We start aging the minute we’re born. However, most of us are not inclined to think of it in that perspective. It’s true though, the moment we take our first breath, we begin the process of aging.
Most of the time, I like to think or I TRY to think of my age as an achievement or accomplishment. What’s that saying? “I’ve EARNED these wrinkles and age spots!” But what about the ever-diminishing memory? Have I earned that one too?? I am 64, and I can tell you that there is nothing golden about 60 and beyond!! As time ticks by, more and more of my joints are challenged, and I can pull something out of wack much more easily. And yes, a challenged memory goes right along with that…and don’t even get me started with my sagging jowls! LOL!!!
From time to time, I do get depressed with it all, thinking half my life is spent. Although, there are many perspectives on how to look at the big picture. There are many special things about getting older. For instance…experiencing the birth of your grandchildren, retirement, or simply growing old with your partner. I guess maybe those things are considered “GOLDEN?” However, it does depend on where you’re at in life and especially your health.
Going back to being depressed or fighting the aging blues, there are various things to incorporate into your daily life that can help make the aging process smoother or more comfortable.
Be Kind To Yourself!
It’s easy to criticize or judge yourself for each and every personality flaw, be them large or small. Remember, you are unique! The Lord created YOU with many, many unparalleled qualities to sustain this life. Each unique asset of your character (may) not be superior by today’s standards or in comparison with modern criteria. You and I are not made perfect. However, we ALL possess individual attributes to contribute to society.
On the superficial side of things, being harsh on yourself for every wrinkle, age spot, and all the sagging is only self-sabotaging and proves to be catastrophic to your confidence and wellbeing. Forgive and give yourself compassion!!! It’s inevitable…we all age and grow older. It’s a part of life. And unfortunately, a part of death. Having said that, there are many helpful things that can be done (on your outward appearance) to age gracefully.
Also, appreciate your age and all the living you’ve experienced. Your experiences and education will surely benefit those around you, your family, your children and grandchildren. Being kind to yourself will prove to be comforting to your heart and soul. And therefore, will have favorable results on the outside as well.
Get Your ZZZ’s
Regardless of what’s been said or advised, older adults, just like young adults require the same amount of sleep. Many times, I’ve heard various people say they don’t require that much sleep now that they are older. In some cases, some older adults require even MORE sleep. Although, they may find it challenging to fall into healthy sleep patterns.
Did you know that during sleep, a plethora of things take place within both our bodies and minds??
When we sleep our bodies and minds go through a repair and recover phase. While researching for this blog post, I discovered many things that I wasn’t aware of. As most of us know, the typical and biological role of sleeping supports immune and cardiovascular mechanisms, as well as healthy metabolisms. However, there is so much more to it.
Sleep also supports remaining in a healthy weight, it helps to prevent getting sick with various viruses, flu and colds, helps with stress levels and moods, supports a healthy heart, improves your risk for high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, and strokes.
I’m sure you’ve heard, “get your beauty sleep.” There’s something to that actually. Just in case you’re not aware, while you’re sleeping, blood flow surfaces to the skin, thus repairing and growing new skin cells. Now I’m all -in for that! lol
Furthermore, sleep helps increase collagen production which helps elasticity. Good quality sleep supports skin moisture and a radiant complexion. Not to mention, hormones are reinforced that support healthy skin while sleeping.
So…guess what? I’m officially on a mission to refrain from being the night owl that I am and will be going to bed a great deal earlier!!!!
So, going back to older adults and sleep…
Often times, the aging may begin to encounter poor quality sleep. This can be due to the body’s internal clock, an older adult’s quality of life, less melatonin production (which happens as people get older), general failing health, medications, and add PAIN to the mix as well!
So, unless you are in excellent health, (mental and physical as an aging person), you may experience difficulty with getting a good night’s sleep.
4 Simple Tips For Better Quality Sleep
- Always keep your home at a comfortable temperature
- 2 Try and go to bed at the same time every night and get up the same time every morning…Follow a routine!
- 3 Find soothing ways to relax at the end of the day. Warm bath, relaxing music, a good book, whatever it takes to unwind
- 4 Try not to nap during the day.
Experiment With Makeup And Skincare
Whether you are an expert or beginner, experimenting with Beauty and Makeup can shed a great deal of light in your spirit and mood. I know for myself…putting on makeup, playing around with new skincare, or just organizing my beauty studio can steer me away from a foul mood or broken spirit in no time. If you’re generally not a makeup person or you’ve NEVER tried makeup before especially, give makeup a try and see what it can do for you.
