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Fifty, but not over-the-hill
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Why is it that some people seem to age more gracefully than others?
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SAVOUR LIFE Laugh your cares away, it makes you feel good
Satya celebrated her 50th birthday just a week ago. She keeps herself fit and is very mindful about what she eats. She has no illusions about living forever. She is smart enough to know that old age cannot be staved off indefinitely but she wants to
postpone the erosion of time as much as she can. She wants to know what she can do to remain agile, supple, and in good physical and mental shape. As Lexi Starling said, “Age is only a number”. Why is it that some people seem to age more gracefully than others? It is because they have learnt the secrets of savouring life and actively pursue healthy practices.
Stay engaged in life
Isolation and loneliness are the adversaries of good health. Stay engaged in life without being interfering or domineering. It is essential to be contented and happy. Keep your heart and mind open to new experiences and new friendships. Befriend and nurture people who have different interests. Being with people who are passionate about what they do, will keep the mechanisms of the mind well oiled and rust-free.Entertain people and bring people together. Join a club or a volunteer group. Make yourself indispensable. You should be the one people think of when things need to get done.
Keep in touch with old classmates. The unconditional friendships of our youth provide irreplaceable comfort and camaraderie.
You may have spent the better part of your life putting your dreams on hold because your husband or children were the first priority. Now is the time to pursue your passions. Set realistic yet challenging goals and strive to accomplish them.
Bitterness against events or people is like a worm that silently eats away at the soul. It is debilitating and enervating. Count your blessings and see the number of things you have to be grateful for. Most important, forgive and forget. The balm of forgiveness will smooth the wrinkles of advancing age.
Maintain mental agility
One of the signs of advancing age is the eroding of mental nimbleness. The mind has to be kept fit or will sag just like under exercised muscles. Keep challenging your mind by learning and developing new skills. Read because it stimulates the mind. Stay in touch with the world and keep abreast of current events. Sudoku, in several studies, has been shown to keep the mind alert. Learn a new language. Learn a new word every day. Check out the site http://wordsmith.org/awad/subscribe.html. They will send you a new word daily.Stay abreast of the metaphors of youth. Being in the presence of younger people will keep your mind alert.
Think young and maintain a youthful self-image. You can also be useful by being a role model for the younger generation. Value systems are eroding rapidly in our society. Vocally and by example, teach the younger generation the values that matter in today’s world.
Stress release
Stress can accelerate aging. Learn to release stress. Stress can cause agitation: channel this nervous energy into exercise, gardening, or music. Take deep breaths every day. Get fresh air. Go to a park, garden or open space in the neighbourhood. This will have the dual benefit of invigorating you with greenery and the company of others. Walking too, promotes health immeasurably.
Do stretching exercises to prevent age-related stiffness. Discover the health benefits of massage. Massage is a good way of stretching the muscles and relieving chronic pain.
Laugh often; it’s good for you. Laughter has a multi-pronged health benefit. The muscles used in laughing relax the face. The lungs expand with the deep breaths you take when you laugh and this improves oxygenation. Endorphins are released in the brain and this keeps you feeling good for a long time.Have the courage to leave unhealthy environments and relationships. Have a financial plan in place which will give you the freedom to live life on your own terms.Most important, learn to be optimistic about life. Don’t bemoan the part of your life that has slipped away; instead, celebrate the life that stretches ahead of you. GITA ARJUN (The author is a Chennai-based obstetrician and gynaecologist with a special interest in women’s health issues.)
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Metro Plus
Bangalore
Chennai
Coimbatore
Delhi
Hyderabad
Kochi
Madurai
Mangalore
Puducherry
Tiruchirapalli
Thiruvananthapuram
Vijayawada
Visakhapatnam
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