Healthy Aging.Net: Health · Nutrition · Fitness
National Council on Aging · NJ Aging Resource Connection
Senior Services by NJ County
Source: HealthyAging.net
Think it’s too late to “reinvent” yourself? Think again. It’s never too late to find a new career, a new sport, passion, or hobby.
September is Healthy Aging Month, a health observance designed to focus national attention on the positive aspects of growing older that began over 20 years ago.
According to Carolyn Worthington, publisher of Healthy Aging® magazine, it’s the time in which to “take stock of where you’ve been, what you really would like to do.
“Who says you have to do something related to what you studied in school? Who says, you can’t become an entrepreneur, start your own home business later in life, test your physical prowess, or do something wildly different from anything you’ve done before? Only that person you see in the mirror!”
Here are some ideas that can help you start thinking outside the box:
Do not act your age, or at least what you think your current age should act like. What was your best year so far? 28? 40? Now? Picture yourself at that age and be it. Some people may say this is denial, but we say it’s positive thinking and goes a long way toward feeling better about yourself.
Be positive in your conversations and your actions every day. When you catch yourself complaining, check yourself right there and change the conversation to something positive. (Tip: lose your negative downer friends.)
Stop brooding and complaining about having no friends or family. Pick up the phone, landline, or cell and make a call to do one or more of the following: Volunteer your time, take a class, invite someone to meet for lunch, brunch, dinner, or coffee. (Tip: Go to your local animal shelter and volunteer. You will be thrilled by the puppy love!)
Get a physical. Take the time to set up your annual physical and other health screenings. Go to the appointments and then, hopefully, you can stop worrying about ailments for a while.
Stand up straight! Look at yourself in the mirror. Are you holding your stomach in, have your shoulders back, chin up? Check out how much better your neck looks! Fix your stance and practice it every day, all day until it is natural. You will look great and feel better. (Tip: Your waistline will look trimmer.)
Start walking not only for your health but to see the neighbors. Have a dog? You’ll be amazed how the dog can be a conversation starter. (Tip: Make a conscious effort to take big strides, walk with your heel first, and wear comfortable shoes.)
How’s your smile? Your teeth are just as important to your good health as the rest of your body. Not only is it the first thing people notice, but good oral health is a gateway to your overall well-being. (Tip: Go to the dentist regularly and look into teeth whitening. Nothing says old more than yellowing teeth!)