ENJOY OLD AGE. Since 1963, the Administration for Community Living (ACL), has celebrated May as Older Americans Month, which recognizes our nation’s older citizens. This year’s theme, “Age Out Loud,” emphasizes the importance of older adults living their golden years with confidence and zeal.
No matter how much we would like to hit the pause button at that ‘perfect’ age in which we could be forever, we all have to accept that the aging process is unavoidable. However, life doesn’t have to be dull and boring because you’re now termed a senior citizen. Jump start your second phase of life by following these three tips to enjoy old age!
Remain Active
It’s no secret that regular physical activity is a great boost for your overall health. For older adults, physical activity can reduce the risk of certain chronic diseases, and improve cardiorespiratory and muscular fitness, bone and functional health. In 2014, about 12 percent of adults age 65 and older reported participating in leisure-time aerobic (cardio) and muscle-strengthening activities that met the 2008 Federal physical activity guidelines, according to a 2016 report released by the Federal Interagency Forum on Aging-Related Statistics.
Activities considered as ‘leisure-time aerobic’ include swimming, (brisk) walking, dancing, riding a bike, or any planned exercise that elevates your heart and breathing rate to a sustainable rate for the duration of a set exercise session. Ideally, adults 65 and older should do one of the following:
- A minimum of 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercises weekly
- A minimum of 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity aerobic exercises weekly
- An equivalent combination of moderate- and vigorous-intensity exercises weekly
Strength exercises should be done at least two or more days a week to work all major muscles (legs, hips, back, abdomen, chest, shoulders and arms). If you cannot do the various recommended amounts of aerobic activity, do the exercises as your body and physical abilities allow.
Try Something New
For many older adults, aging is seen as another opportunity to jump-start a second career or that dream career that they’ve always wanted to pursue, but couldn’t for various reasons. Retirees are also finding new inspiration in helping others, discovering new talents, and exploring hobbies. Use this time to brush up on already acquired skills such as driving, technology, information literacy, etc.
Studies show that more aging adults are opting to embrace and learn technology and social media. According to AARP’s Attitude, Trend, & Opinion Monitor (ATOM) 2016 report, more than half of Americans over 50 years-old own a smartphone. Among those smartphone owners, the top mobile activities include sending email (91 %), getting news (72 %), visiting websites (70 %), and accessing social media (62 %).
Give Back to Your Community
With the wealth of knowledge and wisdom gained over the years, volunteering in your local community is an awesome way of giving back. A lot of older adults choose to venture into tutoring and mentoring youth and young adults.
Feeling a bit overwhelmed and don’t know where to begin to start discovering new volunteer opportunities? What are the interests and issues that you’re passionate about? Write them down and seek out organizations that align with the things you’re interested in. For those who are tech savvy, organizations like AARP have an online questionnaire that will help match your preferences with AARP volunteer opportunities.
There are 125 million people aged 80 years or older living worldwide, according to the World Health Organization. With all the new advances and progressions in today’s society, older adults are living longer fuller lives. Aging is not something you should dread or fear, but a phase to welcome and enjoy!
Looking for an activity that will enhance your health, and get you outdoors? Click here to read “4 REASONS WHY BEACHES ARE GREAT FOR THE BODY” to learn more.
