7 Secrets To Ageing Gracefully

“The best part of the art of living is to know how to grow old gracefully”- Eric Hoffer

Aging gracefully means different things to different people. There are those who take a "physical" approach and do all that is medically possible to remove the marks of aging. Others, go to the opposite extreme, stop taking care about their bodies, and live a life of mere existence. Still, others refuse to accept the fact that they are aging and continue their lives like a clock has stopped ticking. The path you choose to take matters for one reason- your life is not over. Just like all the other decisions you have made have had an impact on where you are, your choice to age gracefully will determine your future.

How then is it possible to age gracefully in your way without being molded by society’s assumptions about aging? How can you deal with getting older in a way that you are comfortable with? Here are seven tips anyone can apply to themselves to help them age gracefully.

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Never Stop Having Fun

A few generations back, older adults were expected to be serious, dignified, and overall respectable in the way they acted. Back then, being old meant sitting on your porch in your rocking chair, reading the newspaper, while rambling about how the world has changed. Thankfully, things have changed.

In today’s modern age, having fun has no age limits, so take advantage of that. Think about it: when you were younger you had no money or time to have as much fun as you wanted to, now that you are old, you have both so go for it!

Having fun doesn't have to mean going skydiving or doing something extreme; it can start with the little things. Don't be afraid to laugh at something silly you see, laugh your heart out at something hilarious, bring out your inner goofiness, show your childish excitement, or express your amazement at the world.

Remember - having fun is a mindset and the way you approach life. Like they say: "laughter is the best medicine," so get your daily dose no matter what your age.

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Reject Limiting Comments

There are hundreds of assumptions out there about older people which sadly affect the way society thinks and reacts. Generalizations like: older adults aren't tech savvy, they don't use social media, they are boring, and they have no fashion sense and so on. Just because society assumes these things, they don't have to be right for you! Research can prove most of these assumptions wrong, take, for example, social media or internet use.

According to a recent survey, seniors spend more than 115 hours per month online, and 7 out of 10 go online daily. Also, 75% of seniors use the internet to communicate with friends and family, while 55% follow certain groups on social media.

So what’s the point? Like any other prejudice, ideas about how old age should feel and look, doesn't have to be true. If you feel healthy, smart, sexy, and more alive than ever in your old age, embrace that whether or not society believes you.

Make the conscious decision to believe in what you are experiencing and ignore limiting comments.

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Use Your Wisdom Wisely

The saying "the older, the wiser" has become ironic these days. People accept that the elderly have more knowledge, wisdom, and experience but label this as outdated or too irrelevant to use in a modern world. Prove them wrong!

Don't become that senior who has no confidence in all they have learned and follow the prodding of the younger generation. You are better than that.

Value everything you have learned in your life and use it to build your future. Remember that no university can teach what you have learned through experience. Be on the lookout to offer helpful advice to those around you based on your experience, write about your skills on a blog. Share your insights on social media. Show the world the power of your wisdom.

If you have a particular skill or profession, why not learn how to make money online? We'll talk about how to make money after retirement in a future article so wait for that.

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Do Away with the Conventional

It's a fact: older people can get away with much more than younger people. This is probably one of the greatest perks of getting old. Think about all the outrageous outfits you have seen some seniors wear and how nobody minded or interfered with their choices. This freedom can be yours too if you know how to use it.

Think of all the unconventional things you wanted to do when you were younger but never did because of what everyone would say, now is the time to fulfill those dreams. Sure, you may get a few comments from your kids, but they are your kids, they can't decide for you, and their opinions shouldn’t stop you.

If you are a lady, go for those extravagant styles you always wanted to wear and finally be able to get away with it. For the men, do something you always wanted to do but never had the guts because of all the comments you'll get. Think Morgan Freeman and Jack Nicholson in "The Bucket List."

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Age on your terms

Life is a ‘rat race' and for a good reason- many of us blindly follow what society expects of us from youth. The cycle is set out before us: go to College, get a good job, get married, raise a family, climb the corporate ladder, have grandkids…..it stops there. Interestingly, as you get older, you finally get to do what YOU want to do, not what other people expect of you.

Old age gives you the unique opportunity of thinking about yourself and what you want to do without any judgment or criticism. So if you are approaching your golden years or are already there, ask yourself: Do I want to keep working? For how long? Do I want to try another venture or business?

Never assume you have to retire at a certain age just because you can. Find out what you want in your life, your passions, and desires, and create a plan to fulfil those dreams.

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Keep on Learning

"If you don't use it, you'll lose it." As you get older, it is easy to get so wrapped up in your opinions, ideas, interests that you forget to learn something new. Don't let this happen to you. One of the trademarks of youth is the constant desire to grow, and once you stop harnessing that desire, you become old.

Think of something you are interested in learning and start working towards that goal. With all the time you have at your disposal, you have the unique chance of immersing yourself in what you find interesting and appealing. Start by making a list of what you want to learn this year. It could be some form of art, needlework, something to do with technology, a business, anything under the sun.

There is another reason why learning should be on top of your list as a senior. In a study published by the Journal of Neuroscience, acquiring knowledge was shown to reduce the development of brain lesions that can cause Alzheimer's and dementia. Keeping your mind active can very well delay the onset of this disease.

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Find Friends in all age groups

“No man is an island” not even elderly people. Numerous studies show the connection between social isolation and feeling of loneliness that triggers health issues from depression to illness and even death. However, merely having a circle of friends your age to hang out with is not enough. To age gracefully, you need to learn to spend time with those in their 20's, 30's mid-age, and your age group.

Hanging out with different age groups works in your favor for two reasons: it assures you that despite your age, you still have some things in common with the younger generation and it prevents you from having the arrogant idea that you are better just because you’re older.

Sticking with friends in your age group will be equal to reaffirming the assumptions people have of the elderly. Debunk these myths by being a fun, outgoing friend to everyone you meet.

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Conclusion

Aging gracefully is indeed possible as long as you do it on your terms, in your way and at the right time. There are no fixed rules on how you should age, but these seven tips will work to your advantage no matter your ideals. Remember: never stop having fun, reject limiting comments, use your wisdom to the full, don't be afraid to try the unconventional, follow your heart, keep on learning and associate with different age groups.

Getting older may turn out to be the best thing that could ever have happened to you. Your future is still in your hands.