I know of women that simply have (tried makeup for the first time) dramatically and successfully transformed their outlook on life!! So, try adding some color to your face, try some new makeup techniques, or simply try out some new skincare. It could give you the confidence you never knew you had!
In many of my YouTube Videos, I focus on anti-aging, applying makeup to aging skin, or just tips on looking younger.
Allow Yourself a Pamper-Me Day
Wow! Do I need one right about now!!! 😉
Now, I did have a pamper-me-day yesterday! Although, not the beauty type, or maybe it was?? If you follow me on my Facebook Profile, you know I recently purchased a new car. Well, yesterday…I took the afternoon to myself and did some errands and, also drove through Starbucks and took a trip to Sephora. If you are a beauty person specifically, you know all about the big Sephora Sales going on currently. I indulged in a few makeup products and brushes. Yes! A makeup-no-buy is IN ORDER for sure!!! Lol – I totally broke in my 2025 Chevy Trax!
So, Let’s Pamper Ourselves!!!
The classic pampering I’m referring to is…taking a long soak in the tub or do the shower thing with all your favorite shampoo, conditioner, shower gel, body wash, go get your nails done, or do your own, go get a facial or do your own, get a pedicure or do your own. You can also indulge in some new hair/face masks or body scrubs. You can also meditate or experiment with pilates or yoga.
The sky is the limit. There are many, many ways to pamper and take care of YOU! You can also take a slow walk through your favorite park, (weather permitting), or dabble in a favorite book, watch a movie even. Or better yet, TAKE YOURSELF TO THE MOVIES, just you and you alone! See how you feel after a LONG day of pampering. Repeat often!!!
Plenty of Veggies and Fruits
We as parents are always encouraging our kids and grandkids to always eat their veggies and fruits, especially for all those growth spurts. Not to mention brain development. I think it’s even more essential for seniors! There are a multitude of reasons. Let’s look at some of those…
- Fruits and Vegetables are absolutely beneficial to aging adults. One of the most important aspects of consuming nutrients from veggies/fruits is they assist in preventing chronic illness and diseases and, also support over-all good health and well-being.
- These nutrients are excellent proponents in maintaining independence and activity.
- Consuming veggies and fruits help prevent many vitamin deficiencies and general malnutrition.
- The nutrients found in veggies/fruits offer substantial amounts of antioxidants and fiber that help maintain an excellent digestive system.
- And finally, all these nutrients help in boosting a more prominent quality of life, therefore empowering an extensive healthy lifestyle. Of course, a (general), superb quality of life in seniors promote confidence and healthy moods
Walking And Pilates
- Of course, being active can have a gaggle of favorable benefits. Daily activity is particularly essential for the aging. A number one reason (for this 64 year old); being physically active definitely supports the brain and helps prevent Alzheimer’s disease. Alzheimer’s is profoundly inherited on my mother’s side. My mom suffered with it a few years before she passed.
Walking is the most substantial form of activity for seniors. It’s the most fluid, uncomplicated type of exercise. Aging adults don’t have to walk briskly for it to be effective. However, fast walking does highly support the brain and cognitive function. Over-all, an active lifestyle is beneficial for mental health, reduced fall risk, and improved cardio health.
Pilates
Pilates exercises are especially imperative for healthy mobility and maintaining independence. Pilates is also well-known to benefit healthy bone health, circulation and breathing, balance improvement, and posture.
Weight Lifting
Typically, most seniors seem to frow upon weight lifting. However, this aging adult has just started some light form of weight training. It’s NEVER too late!! Although, it does help if you’re generally healthy to begin with.
The essential rule of thumb is to START SLOWLY when beginning a weight training routine!
Incorporating resistance exercise is especially important for declining muscle mass, joint health, bone density, aging metabolism and, believe it or not…emotional health.
Final Thoughts
Smoking and drinking only invites extensive havoc on and speeds up the aging process. Normally, both go hand in hand throughout life.
Did you know the dominant function for the liver is to shed harmful toxins throughout and from the body. Of course, continued drinking can drastically impair the liver. And a damaged liver cannot serve its job efficiently. ☹
Smoking is harmful for ANYONE! Lighting up is especially destructive later in life with existing, general health problems. Smoking encourages threats with respiratory issues, osteoporosis, lung cancer, diabetes, vision health, and a host of other impairments that (could) eventually disable a person, particularly the elderly.
Don’t Do Either One!!!
I certainly hope this article has been helpful for older people. For anyone for that matter! I know the research needed to write this blog post has enlightened and furthered my health and beauty education. Much love to all!
Xoxoxo
Tammy <3