HOW TO AGE GRACEFULLY AND HONESTLY

“Age is a case of mind over matter. If you don’t mind, it doesn’t matter.”

– Mark Twain

We’ve all heard the expression “Compare and despair.” Well, that’s because it’s absolutely true. Comparing yourself—especially the aging process—to other people is futile. I will say, however, that the only people one should ever look to when aging are their ancestors because genetics do play a vital role. Of course, medicine is advancing every day, and we take better care of ourselves than our parents, grandparents, and great-grandparents did. When we know better, we do better (and sometimes, it’s just a fluke). While we do have greater advantages in a more modern world to some degree, we also have different forms of stress that people would never have dreamed of a hundred years ago.

“Humans have searched for the secret to immortality for thousands of years.” Luckily, we know that doesn’t exist. Life is precious because it doesn’t last forever. We do, however, know for sure that there are ways to help boost longevity and to age gracefully. Here are just a few basics. First off, be honest with yourself and do what feels right. This means treating your body with care, getting enough sleep, eating well, and exercising. After all, objects in motion tend to stay that way and vice-versa. Don’t try to look like a twenty-five-year-old when you’re fifty. Even though society has made people (especially women) feel like they should always look young, this is a ridiculous, unattainable standard that should be put by the wayside. Celebrating your age and the wisdom acquired with it is where it’s at!

  • Don’t just work on your physical well-being but your spirituality as well. When someone says, “Act your age,” this is quite misleading. Age is just a number: while some people are completely jaded by the time they’re middle-aged, there are octogenarians out there who are vibrant, vivacious, and curious. It’s about your mindset and, to an extent, your spiritual age. Going by numbers is a fast road to nowhere; we are not measured by how much money we earn or how much we weigh, and we shouldn’t be by how old we are, either. It’s a loose guide and measuring stick. If you throw away these guidelines that society has set for you, you can feel freer and simply be yourself. Finding out who you really are is a different, more difficult venture! Once you get stuck in a certain mindset or fixed perception of yourself, you may feel helpless as you age, but if you’re open and aware to change—and that it’s the only constant in life—you’ll feel more relaxed and accepting of new versions of yourself.
  • Use natural products. Nabila K’s line of non-comedogenic, paraben-free, clean and organic skincare and makeup products are ideal for any and everyone. Drinking lots of water and keeping your skin hydrated from the inside out will truly affect how well you age. There’s a very big difference between dry, flaky skin and smooth, taut skin. Good skincare can literally make someone look ten to fifteen years younger than they actually are. Let’s face it: there is no fountain of youth or magic potion…but there are very helpful lotions and creams!
  • Look to your lineage and know what to avoid/watch for. Some of us carry genes that make us more susceptible to different conditions and diseases. It’s really important to look to your family history and be aware of genetic conditions before having children and as you age. Monitoring and treating chronic problems is also something to work on and it is a day-by-day process.

“The secret of staying young is to live honestly, eat slowly, and lie about your age.” – Lucille Ball

  • A sense of humor! If you can find someone to laugh with, you’ve won the jackpot. Laughing at life is essential because…what’s the alternative? Be happy and joyous in the face of sadness and adversity and you’ll realize that laughter truly is the best medicine. A light spirit will keep you feeling youthful forever.
  • Do what makes you feel good! Everything in moderation. There has to be quality of life…who wants to live to a ripe old age if you cannot enjoy the things you love? I’m a firm believer in everything in moderation and the expression “eat, drink and be merry.” A good red wine, red meat, and decadent desserts never killed anyone if you live a well-balanced life.
  • To live vibrantly and have longevity, one needs to stay active, strong, and flexible. Cultivate long-lasting relationships. While this all varies from person to person, it can mean simply going for long walks every day and practicing good posture. Low-intensity workouts are ideal for everyone especially as we age. Getting your heart rate up with cardio workouts is ideal. Really, anything that keeping you moving is a good idea. It’s up to you to find what you enjoy. Keep your mind sharp by reading a lot and just being involved in life: this means asking questions, surrounding yourself with people, and having a community. There’s nothing like loneliness to literally drain the life out of someone who may otherwise thrive.

https://happyaging.com/blogs/news/20-habits-for-longevity

https://www.nytimes.com/2024/01/04/well/live/live-longer-health.html