Many challenges faced with getting older are caused by changes in physical and emotional health, so it’s not surprising that some people find it difficult to deal with the reality of aging. Many seniors still want to be able to do the things they could when they were younger, but now they find it either difficult or impossible.
We have all heard the saying, “The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.” This is how many senior-aged people feel. They start to feel that age is upon them and that their life will soon be over. It can be very difficult to handle this major life change, which will have to be dealt with by everyone sooner or later.
Challenges You May Eventually Encounter
Are you getting older and finding the different challenges and change difficult to accept? It is probably safe to say that no one wants to look in the mirror and see an old person staring back at them. Where did that young person go?
Now an older person has arrived, one with aches and pains, wrinkled skin, liver spots and unwanted pigmentation, scabs, skin cancers, visible capillaries and veins, excess hair in unwanted places, or a lack of hair in wanted places! The list goes on and on. If this sounds like you, here are a few more challenges you may be facing, and then we show you how you can handle the challenges of aging!
Impaired Senses
Your body’s reaction to stimuli weakens and decreases your sense of taste, touch, smell, hearing, and vision. Your vision may become impaired, especially at night. It can become harder to distinguish dark colors. There can also be a gradual loss of hearing that at first, you may not notice. Foods can taste or smell differently, and the change in your skin can alter your sense of touch.
Forgetfulness
Just like other parts of your body, changes in the brain also occur due to aging. The hormones and proteins that protect your brain gradually decrease as you age, which results in reduced blood flow to your brain. This can cause memory loss, such as forgetting facts and details, forgetting names, or losing things, etc.
Just so you know, dementia is not a normal part of aging. If you are a senior-aged person, that doesn’t mean you will succumb to dementia.
Weakened Bones and Muscle
As you age, your bones and muscle can become weaker and decline in size and density. Make sure you exercise regularly as you can improve your bone and muscle mass. If you allow your bones to become weakened it can increase your risk of injury and falls.
How You Can Handle the Challenges of Aging
As much as we may want to, we cannot turn back time. We have to accept the reality of aging and try to age gracefully. Adapting to change and taking care of yourself is vital to surviving the changes and enjoying the golden years. Here are some ways you can handle the inevitable challenges of aging.
- Be mindful of your health by having regular health and dental check-ups. You need to be aware of potential problems and chronic diseases such as diabetes or heart disease. An eye check-up is also vital for aging people to prevent eye diseases such as glaucoma and cataracts. Don’t forget your sleep too. It’s vitally important for a clean, healthy brain and body.
- Eat a nutritious diet that is high in fiber, protein, and whole grains, and eat regularly. Don’t get lazy and just eat a biscuit in front of the television. Watch your food choices and eat foods that contain less salt and sugar to keep a healthy body free from excess belly fat.
- Take vitamin supplements recommended for your age. They may include a vitamin B complex, calcium, vitamins A, C, D, and E, magnesium, and zinc. Dosage may vary depending on whether you are male or female. They will help keep you healthy and help boost your immune system to prevent diseases. Aging can make us become more susceptible to an impaired immune system.
- Drink water, even if you don’t feel particularly thirsty, to avoid dehydration. Dark urine is a sign you need to drink more water.
- Live a healthy lifestyle by letting go of vices such as cigarette smoking and the overconsumption of alcohol. It will help add healthy years to your life.
- Exercise at least two to three times a week. Physical activity will make you feel better and stronger. You don’t want to end up being so sedentary that you develop the new ‘sitting disease’!
- Be active in your community or participate in social activities to boost your self-worth and emotional health. They will help you overcome depression or loneliness too.
- If you are alone, exercise your brain by solving crossword puzzles, completing jigsaw puzzles, playing Sudoku, and other activities. You can also have a pet as a companion, which helps boost your health and well-being.
Adapting to changes in your health and emotions is necessary to survive and still enjoy your senior years. Accepting the reality of aging but being mindful by taking care of yourself physically, emotionally, and spiritually is the key to coping with the challenges of aging. Avoid worrying about the small things and live your life to the fullest.
