Staying Young Through All Your Years

There’s nothing wrong with enjoying the experience and wisdom that comes as we get a bit older. Even looking at those grey hair or fine lines can give you a feeling of fulfilment.

 

However, what most people dread about aging isn’t just looking old; it’s also feeling old. Everybody wants to avoid all those aches, pains, and cognitive decline that sometimes accompany old age.

 

Yet, we’re here to tell you about some expert-approved strategies that can help you look and feel young, healthy, and vibrant.

 

Let’s get started.

 

1. Meditate Daily

 

Constant surges of cortisol and adrenaline take a heavy toll on your mental, emotional, and physical health. They’re also one the biggest instigators of chronic diseases, like depression, high blood pressure, heart diseases, and dementia.

 

An effective way to slow down the effects of stress hormones is by meditating. You can do it for just five minutes a day for an hour, depending on how much time you have and your skill level.

 

The most important part of meditation is breathing deeply and avoiding pushing away thoughts that pop into your mind. If you do get any thoughts, simply accept them, then go back to your breathing.

 

Some people also repeat a mantra, such as a certain word, phrase, prayer, or a simple hum. Mantras are known in the meditation world as ‘a relaxation response’ to the stressors of the outside world.

 

2. Volunteer Often

 

Helping others is a great way to stay young at heart. Studies show that when we help others, whether it’s a stranger or your best friend, our brain releases oxytocin. This ‘feel-good’ hormone enhances your mood and counteracts the effects of the stress hormone cortisol.

 

Volunteering also gives you a sense of purpose, boosting your self-esteem and making you feel good about yourself.

 

Another benefit of volunteering is that you get to meet new people who share similar interests. It also strengthens your support network and boosts your ties to the community.

 

3. Exercise Regularly

 

The great thing about exercise is that it doesn’t have to be grueling hour-long sessions at the gym. It can be as calming as doing some yoga or tai-chi. Both are designed to help reduce stress while strengthening your muscles.

 

There’s even been research done on their ability to rejuvenate the immune and digestive systems. Not only that, but physical exercise is great for boosting brain power as well.

 

So, they’re good for keeping your mind and body young. Other types of anti-aging workouts include:

 

• Walking

• Low-impact cardio routines

• Standing calf raises

• Swimming

• Arm and leg crosses

 

4. Eat Right

 

One of the best ways to feel and look young through all your years is to eat the right types of food. Certain foods contain the vitamins and minerals we need to reduce the risk of chronic diseases, cancer, and even Alzheimer’s.

 

Pomegranates, berries, leafy veggies, and nuts are all great examples of what health experts refer to as ‘superfoods.’ They recommend we eat these foods daily because they contain high levels of antioxidants and amino acids, as well as loads of vitamins and minerals.

 

When taken in the right amounts, they help you sleep better, boost your immune system, and improve your memory!

 

5. Stay Hydrated

 

Drinking water and other healthy beverages throughout the day helps keep your cells supple and healthy. People who drink large amounts of water throughout the day tend to have fewer wrinkles and soft lines than those who don’t.

 

Some drinks, such as green tea, have the potential to lower the risk of certain types of cancer. Even more impressive is that several studies show that drinking at least one cup a day can help boost your concentration and memory and keep your brain sharp.

 

Final Thoughts

 

Staying young through all your years is easy if you follow these tips. The important thing is to stay young at heart, adopt a positive mindset, and never stop learning.

5 Starter Steps to Self-Improvement

Let’s start by acknowledging that we’re fantastic just the way we are! Everything you’ve done and everything you are makes you you, which is a pretty terrific individual!

That said, we have to be honest with ourselves and say that there are things we’d like to see change. Maybe it’s how you deal with challenges or what you do when confronted with a disrespectful colleague.

 

These little habits or tendencies may not only be frustrating, but they could also be standing in the way of you getting an awesome promotion. So, why let them?

 

Below are five starter steps to self-improvement and feeling phenomenal about yourself.

 

Take a look.

 

1. Get to Know You

 

We take for granted that we know what we want. But unfortunately, no one teaches us how to determine our likes and dislikes, hopes and dreams. And it can take years until we actually know who we are.

 

One of the most important steps of self-improvement is understanding yourself. So, get curious about what makes you who you are. Once you become familiar with all the layers, you can start making the changes you need to improve.

