Page 126 - South Mississippi Living - November, 2024

GOLDEN YEARS
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Growing older can be scary. Others may find it exciting to gain knowledge and experiences they can share with others. Regardless, aging happens to everyone. Humans are living longer than ever; so why are there so many negativities surrounding something that’s natural?
The positive aging movement is fighting against the negative stereotypes that abound around the act of growing older. When people think of aging, they may think of physical and cognitive decline, frailty, the inability to drive, forgetfulness, and more. But many of these are stereotypes.
Much like everything else in life, aging is not something that is black and white. Everyone will experience it differently.
The first thing many people think of when they ponder aging is their physical health. This is one of the first steps to positive aging. Eat a healthy and balanced diet. Avoid smoking and only drink alcohol in moderation. Have good sleep hygiene and get enough sleep – ideally, a full eight hours, but how much sleep you need can vary based on each person. Exercise regularly, however that may be for you. Whether it means
story by
Victoria Snyder
actively going to the gym, going on a walk, or taking some time to stretch at home – get your body moving however works best for you! Staying active can also help improve your mental health.
While maintaining your physical health is important, taking care of your mental and emotional health is also vital, and often forgotten about. Isolation and loneliness can impact not just your mental health, but also physical health. Make sure to stay connected with family, friends and your community. If you feel like you need to be more social, start looking at local clubs to join, community events to attend, and nonprofits to volunteer at. Reading books, doing puzzles, and learning new skills can be like a workout for your brain, so don’t forget to prioritize your cognitive health as well.
Think of it as aging gracefully, successful aging, or what have you – in the end, it’s all about taking care of yourself to the best of your ability as you get older and embracing the challenges and changes that may bring. Aging also means the ability to learn more, love more, and enjoy more experiences.
126 | November 2024
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