“To be or not to be,” the oft-recited quote from William Shakespeare’s play “Hamlet” comes to mind when I think of our aging population in the United States and around the world. If we take this quote out of its original context, we will find it is applicable to our aging population as it relates to the deeper concepts of action versus inaction and life versus death.
Aging is a nonreversible, chronological process. It includes biological and physiological milestones we all encounter during our lifetime. When we celebrate our birthdays each year, we are pushing the chronological clock forward. Do our biological processes age as well? Absolutely! Our organs and their respective systems show signs of changes, with some being more recognizable than others.
If aging is not reversible, why fight it?
We don’t fight age. We fight to age gracefully.
Through our actions, we can take steps to minimize the effects of biological aging. It’s a conscious choice. As an octogenarian, I have focused on things that help me stay healthy and happy. My goal in writing this article is to share some of the steps everyone can take based on their abilities.
Make the pivotal decision to commit to changing your lifestyle: This is the most important step in leading a healthy lifestyle and aging gracefully. Start by writing down your thoughts to be reminded of your action plan.
Develop a daily routine: Dedicate time for each of your planned activities. Over time, you will be able to accommodate your schedule as routine. The type of activities chosen can depend on your own abilities and limitations. There is no one-size-fits-all regimen. Everyone lives by a routine, irrespective of age. We just don’t realize it because our routines are our daily habits.
Recognize the mind-body connection: Philosophers and scientists have long recognized the mind-body connection with respect to the well-being of a person. The heart and the brain essentially control all activities. When planning a routine for a healthy lifestyle, take into consideration exercises that improve both organs.
Embrace movement: Incorporate activities that involve the movement of our joints and muscles. As we age, our balance becomes unsteady and is one of the leading causes of falls among older adults. Simple walking regimens, with or without assistance, are paramount to improving blood circulation in the body.
Nurture your brain: Practice tasks that trigger the neurons in the brain with activities, such as puzzles, word games, playing chess or a musical instrument. Additionally, sleep is vital for brain health. Several scientific studies point out the importance of at least eight hours of sleep for everyone.
The choice is up to you – to age gracefully or not? That is the question.
Dr. Ram Nayar is a retired Professor Emeritus of microbiology. He is a resident of The Fremont Senior Living, an Arrow Senior Living Community in Springfield. After his retirement in 2015, he hosted the syndicated radio talk show “Your Health Matters” for two years. He stays active by performing aerobic exercises, running, tennis, and pickleball.