 

Look at yourself objectively and ask yourself these questions:

 

• What’s my biggest motivator?

• What do I enjoy doing?

• Who are my biggest supporters?

• What are my core values?

• What do I worry about?

• What are my strengths and weaknesses?

 

2. Sleep Well

 

If you’re a night owl or just like partying, then you have to put your obligations first. It’s okay to go out with friends and enjoy a night out once a month. Yet, it’s a whole different ball game when you spend every night watching mindless hours of TV or scrolling through social media.

 

That’s ruining your cognitive abilities, as well as your physical health. Plus, it’s wasting tons of hours when you could have been doing something else.

 

According to the Sleep Foundation, the average adult needs between 7–9 hours of sleep each night. Getting that quality sleep will help you wake up fresh, energized, and ready to embark on a new day.

 

Besides keeping you focused and alert, good sleep boosts your immune system, reduces stress, and helps you maintain your weight. In addition, sleep can lower the risk of chronic diseases, such as heart disease and Type-2 diabetes.

 

3. Work Out

 

Your physical well-being has a direct impact on your mental and emotional state. Therefore, being healthy is important to living a high-quality lifestyle and not fearing what needs to be changed or improved.

 

More importantly, through regular exercise and eating healthy foods, you fuel your body and mind. So, you stop aching all over and start feeling energized.

 

You can go up a flight of stairs without feeling like your heart is about to pop out of your chest. Walking becomes your new mode of transportation, and your clothes look better than ever on you.

 

Combined, these things factor in on how you feel about yourself. When you look good, your self-esteem gets a nice boost. You become more confident to try new things or meet new people.

 

4. Stay Curious

 

Make a habit of learning something new each day for the rest of your life. Being exposed to new ways of thinking and doing has the power of changing the quality of your thoughts.

 

You get to see things from a different perspective, which gives you insight into new information. As a result, you can start changing how you live for the better.

 

Being curious doesn’t always have to be for young, eager children. You can do the same thing at any age to help you stay alert and active.

 

After all, if we’re not learning and growing, then we’re dying. Check out some ways to keep learning at any age:

 

• Read 1–2 books each week

• Take an online course

• Sign up for a class at your local community center

• Do something that scares you once a month

 

5. Celebrate Your Successes

 

No one knows about celebrating successes perhaps better than Nelson Mandela. He said, “Remember to celebrate milestones as you prepare for the road ahead.”

 

Make a habit of recognizing your hard work and accomplishments and the sacrifices you made to get there. Be proud of your progress and how you feel about everything you’ve learned in the process.

 

When you look back and know what you’re capable of achieving, you get a fresh insight into what needs to be tweaked for the next challenge. Then, you can make changes where needed to keep moving forward and improving day by day!

5 Ways To Stay Fit Without Entering A Gym

Let’s face it, the gym environment (despite the diversity of options for gyms that are present in most places) is not for everyone, either due to personal preference of atmosphere, lack of self-confidence, or possibly simply logistical issues such as time or transportation, but fortunately there are a number of ways that you can stay in shape and get some exercise without ever stepping foot into a gym.

 

Consider the following 5 suggestions that provide a workout in an alternative setting.

 

Hiking/Walking

 

Whether you go to the park closest to you and walk around for 20 minutes, or you take a day trip to whatever state park with hiking trails is most feasible for you, or even if you just take an hour to explore your town or city.

 

Consider it taking yourself on a tour of your town which likely would result in you either re-discovering the town that you call home or learning things about your city of which you were previously unaware.

 

Walking and hiking are excellent ways to get some exercise without going to a gym. Anything from a brief stroll to a vigorous hike will most certainly be worth the time and the effort, and you will be happy that you did.

 

Donate Your Time/Labor

 

Volunteering in a community garden, or with a charitable organization such as Habitat for Humanity, or any other activity of the like will not only get you moving and active without stepping on a treadmill, but the sense of accomplishment and reward that your philanthropic activities will yield will make you feel better both inside and out.

 

Your local Chamber of Commerce or YMCA would likely be able to point you in the right direction when it comes to choosing the volunteer activity that is right for you.

