges of life. You become stronger. It not something to be fearful about. Instead sit and see how much you have grown up as age. 

Read more: Benefits of journaling

Frequently asked questions:

Q.1.How do I accept that I am aging?

You should first of all accept your age, and the fact that you and all of us together are ageing. Surround yourself with people of all age groups.

Q.2.At what age do people worry about aging?

According to AARP research, greater concerns about aches, pains, and health maladies crops up in people around their 50s. This becomes the major concern for their age.

Q.3.At what age is it normal to start feeling old?

Around 50s it is considered normal to feel older. 

Read more: Habit Stacking - A wonderful Tool