Getting older? – You can still enjoy aging if you understand  what’s going on with your body

Real changes in our bodies begin when we start getting older. Some of the changes you will have to deal with are good; some, not so much. Regardless, aging can be enjoyed provided that you understand what’s really happening to your body. The key is to preserve your general well-being for as long as possible. As we get into retirement, a lot of things happen to our bodies and metabolism. Bones become more fragile, our skin loses elasticity, and in some situations, the brain may start sending bad signals. However, you shouldn’t allow these changes – which by the way, are perfectly normal – to interfere with your lifestyle.

Diet – a key factor that helps you understand what happens when the body starts aging

Physical health is fundamental to healthy aging. But it’s equally important to practice healthy eating habits. It’s never too late to give up carbohydrates and switch to more fruits and vegetables. A well-balanced meal plan revives the metabolism, strengthens the bones, and sharpens the brain. Ditch junk foods and concentrate more on low-fat, fiber-rich and low-carb food varieties.

In some situations, you may be required to take supplements. It’s common to have some vitamin deficiencies, although you are not advised to start popping vitamins at random. Just because some pill has 20 essential vitamins and minerals, it doesn’t mean your body needs them all at once. Another key point is to hydrate more. As we age, our body stops feeling thirsty.
You may not like to drink 8 glasses of water per day, but you have to make ends meet. Switch to fresh lemonade or fruit juice with no added sugars, eat fruits rich in water (watermelon, for example), drink tea, or add berries to your mineral ater. The options are endless.

Embrace the change

Once we turn 50, we can say that we’re finally aging. It’s very important to be aware that some periods will be filled with joyful moments and happiness; other times, not so much. Regardless, the sooner you build resilience the better chances you have to cope with the challenges and turn them into positive aspects of life. Live in the present! The past has happened and the future is yet to come. So why think about those moments, when you can embrace the change and make the most of the present?

Spend time focusing on everything that’s positive in your life, and don’t take things for granted. The more you appreciate and enjoy the present, the more fulfilled you’ll be. Many seniors struggle when it comes to expressing their emotions. They don’t want to be perceived as being too vulnerable in front of their younger loved ones. However, keeping all those feelings all to yourself may lead to depression, anger, and resentment. Find sensible, healthy way to express what you feel. Writing your thoughts in a journal, or talking with a psychologist can help make the transition to senior life a lot smoother.

Stop trying to change the unchangeable

So what if you’ve forgotten where you put your house keys? This doesn’t necessarily mean you’re losing your mind. Some things will soon get out of control. You may not be able to live alone anymore, or you may have to hire a caregiver to help you with daily chores around the house. Rather than stress out over activities you can’t do anymore, focus on things you can still control. Facing your limitations is the first step to living a healthy, comfortable lifestyle.

Some people spend their entire lives searching for the meaning of life. But they say, life is not about getting a happy ending, but about the journey. There’s joy and meaning to be found at 50, too. Listen to the needs of your mind and body, and don’t put too much pressure on them. If there’s something you can’t do, find something else to do to stay busy.

Aging is a part of life. Sooner or later, we all get to 50. But if you listen to the needs of your body, you’ll be able to fix problems before they can become life threatening. Many seniors today are terrified of nursing homes. They wrongfully assume that they’ll live in inappropriate conditions with people they don’t know. In fact, most of today assisted living facilities are social places where seniors can interact with other people their age; they can get proper treatment, socialize, and have fun, thus enjoying retirement to the fullest.

Author: Edward Francis is interested in writing about health and fitness related issues. He has a deep knowledge of this field. Edward also works for care homes and retirement villages.