 

Turn Cleaning Into A Workout

 

Basically, most weekly or daily household chores (vacuuming, mopping, general maintenance and cleaning) involve a certain amount of physical activity anyway, so why not turn these tasks that need to be done anyway into a work out of sorts? Accomplishing this efficient use of your energy is as simple as putting on your work-out clothes and shoes, turning on your favorite work-out music, and just putting a little more energy into your movements as you get your house chores done.

 

Take Up A Sport That Suits You

 

Most every town and certainly every city has adult league teams that play a variety of sports such as softball, soccer, basketball, etc. Even if you’ve never played a team sport before, there is a good chance that you will find a sport and team that is appropriate for your skill level and physical ability.

 

And you might be surprised at how much you enjoy your new found activity and the comradery of your team mates, as well as you may discover a talent to which you were previously unaware you possessed which, like volunteering, will not only give you exercise and help you to stay fit but will also improve your mental and emotional health. If you find the right sport and the right team to join, it will most certainly be a win-win situation for you

 

Participate In An Obstacle Course

 

A fast-growing trend in outdoor fitness activities are organized obstacle courses, and there are options for every level of athlete, many of which are also themed which makes them more fun and interesting.

 

Obstacle courses such as Tough Mudder, Zombie Mud Run, Spartan Race, etc. are just 3 of the multiple options of fun obstacle course races that will certainly give you a work out but won’t make you spend time at the gym.

 

SOURCES:

 

http://www.health.com/fitness/10-fun-ways-to-get-fit-without-a-gym#sign-up-for-an-obstacle-course-race

 

http://www.health.com/fitness/10-fun-ways-to-get-fit-without-a-gym#join-a-team

 

https://www.google.com/search?q=obstacle+course+races&rlz=1C1CHBD_enUS790US790&oq=obstacle+course+races&aqs=chrome..69i57j0l5.4464j1j7&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8

 

Why Regular Exercise Is Such an Important Aspect of Personal Development

If you are on a quest to try and improve yourself, then you certainly cannot ignore one of the chief aspects of personal development—exercise. You must have already heard the adage A Healthy Mind in a Healthy Body. If you want to be really fit and become a successful person, your body has to be just as fit as your mind is. Undermining any of these aspects takes you away from developing your body fruitfully.

 

There are several benefits of regular exercise that are specific to personal development, as you shall see…

 

1. When your body is fitter, you look more attractive. A lot of people still equate good personality with an attractive body. Hence, you are pandering to one of the basest definitions of personal development. And, who’s complaining actually? Who doesn’t want to have an attractive body anyway?

 

2. A healthier body means that you have more energy to accomplish things. You are able to work faster and produce better results. You can go ahead of your competitors. This you won’t be able to do if you lack stamina and get breathless on your way to the top. A modicum of exercise is needed to keep you moving on.

 

3. Another very important benefit of regular exercise is that it keeps diseases away if not completely avoids them. You don’t need to call in sick as much as a person who doesn’t exercise would. You are healthier not only in body but also in mind, and that’s the reason why you can think better. Your plans and suggestions have a better chance of being accepted because you have formulated them in good health, something that your exercise-shirking rivals have not done.

 

4. Exercise helps free up your mind. If you haven’t exercised already, try it now. Exercise early in the mornings, which is the best time. Even if you just work out on the treadmill for 15 minutes in the morning, you will feel rejuvenated. You will feel as though you can just run out and grab what you want to achieve. Also, it gives you time to think, to plan out things, which is very important. While the blood is pumping in the body, it is pumping in the brain as well. It is filling up those little gray cells and ideas are generated.

 

These are just four of the many benefits that regular exercise has. Invest your time wisely in exercise—if you are looking for personal development, you cannot afford to downplay its importance in your life.

 

Losing Weight After 50

As you get older, you may notice that it is increasingly difficult to lose weight. This is especially true after you pass the milestone 50^th birthday. Don’t fret though, as there are many tips you can use to help you to effectively lose weight after you turn 50. 

 

Why Is It So Hard To Lose Weight After 50?

 

You may be wondering why turning 50 is so hard on your body. And honestly, a lot of it has to do with your lifestyle slowing down. Chances are you are no longer as active as you were before, spending more time sedentary than in your previous decades. And according to Healthline, 50 is also when you experience metabolic changes that also contribute to having less energy and weight gain. 

