What does aging well mean to you? Of course, we quickly think about growing old without too many medical problems. But the reality is not so “binary”. As you age, there are many factors that help you live a fulfilling and healthy life. And it doesn’t just stop at your doctor’s appointments.
“Aging well, in my opinion, is based on three distinct elements” declares Dr. Paul Goyal, geriatrician in Nashville in Huffpost US. “These elements are physical health, emotional connection and psychological support.” As such, there are 7 areas that matter for living an old and healthy life.
You continue to learn
With age, opportunities to learn become rarer, unless you provoke them. However, remaining mentally active is crucial to preserving one’s cognitive abilities. Learning an instrument, a language or a new game stimulates the brain and maintains its alertness.
You express your needs
Many suffer in silence under the weight of ageism, feeling invisible or embarrassed to ask for help. But knowing how to say “I need company” Or “I feel alone” is a strength. Talking about your emotions, or even seeking advice in the event of depression or anxiety, is an integral part of healthy aging. Don’t hesitate to express yourself to find solutions.
You are surrounded
Loneliness is a major risk factor for the health of older people. Maintaining social connections — with friends, family, an association — contributes as much to morale as to the proper functioning of the brain. Any interaction, even online, is beneficial.
You take care of your body
A balanced diet (Mediterranean type or DASH) and good hydration are essential. Physical activity, whether gentle (walking, yoga, tai chi) or more dynamic, helps preserve balance, muscle mass and heart health.
You do what you love
Growing old does not exclude pleasure. Continuing to do what you’re passionate about — whether it’s traveling, cooking, playing, learning — fuels enthusiasm and keeps boredom at bay. The latter, when it sets in, can on the contrary be a warning sign.
You reevaluate your treatments
With age, certain medications become useless or even counterproductive. It is important to regularly review with your doctor what you are taking, especially if the prescriptions date back several decades.
You prepare for the future
Anticipating the hazards of old age, such as hospitalization or loss of autonomy, allows you to be better prepared. This involves frank discussions with loved ones about their wishes, where they live or their assistance needs.
Keeping meaning in your life, a priority
In the end, the important thing would be to stay alert and curious. And why not keep meaning in what we do, regardless of the pace or efficiency we put into it. In a previous article, Dr Christophe d De Jaeger, specialist in aging, told us himself: keeping meaning in one’s life is undoubtedly the main ingredient, beyond prescriptions.
“This is perhaps the criterion that I will put first, because it conditions all the others” noted our specialist. “When we give meaning to our life, when we feel useful and not excluded from society as some people may feel when they retire, we naturally reach out to others, we will take care of our health, we will play sports, we will eat better… Everything ultimately follows from this” he summed up.
A point confirmed by our medical director Dr Gérald Kierzek in a recent article.
“Healthy longevity was thought to be determined 80% by genetics and 20% by lifestyle. In reality, it’s the opposite. And the good news is that we can act on the main pillars“.