Old Age and Healthy Living

Old Age and Healthy Living

Tags - old age, balanced food, exercise, positive  outlook

Getting old is a natural phenomenon. We can’t stop aging; it is beyond our control. But by taking certain positive steps we can slow down the process of aging and also various complications related to old age such as memory loss, arthritis, osteoporosis, stroke, cancer etc can be reduced to a certain though not possible to eliminate completely.

How to slowdown the rate of aging?

It is being claimed that taking antioxidant supplements will sop up the radicals and slow down the process of aging. There are different tonics and food supplements available in the market for maintaining youth. But the efficacy  of such tonics are in doubt. The best way is to go in the natural way to remain fit in old age by leading a healthy and  tension free life. The two basic requirements in this regard are balanced food and proper exercise.

Steps

1. Positive outlook: Getting old age does not mean having to live with arthritis, loss of memory etc. Take life with a positive out look.

2. Stay curios: Lean to use modern tools and gadgets such as computer, mobile phone etc.

3. Balanced diet: Take high fiber, fat free, less carbohydrate foods. Have more fresh vegetables and fruits.

4. Exercise (Physical): Take regular moderate exercise. If required consult a doctor. Brisk walking is the best form of exercise in old age.

5. Exercise (Mental): Remain active mentally. Play chess, cards, cross word puzzle, sudoku etc to sharpen the mind.

6. Enough sleep and relaxation: Take time to relax in between hectic activity. Switch off worry and tension and have sound sleep.

7. Spend time with children: Spend  some time with children in the family and neighborhood.  Mingling with children has a positive effect on the old and aged.

Summary

·         Stop worrying about death. It happens to every one. Worry won't help you live a  longer life.

·         Keep a balanced life between work and play

·         Make reading a regular habit.

·         Learn to lead a simple life.

·         Eat for health and for the enjoyment.

·         Think of  the  present moment.

·         Do not worry about   the future.

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Reverse Aging Through Exercise

Exercise is very important in all ages. But in old age, it has got a very special role to play. It helps to reduce the many problems of old age and assists in keeping good health. It produces fitness and helps in the reversal of ageing. The fitness got from exercise will help in maintaining vitality and youthfulness.

 Benefits of Exercise

-          It produces a stronger heart and healthier lungs.

-          Body muscles become more efficient by converting stored fat to muscle and energy

-          Leads to a slowing down of ageing

-          Reduces old age health problems and joint pains

-          Increase efficiency of all internal body organs

-          Reduces blood pressure, blood cholesterol

-          Helps in body weight reduction

-          Helps to prevent osteoporosis and bone fractures

-          Reduces chances for breast cancer in ladies

-          Eliminates toxin and improves elasticity of skin

-          Helps in reducing stress and depression

-          Increases overall vitality, confidence, creativity and optimism

      -    Rejuvenates body and mind

 Time for exercise

There is no fixed time for exercise; it depends on the convenience of the individual concerned. Early morning and evening time are both suitable for exercise.

 Types of Exercises

The different types of exercise are: Brisk Walking, Cycling, Jogging, Swimming and Skipping

To achieve optimum fitness, one  need  to exercise for  about 30 minutes.

 Walking

Out of all the exercises mentioned above, brisk walking is the most ideal especially for senior citizens. It is the simplest form of exercise. It helps to reduce weight, lowers blood sugar and blood pressure. It is a powerful  therapeutic tool to refresh the mind and body.

Walking is a fun and helps to manage and control tension, back ache, head ache and emotional fatigue. It is the cheapest exercise program as it does not require costly tools or equipments except a pair of .good shoes. It is ideal for conditioning  the hips, thighs and stomach muscles.

The Path to Happiness

Everybody in this world wants to lead a happy and comfortable life. But what is happiness? There is no universal definition for happiness. It is a state of mind and depends on the particular individual. It is more appropriate to say that true happiness lies in oneself. The happiness can be seen reflected on the face of the individual.
Happiness is contagious. When you are happy, you spread it among your surroundings. It is your thoughts that create and control happiness. A smile on your face indicates happiness and a creative and healthy mindset. You can’t purchase happiness by money. No doubt, money may help a person to have   things what he wants.
Forget the Past
Most of us brood over the past, remembering the unhappy past moments. This makes the present also unhappy and sorrowful.  We must try to live in the present, forgetting the past and without worrying over the future. In life certain unexpected events may happen. Every thing is not in our control. But we must be able to face things in a calm and brave manner. It is the positive mental attitude that is more important. We must be able to face things courageously.
Community and Individual
Sometimes rather than an individual, sufferings have to be faced by a group or community of persons at the same time. For example, when a natural calamity such as earthquake, tsunami or volcanic eruption takes place, large number of persons are simultaneously affected, making all of them unhappy at the same time. They have to face the situation courageously and act accordingly.
The degree of unhappiness depends on the particular instance or tragedy. Suppose a member of a family dies, naturally an unhappy environment prevails making all the relatives of the deceased unhappy. If a student fails in the examination, he may be unhappy.
Personal Traits
We must cultivate in us some personal traits like courage, optimism, forgiveness, acceptance etc so that we are able to remain happy even in adverse circumstances.
As mentioned earlier we will not be able to avoid the happening of certain events; but we can face the situation courageously without worrying over the consequences provides we are having the correct mental disposition and attitude.
Money definitely plays a very important role in our life. For a comfortable life, one should have sufficient resources at his disposal. But the question remains as whether there is an upper limit for acquiring the money?

In the present day world, everybody is in a hurry to amass wealth in whatever way it is possible. In this mad rush, life becomes more mechanical and people are not able to lead a happy and peaceful life. Man is physically and mentally upset.
Religious and Philosophical Views
According to Aristotle, happiness is characteristic of a good life, that is, a life in which a person fulfills human nature in an excellent way. People have a set of purposes which are typically human.
Patanjali, The Hindu thinker, author of the Yoga Sutras, has written quite exhaustively on the psychological roots of bliss.
Buddhism encourages loving, kindness and compassion, for happiness and welfare of all beings.
The Muslim Sufi thinker, Al-Ghazali, wrote the Alchemy of Happiness, a manual of spiritual instruction, widely practiced throughout the Muslim world today.