Once you hit your 60s there are plenty of reasons to celebrate. You are about to have so much more free time to do the things you want. Your kids are most likely independent and are planning their own families. What’s more, you live in a time where technology and information are widely accessible, affording you every opportunity to keep feeling and looking like you’re in your 50s.
It is easy to think of aging as a negative, but the reality is that every year that you gain furthers your knowledge about yourself, the world and affords you the chance to embrace new ventures and challenge yourself. That may be the most important part of the aging process, keeping active and engaged. When we have goals, ambitions and retain that competitive streak so common in younger generations, life is full of possibilities and it becomes a whole lot easier to jump out of bed every morning.
Once you hit your 60s, more than ever, you have to look after yourself. This doesn’t mean that you can’t accept help from others, but rather the onus is on you to take measures to make life a joy, to limit stress and worry and to plan for the years that are still to come.
At least once a year, every person in their 60s should check-in with their General Practitioner. We are all aware that our bodies change as we age, which can increase the possibility of illnesses or diseases developing. Regular testing and screening ensure that if there is anything that requires attention, it is addressed as soon as possible so that the impact on your life is minimized.
Today you can even book an appointment with an anti-aging doctor if you feel that you would like to address key issues and access solutions to the main issues that face those in their 60s, such as, weight gain, drop in libido, problems with memory or even skin issues.
In the home, there are plenty of changes you can make or habits that you can develop that will promote a more positive outlook and help you to look and feel your best. Diet is something that all generations need to be mindful of. What you put into your body has a direct impact on both your physical appearance and how your mind works.
Your heart has served you for six decades already, so if you want to enjoy a few more decades then careful consideration is necessary with regards to what you consume. A healthy diet that favors organic produce, limits alcohol intake, eliminates smoking and drug use, is a recipe for a longer life.
However, while the task of creating a healthy temple that will last you for many years is the top priority there are plenty of other considerations as well. Diet definitely plays a role in cognitive function, but it is just as important to engage your brain as much as possible. There are lots of great apps available for free that pose challenges that will keep your brain sharp. However, taking up a new hobby and investing your brain and mind in a creative endeavor is a great way to keep the possibility of mental decline at bay.
Another essential aspect of healthy living in your 60s is your social life. Technology has made life a lot more connected online, but, ironically, it has also made it so much easier to lose touch with family and friends. Connecting online is fine, but we all need that face-to-face interaction to feel connected to the world.
So, regardless of whether you have a huge social circle or a very limited one, consider joining a club, or pursuing a hobby that will allow you to make new friends and engage positively with the community that you are very much a part of. Having social occasions to look forward to is fantastic for our brains and minds.
Finally, take care of your finances. As you reach your 60s it is important to have a financial plan in place so that you have the means of living the life that you want. Worrying about money is a sure-fire way to feel low and it can limit your ability to engage and feel connected. So, whether you have a lot or a little to enjoy every week, plan well and for the things that you know will bring joy and happiness to your world.
There is no reason to fear the aging process. Your 60s can be the best time of your life, but whether it will or not is to a large extent in your hands. Look after your health, make positive choices and trust that the world has much more to offer you now as you step into what can be an incredibly fulfilling part of your life.