 

Your social life is also probably slowing down at this time as well. If you have kids, they no longer need the constant chasing they needed when they were young, and your friends are probably no longer inviting you for jogs in the park. You are also more comfortable and established at your job, no longer working a side hustle to make ends meet. All of this adds up to a life that is generally much less active overall. 

 

How Do You Remedy This?

 

Although you are probably receiving less invitations to do active things with friends, this doesn’t mean that you can’t invite them to do something active with you! Next time you find yourself with a free afternoon, invite a friend for a walk around the park. This way you will be doing something active that is good for your body while also being social.

 

And if you haven’t already, it’s probably time to switch out your diet for something a little bit healthier. Back in the day, it was easy to work off any excess calories you may have consumed. But now it takes more exercise than ever to burn off extra calories, so it’s better to just stick to a healthy diet. If your life is especially sedentary, it may be time to cut back on your portion sizes as well.

 

Shift From Cardio To Strength Training

 

Besides just eating right and trying to stay active, as you grow older it’s also critical that you swap your exercises from cardio based to more strength training. This is because your muscles and bones are more likely to be injured now than ever before, and with proper strength training you can prepare your body properly for exercise and mitigate injuries. 

 

This doesn’t mean you have to stop all cardio however, and if you are an avid athlete like a runner or biker—keep on doing what you are doing! But be aware that you need to schedule ample time for strength training in order to retain your muscle strength, as this decreases after 50 even with a cardio routine. 

 

In one article on Healthline, it is mentioned that strength training also helps to boost your metabolism, which will help you to have more energy. And when you have more energy for your workout, this will keep you on track for your weight loss goals. Just make sure you develop a regular workout routine and stick to it. 

 

Losing weight after 50 can be a challenge. This is because once you hit the milestone birthday, your metabolism starts to slow and your life becomes more sedentary. Combat this by keeping yourself social, eating a healthy diet, and active, while shifting your focus towards strength training. This way you will be able to work out in a way that is beneficial for your body and lose weight as you enter a new phase of your life. 

 

What Good Is Retirement If You Don't Enjoy It?

We spend a big portion of our lives dreaming about and planning our retirement. It’s exciting knowing that we'll be able to do what we want when we want it. Having that kind of freedom sounds much better than running between meetings or working overtime to meet deadlines.

 

But is retirement all it’s cut out to be?

 

Keep reading to find out about retirement: the good, the bad, and the ugly.

 

Retirement Statistics

 

According to studies from the National Center for Health Statistics, the average 65-year old can expect to live until they’re almost 84. That’s 6 and a half years longer than it was back in 1940!

 

This is one reason why more people are going back to work during their retirement. In fact, seven out of 10 people view working while they’re retired as a good thing. Based on a study carried out by Bankrate. 38% percent of those who participated in the study say they chose to go back to work during their retirement.

 

So, if retirees are expected to live longer, why are they unhappy? That takes us to the 35% who say they have to stay working because they need the money. The final 27% are those who enjoy the work, at the same, they still rely on that extra bit of income.

 

Ready for another sobering statistic? Over 47% of people already in retirement are worried they may outlive their retirement savings.

 

Retirement: Truths vs. Reality

 

Many of us imagine our retirement to be traveling around the world or going on a cruise. Others see themselves learning new hobbies or picking up old ones. Some people just want to enjoy their kids and grandkids while they’re still healthy enough to be able to.

 

The truth is retirement becomes a period of lack of purpose and loneliness. For many people, it slowly feels like you’re disconnected from life as you know it.

 

This tends to lead to anxiety, stress, and obesity. Other symptoms many retirees suffer from are obesity and high blood pressure. This is a direct result of leading a sedentary lifestyle. Watching too much TV and not eating the right types of food results in chronic diseases, and it only snowballs from there.

 

Also, those who retire tend to use less and less of their cognitive skills. This can lead to a decline in focus and concentration, which can eventually lead to dementia.

 

The Institute of Economic Affairs has a study on retirees who suffer from clinical depression after retiring. Their study found that the risk goes up to about nearly 40% after retiring.

 

This comes as a direct result of losing the structure and schedule of having a steady job. Part of it is also missing out on the intellectual and social stimulus that work brings.

