Old age can be a wonderful time to relax and just enjoy life. You are so much wiser than before, you don’t really mind what other people think of you, you feel happy with whom you are and you possibly have the freedom to do whatever you like. If you are not healthy, however, it might not be as much fun… Research shows that those who are unhappy are almost four times as likely to become sick and develop physical ailments as their happy counterparts. Unhappy seniors are also twice as likely to be victims of strokes, cancer, heart disease and diabetes.
General happiness and the enjoyment of life, therefore, often determine the mobility of seniors. The question, therefore, is – what can an older adult do to make sure they stay happy? Here are a few ideas:
Do Some Exercise
Exercising increases your energy levels and lifts your spirit and, therefore, makes you feel better in general. When you do any form of exercise, your body releases endorphins (also known as feel-good hormones) and it can also help to relieve pain from conditions such as pinched nerves and arthritis. It further also helps us to maintain our weight, which, in turn, improves our metabolism, strengthens our immune system, lowers blood pressure and prevents us from becoming obese and developing diabetes. Try to find an activity that you really enjoy – so you can look forward to it, instead of it becoming just another chore. It could be gardening, swimming or walking a pet. Remember that exercise might have you feeling a bit exhausted, especially if you’re not used to it. Make sure to consult your doctor before starting any exercise regime or find the right supplement to support your body’s needs. Find out more at Review Critic.
Plan For The Years To Come
If you are no longer employed, think about what you would like to do next in life. Maybe you’d like to travel, enroll for a course or do some charity work. Make sure to plan what you’d like to do during this period.
Make Sure To Have A Sense Of Purpose
A sense of purpose plays a really big role when it comes to the happiness and overall health of seniors. Make sure to keep on serving the community and adding your bit of value in some way or another. Even by looking after your grandchildren can make you feel like you are adding value. Click here, to get some ideas on how to find your life’s purpose.
Socialize
Research shows that seniors who socialize are less likely to be worried or stressed, they enjoy life more and are happier. This is because loneliness increases the chance of illness and depression. Make sure to have contact with at least one or two people per day. If your family or friends live far away, it is time to find yourself some new friends. Try to join clubs or organizations that interest you. You are likely to find new friends who share your values and interests. And, also, remember that it is never too late to find love…
Take Care Of Yourself
Just because you’re getting older, doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t be fashionable. We all know that if you look good, you also feel good. Take care of your skin by wearing sunscreen when going into the sun; drink plenty of water and wear a bit of makeup. Also, a good haircut can go a long way in making you feel beautiful and modern. If you look good, you’ll feel confident.
Never Stop Learning
There’s no better way to keep your brain healthy than to learn something new every day. Learn a new skill, language, instrument or sport. Or…try an alternative route to the grocery store. By learning new things and breaking old patterns, your memory will be improved.
Laugh Your Head Off
According to research, laughter will not only lower cortisol (the stress hormone), but it can also improve seniors’ memory. There is also a link between lowered risk for heart disease and laughter. Make sure to get your laughter quota in daily – because it definitely is the best medicine.
