8 Secrets to Aging Gracefully

Focusing on Your Body and Mind Can Make All the Difference

We’re all still looking for the fountain of youth, and while we don’t quite yet know where it is, there is plenty of information about some important things we can do to age well and thrive in all of the stages of life. Some of it is common sense or well-known wisdom — exercising, getting enough sleep, that kind of thing. But there are mental and social components of aging gracefully as well, and it’s good to remember that it’s never too late to make positive changes that can make all the difference.

Let’s dive in and explore just eight of the many things you can do as you continue looking for the secret to aging gracefully.

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Let’s Get Physical

Making an effort toward our physical health is obviously going to make a big impact on the aging process, so we’ll start here. People of any age should visit their doctor annually, and women over 50 should also see their OB-GYN each year. Watch your weight, try to get regular exercise, and don’t forget about monitoring routine health indicators like blood pressure and cholesterol.

Preventative exams and annual physicals can spot any potential issues early and help you maintain good health throughout your life. It’s also a good idea to regularly review and update your health insurance coverage, whether you’re a Medicare Advantage enrollee or getting your insurance plan from the Health Insurance Marketplace.

Don’t Soak Up the Sun

SPF is your friend, every day. Choose moisturizers or lotions with an adequate SPF, and make sunscreen a regular part of your routine when going outside. There are more options than ever that can protect your skin from damage, so try out the right products for your needs and make sure you’re covered and not vulnerable to the harmful rays of the sun. And don’t forget to also get a regular skin check by a dermatologist or doctor to find and remove any irregular or suspicious skin growths or spots.

Get Your Sleep

Do your best to set a regular, reasonable sleep schedule that will give you enough hours of rest at night and help you feel and perform better all day. A common recommendation is that most adults need 7 to 9 hours of sleep each day, and people 65 and older should aim for 7 to 8 hours each day.

Stay Hydrated

Drink plenty of water — six to eight 8-ounce glasses of water is a good goal every day — for good physical health. Every part of your body needs this water to work at its best, so don’t forget to refill that water bottle any chance you get. But don’t forget about hydrating the rest of your body, too. Volumizing and moisturizing hair products can make a big difference, and remember to keep your skin moisturized, too.

Eat the Right Stuff

What you put into your body is going to affect so many parts of aging gracefully, so look for ways to eat more nutrient-rich foods, limit your sugar intake, and opt for healthier options when you can. Don’t forget about limiting your alcohol intake, and if you smoke cigarettes, try to quit. A cheat meal or indulgent weekend while traveling is all good and fine, but try to make a healthy diet the norm for your daily life, and you’ll notice the benefits every day.

Don’t Forget About Your Mental Health

Many of us benefit from visiting a therapist or counselor, and support groups are widely available for all kinds of groups of people. Whether it’s reading a self-help book or talking with your doctor about anxiety or finding a good group who understands what you’re going through, your mental health should be a major focus as you age.

Socialize and Plan Ahead

Another tip for aging gracefully is remembering the benefits of our social lives and just how important it is to maintain close friends and a strong social life while also establishing a stable and supportive environment at home with family or loved ones.

While it’s not a pleasant thing to think about, it’s a good idea to also have those discussions with spouses or partners and your children about how you can protect them and help them after you’re gone — and how they can protect you if you lost them. Discuss your end-of-life wishes and make sure you and your loved ones are covered with the right life insurance policies for your family.

Never Stop Learning

Finally pick up and finish all those novels you always meant to read, or download an app on your phone and start learning a new language. Learning isn’t something that should end after high school or college, and it’s never too late to master a new musical instrument or take a class. Challenge yourself and keep your mind sharp — and you just might learn a new thing or two along the way.