Ways to keep yourself happy and calm - Ageing gracefully Ageing gracefully does not imply keeping the wrinkles at bay – it is more to do with being healthy, happy, calm and leading a tension-free life. Unfortunately, elders face several post-retirement issues including the sudden death of a spouse, a family member or a close friend, an unexpected ailment, economic constraints like high debts, unsteady income for living, exploding healthcare expenses and changing economic policies. Besides, many of them need some form of external help to make a seamless transition to retired life though they are by-and-large independent.
Premiere care facilities like Athulya Assisted Living offer well-crafted senior living homes with scrupulous infrastructure and design for ageing for such elders. The residents of this assisted living facility can lead a dignified and comfortable life as it offers affordable rental models in a homely atmosphere. They can also avail assistance from qualified geriatric professionals including skilled nursing care when they require additional support. Athulya Assisted Living thus offers a promising option for ageing gracefully in a serene environment. Tips for Ageing Gracefully Focus on mental health - It is important to develop a positive mindset and embrace the inevitable ageing phenomenon with full acceptance. Keeping the mind free from tension and anxiety elevates the mood and slows down the ageing progression. Spending time with family members and friends fosters meaningful relationships and builds robust social networks. Socialization also prevents depression as seniors do not feel isolated. Having a pet animal can be greatly beneficial as it evades loneliness in seniors. It even promotes positive thinking and reduces high blood pressure. Reduce stress - Engage yourself in enjoyable activities like pursuing hobbies, volunteering, travelling and spending time with nature. Doing this increases happiness and brings peace to the mind. Seniors can also practise relaxation techniques like meditation, breathing exercises and yoga to remain tranquil and lessen their stress levels. Remain physically active - Physical activity lowers the risk of several diseases like heart disease, cancer and kidney failure and enhances mobility
and fitness. Climbing the stairs, gardening and doing the household chores independently are some ways to remain active. Contrarily, lethargy and sedentary lifestyles can lead to chronic diseases like osteoporosis and arthritis in old age and cause functional impairments. Inactivity also shortens the lifespan substantially. Exercise regularly - It is good to exercise for atleast half an hour every day. Exercise improves strength, bone density and skin health and improves the frame of mind. Aerobic exercises like walking, swimming and cycling, stretching and balancing activities may be done by elders at a moderate pace. Additionally, yoga and meditation are very good for both physical and mental health. It helps in improving relationships and boosting body immunity. Practise mindful eating - The food consumed plays a significant role in the pace and quality of ageing. A healthy diet for seniors should include plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables, lean proteins like beans and fish, whole grain foods and low-fat dairy products. Salt intake must be kept to minimum levels to control the blood pressure. Processed foods, carbonated beverages, refined sugars and unhealthy fats must also be avoided. Elders must have regular mealtimes and not overeat. It is equally important to have balanced and nutritious meals as malnutrition can cause various health hazards. Take good care of your skin - As skin is the largest organ in the body, it needs proper care. Healthy skin can protect the body from harmful elements, provide a better sensation of touch and feel and also regulate the body temperature. Elders must expose their skin to sunlight for about fifteen minutes each day so that the body can produce Vitamin D naturally. However, overexposure to the scorching sun is harmful and hence protective clothing and sunscreen lotions may be used when stepping out for long durations. Remaining well-hydrated throughout the day and using natural chemical-free products can also promote better skin health. Get a sound sleep - Good quality of sleep plays a major role in maintaining glowing skin, fitness and a positive mindset. Elders should get about seven to eight hours of good quality sleep at night. That is because this period of rest prevents heart attacks and strokes, lowers stress and depression, improves memory and concentration, decreases inflammation and reduces the risk of obesity.