Growing older means changes in our body and lifestyle, but mistaken ideas may get set in place, just as some older people get set in their ways. There are some very natural things that occur as we age; waists thicken, energy levels change, certain activities demand more from us than when we were younger, and what appeals to us changes. Some of our beliefs help us adjust to the aging process while remaining vital, contributing adults while some beliefs inhibit us and make us "old" instead of mature.
If we enter our 50s bound by the prevailing myths about growing older, we may find it difficult to meet the demands and alterations that are natural to maturity. In order to pursue a healthy lifestyle it is very beneficial to recognize and understand these myths that guide us and to separate those beliefs and attitudes, which assist us from those, which inhibit us.
Myth 1. There Are Symptoms of Old Age.
If chicken pox and measles are mostly experienced by children, but are not symptoms of being a child, then ailments like Alzheimer's and Osteoporosis are not symptoms of old age, only conditions mostly experienced by mature people.
What a person thinks about aging has a lot to do with whether they give up at the outset of any debilitating condition, or whether they challenge any beliefs that say age has produced the condition and proceed on to discover ways to heal.
A recently published article by the Administration on Aging called, Longevity and The Power of a Healthy Lifestyle says, "While it once seemed that health problems are inevitable in older age, there is conclusive evidence many diseases can, in fact, be controlled or, even better, prevented. Thus, it is almost never too late to adopt healthy lifestyle habits."
The article says keeping active with aerobic and weight-bearing exercises, staying involved through service activities or work, stopping smoking and eating a balanced diet low in fat and high in fiber makes a difference in whether we manifest conditions usually associated with aging. A healthy diet can remove the "hip spread" experienced by many of us, as we grow older. Weight-bearing exercises and getting enough calcium will strengthen weak bones. Adequate calcium is essential at any age but unless you're crazy about milk and broccoli, you probably need to take a supplement.
Myth 2. Most People Look Forward to Retiring and Doing Nothing.
Many of today's baby boomers are looking forward to new careers, after retirement-careers, where they can express their talents and passions. Making a contribution to life and staying active is desired by most.
According to a survey by the International Longevity Center (www.ilcusa.org) -- an affiliate of the Mount Sinai School of Medicine, midlifers who are freed of the need to compete and to achieve look forward to both volunteer and income-producing careers well into their 70s and 80s. Using what talent or passion will bring satisfaction and fulfillment to your work or volunteering long after you reach age 65.
Myth 3. Our Minds Deteriorate With Age.
Like our bodies, our thought processes may change, but they only deteriorate with lack of exercise. Research shows that by continuing to exercise and stretch our minds we create new synapses and keep our minds sharp. If we fall into routines at work and at home which never stretch our knowledge, our brains may appear to falter.
In a busy and demanding world in which new discoveries and technological developments are being reported every day, we can also feel inundated with data. What some people call having a "senior moment" or think of as "old-age" loss of memory can simply be information overload resulting from a life style that is complex and over stimulating.
If you are in a routine and feeling stale try working crossword puzzles, taking a line-dancing class or memorizing your favorite movie lines. Or perhaps simply changing your daily routines regularly will keep you focused on newness and growth. If you are overwhelmed with busyness, take time to mediate, or take long, slow walks around your neighborhood every day. Yoga or Tai Chi classes may be helpful in slowing down to be able to absorb the rush of your daily life.
Myth 4. To Be Beautiful You Need to Be Wrinkle-Free
All anyone really needs is to be interested and interesting to be beautiful. Haven't you noticed that when someone is interested in you, they look beautiful?
Aging is not an imitation of youth, but much of the media presentation of women says to be beautiful is to be young and so we rush out to buy the products that will make us look younger. It is not youth that makes us beautiful, but good health and an enthusiastic spirit.
Exercise, healthy eating, stimulating activities and lifelong learning will bring beauty to our wisdom years. Wrinkles come to our skin from many sources. Some are the natural effects of having occupied this body for decades. Others are the result of misuse and lack of care. Keeping our skin protected from the sun and weather will keep our skin vibrant and healthy looking. Drinking plenty of water and quitting smoking will also help.
Self-esteem is the greatest beauty aid known. As for the wrinkles, just say, "I earned them."
And So
Staying away from those habits that convince us that deterioration is inevitable requires us to be watchful of our thoughts. If we don't tell ourselves stories about how tarnished the golden years are, but replace those beliefs with thoughts, which are affirmative and uplifting, we will continue to develop in beauty for many years.
Say this affirmation daily:
As I age, I come into the full wisdom that is available through my experience. I accept myself as an ever-growing, ever-maturing individual of worth and value.
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