 

It’s understandable. Once retired, you give up the daily social interactions you’ve been used to for years. You also give up your steady routine, which you used to hate, but, suddenly, you miss more than ever.

 

Retirement is similar to the grieving process people go through when they lose a loved one. You have to take it step-by-step and give yourself time to adjust and recalibrate.

 

Show Me The Money

 

Investment companies make a big hype of telling us that the key to a successful life is saving up enough money so you can eventually quit working. It’s not very goal-oriented, but it’s how a large number of people feel about their work before retirement and after.

 

It somehow paints this image in your head that retirement is the end of life as we know it. After you reach that milestone, sit back and live out your remaining years in slow decline.

 

That could be what our parents’ generation decided to do with their retirement years. However, many of us today want something that adds purpose to our lives.

 

Plus, it’s good to find a part-time job somewhere or work as a consultant. This keeps your mind sharp, which is something we’re constantly in need of no matter how old we are. Having that option also allows you to meet new people and learn new things.

 

The Big Picture

 

The ones I like the most are those who’re looking at the big picture. They know they’ve spent many years in the workforce. They also know it’s only fair to give the younger generation a chance, just as older generations did before them.

 

At the same time, they’re not wilting away at home, feeling victimized. They’re out looking for jobs that fit into their new chapter of life. It could be full-time, part-time, non-profit volunteer work—it’s up to you!

 

They’re also out there learning new things and meeting new people. Research shows that socially active retirees enjoy better physical and emotional health.

 

That’s the beauty of retirement. Being retired doesn’t mean you’ve become a statistic or fallen victim to old age. It means the path has slightly shifted to a new purpose. The best part is you’ve reached that point in your life where you get to set all rules.

 

Sure, you can put your feet up. You’ve earned it!

 

But you should also keep yourself in good shape, both mentally and physically. Here are a few ideas you can try to stay happy and healthy during your retirement.

• Volunteer at local shelters, soup kitchens, or any non-profit organization

• Take a class to keep your mind sharp and meet new people with similar interests

• Go on regular walks or join a gym

• Practice yoga, meditation, or tai chi

• Set up a daily routine and stick to it

 

Being Active In Senior Years

 

Depending on age and general health, there are various ways one can stay healthy and energetic. 

Choose Your Favorite Activity

Instead of opting for an exercise routine that you are not very familiar with, choose your favorite sport or activity that helps you move more. This makes 'being active' fun and easy.

 

Good Options Include

• Walking

• Cycling

• Swimming

• Gardening

• Weight Training: This helps you gain muscle mass which is lost as part of aging process. 

 

Remember to always ask your doctor before starting any exercise program

Tracking Progress

 

Note your progress in a dairy. This will help you track your progress and make necessary changes to your physical routine accordingly.

Wear Appropriate Clothing

 

Clothes you wear while exercising should provide enough ventilation and flexibility to move freely. Also wear appropriate shoes and other safety gear to have a good exercising experience. 

Drink an adequate amount of water to avoid dehydration.

Water prevents dehydration and improves performance. Water is also crucial for the body to function well as you exercise.

 

Seniors Who Have Had A Little Or No Experience Of Being Active

 

Better late than never! Even if you have never exercised, or have completely stopped exercising, you can always start now. Even by performing simple exercises such as a brisk walk early morning, you can develop muscle mass and help strengthen your bones. 

 

Advantages Of Being An Active Senior Adult: 

 

• Science proves that being active in old-age, can help prevent (or at least delay) disease and disability.

• Regular physical activities also help improve metabolism, blood circulation and immune system health. 

• Studies show that senior adults who are active are less prone to develop stress and are often in good mood. This in turn can help lower risks of depression.

 

Getting regular physical activity helps keep you young, energized and physically fit. As a result you can enjoy retirement that much more! 

 

A Final Note

 

Once you decide it’s time to retire, take a step back, and be proud of all you’ve accomplished. You’re wiser, more experienced, and certainly, tougher than you were a couple of decades ago.

 

Retirement is like the pot at the end of the rainbow. We have our hearts set on it. Then, once we get to it, we’re so baffled by it, we don’t know what we’re supposed to do with it!

 

So, make a list of everything you’d like to accomplish in your golden years to make your retirement more enjoyable. Then, get out there and start ticking things off that list!