The definition of lifestyle is the way we choose to live. What lifestyle do you live? Is it designed around making healthy choices and decisions? Do you make a daily conscious effort towards holistic aging practices? We will define a holistic aging lifestyle and how to achieve it daily.
The habits we consistently choose define our lifestyles. As we age, reflecting on our routines and choices can show us where we need improvement and are out of balance. The habits and routines we adopted in earlier years may no longer be applicable. We need to be aware of our changing bodies and minds and make the necessary changes to ensure we live a holistic aging lifestyle.
What changes do we need to make as we age? We may have had an active lifestyle raising families, careers, and social activities in our younger years, but for many of us, that slows to a crawl as we age. The need to move has never been greater. Statistics show that 41% of people over 60 are overweight or obese, and 40% live a sedentary life (cdc.gov). That is a high percentage of people over 60 who are facing mobility and health issues due to poor lifestyle choices. Diet and exercise should be a priority for all of us. The National Institute of Health says that lack of exercise is responsible for half of the physical decline in aging. Half! That is a staggering statistic that reflects the state of our aging population. The choice is simple, daily movement is essential for healthy, holistic aging.
We also need to make dietary changes as we age. As we discussed earlier, a large percentage of the population over 60, struggles with being overweight. We need far fewer calories in our 60s than in our 30s, As we age, our metabolism slows. We don’t metabolize nutrients from food which can cause elevated glucose levels. We also face muscle mass and bone loss. The extra weight puts stress on our joints and muscles and increases chronic diseases like diabetes and heart disease. The facts speak for themselves. As we age, we need to lower our caloric intake and add natural supplements for nutritional deficiencies. We need to lower sugar intake and look out for unnecessary additives and processed foods. We need to choose a diet rich in wholesome, natural foods and avoid foods that increase inflammation. Making smart dietary choices is part of healthy, holistic aging.
Creating a healthy lifestyle includes activities built around our mental well-being, spirituality, and love as well. Our mental well-being is tied directly to our physical wellness, exercise, and diet. We also need to feed our cognitive needs. Age-related cognitive decline is unavoidable, but we can do things to improve and sustain our brain power. What social activities, hobbies, passions, or new things are you learning? Building a social network and engaging in challenging and fulfilling activities should be part of our lifestyle. Gardening, reading, cooking, playing cards, or spending time in nature, all add to positive mental well-being.
Taking time in the morning to make a gratitude list, and spending a few minutes praying, meditating, or self-reflection should begin our day. A spirituality practice is all about finding meaning in something bigger than ourselves and shifting our focus. It is time set aside to find calm, serenity, and quiet. The process offers clarity of thought and balance to our emotions. A few minutes taken in the morning can set the tone for the entire day and offer extra benefits to both our mental and physical wellness.
Be sure that love is a part of your holistic aging lifestyle. It contributes to a longer life and decreases stress, anxiety, and depression! There are many venues to fill our hearts, volunteering, helping family or friends, a love interest, pets, and a passion are some. It reduces feelings of loneliness, and isolation while providing meaning to our lives. Make a daily habit of bringing love to yourself and others, not only is it a holistic aging practice, but it’s also part of a healthy lifestyle.
Does living a holistic aging lifestyle sound healthy? It is! When we begin each day grateful and calm, exercise, follow a healthy diet, and make time for activities that build our brains and fill our hearts, we’re living a holistic lifestyle. We face daily choices, what we eat, how we spend our time, and where we put our focus. Becoming mindful of our decisions and choosing healthy options will lead to holistic aging practices.
We have answered the question of what is a holistic aging lifestyle and how to build one. Now the remaining question for you, is when?