The Art of Being Active While Ageing

Time passes and we all get older. Have you considered The Art of Being Active While Ageing? How can these suggestions help you take care of yourself or care for your aging parents and relatives? Read on to find out more.

Agile Aging


What comes to your mind when you hear the word – ageing? 

Is it wrinkles, a humped-over form, craggy eye lines, or tired bones? 

It could be all those and more, and it could also be none. 

Some people approach old age with various health complications, while others do not. 

Why the difference? 

It is simple. Staying active as you age is a prerequisite for a healthy oldie. It does not stop at physical fitness; it includes all-around vitality. 

Honestly, what will a fit-aged mum or dad with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia positively contribute to the family? Let us assume that he or she still has a razor-sharp mind but is unable to move around freely. It doesn’t make sense. Right? 

Exactly! Agile ageing is a beautiful process.

This article discusses ways to maintain a fun nature as an oldie without fear of becoming a burden to your children and caretakers. One of the simplest ways to do that is by engaging in physical activities.

Read Also:

The Art of Yoga and Its Role in Your Health

Five Artistic Ways of Fighting Blood Sugar Diseases

The Art of Exercising

Physical activity is paramount for healthy ageing. It is an avid prevention method of the many problems that come with old age. Physical activity is equally imperative for strengthening muscles and maintenance of flexibility.

You are probably asking – do I have to go to the gym and lift weights or something? No, you don’t. We will not even recommend you do that unless you have been a gymnast in the past and you want to keep up the routine. If you have never stepped foot into a gym before, we won’t advise you to start your physical exercise from there. This is not because you cannot, but your bones may not agree with you doing such. Instead, take a simple walk around the park or down your street. Go for a lazy swim in the pool or go up and down the stairs. Although simple, these activities can provide all the difference you need. 

The exercise does not have to be strenuous or cumbersome; it only has to be consistent; make a schedule, and stick to it. 

Whatever physical activity you decide on, it is advisable to seek a medical opinion first, especially in cases where there are underlying health conditions like diabetes.

Aside from remaining physically fit, stay mentally active as you age. As the saying goes – “To live, a man needs food, water, and a sharp mind”. It is a necessity to engage in activities that keep the mind alert and performing smoothly.

There are various ways of keeping the mind in shape. These include –

● Joining a study group or discussion group with people within your age range.

● Reading educative, informative, and entertaining articles at the level your eyesight permits.

● Staying updated with the daily news on the local and foreign scene.

● Engaging in a recreational activity that requires a 100% concentration of the mind like board games like chess, monopoly, or scrabble, card games like solitaire, whot, solving jigsaw puzzles, or

any other form of recreational activity that captures your interest.

● Expand your culinary knowledge by researching and experimenting with local and intercontinental cuisines.

● Picking a hobby such as knitting, crocheting or bird watching, identification, etc.

Engaging in one or more of these activities can boost memory greatly for an aged or ageing individual.

Agile Aging

Eating Healthy

The benefits of eating healthy foods can never be over-emphasized for adults and aged people. It keeps them in the right frame of mind and helps fight against certain diseases that affect body systems and weaken the white blood cells. It is necessary to note that we are what we eat. Therefore, a healthy diet is a healthy you. Pay close attention to what you take in.

As ageing individuals, there are certain constraints to the kind of food permissible for you. This is because the digestive system has gotten weaker and more delicate with time and shouldn’t be

overburdened with the task of digesting too heavy or too spicy meals.

Meal times should also be strictly adhered to. Eating too late could result in cases of heartburn or indigestion. It is also advisable not to overload yourself with too much food as the organs in your body may not be as agile and functional as they were when you were young. They may have a hard time digesting these foods if they are in a large proportion all the time. So remember to eat in small quantities but eat healthy portions of foods.

Healthy food choices that could be considered for an ageing individual include but are not limited to:

● Fresh fruit and vegetables: This is an excellent source of vitamins and minerals necessary for the repairs of body tissues.

● Seafood such as crayfish, stockfish, oysters, prawns, shrimps, and omega-3 fatty acid-rich food sources like fishes such as tilapia, salmon, mackerel, sardines, etc that are rich in iodine, zinc, iron, and magnesium. All of which are minerals required by the body for a healthy turnout.

● Lean meats such as chicken, turkey, fish, beef, veal, pork, etc. They are excellent protein sources.

● Other protein sources include Poultry, eggs, beans, nuts, zero fat or low-fat milk, soy milk, or rice milk.

● Regular intake of water is also advisable especially in extremely hot weather conditions to remain hydrated and active. Water is also an excellent source of fluoride.

Dietary supplements in form of tablets, capsules, drinks, and power could equally be an excellent addition to our daily regimen. However, it is worthy of note that medical counsel is necessary before a dietary supplement is incorporated into meals. This is to prevent the overabundance of a particular

nutrient in the body and to avoid the depletion of another.

What’s More?

Is that all? Is there anything else? Yes, there is.

  • Always remember to go for routine medical checkups to stay updated on your medical status.
  • Stay away from things that tend to stress you or cause anxiety of any kind. 
  • Always be grateful for your life, family, and past achievements. 
  • Reflect on good memories and ensure to celebrate every win no matter how little.

Whenever you feel like getting careless with your health, ask yourself, “ what will I be able to contribute as an oldie? Will I be a burden or a blessing to my family and society? How will my ill health affect me and all those around me?

When you evaluate these questions critically, it’ll spur you to take charge of your health.

Strive to stay active. It makes the ageing process easier for yourself, your family, and the entire society.

 

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