Many women dread growing older. Usually, this crisis confronts a woman when her mother starts to age and experiences a deterioration in her health and ability to function at the same level as she did previously. Yet, it is possible to grow older gracefully. Here are a few things to keep in mind.
Research has shown that the ideal of beauty continues to define women and is based on appearing younger, being wrinkle-free, keeping the body toned and supple, flawless make-up and hair, and wearing the latest fashions. As aging takes hold, the gap between the ideal and the reality increases. With the concept of unblemished beauty so ingrained in society, very few studies have investigated the realities of aging and how older women experience their body image.
Genetics plays a role in how we age. However, every woman who starts aging will experience sagging skin, greying hair, and possibly one or more of the medical conditions that affect the elderly, such as arthritis, osteoporosis, diabetes, and Alzheimer’s. There is also a greater health risk from falls.
Despite these signs of aging, the older woman may feel more comfortable with her body image than younger women who are under more pressure to conform to media standards of the perfect face and figure. She is more likely to feel secure in her personalized style of fashion and to have the confidence to express herself in any setting.
The condition of the skin on the face is usually the most obvious sign of aging. It is important to remove all makeup before bedtime to avoid clogging the pores. Use sunscreen and a good moisturizer and drink enough water.
Regular exercise can reduce your risk of illness. Aerobic exercise can be fun and done in a group. Options include walking, swimming, dancing, and cycling. Additionally, balance training and muscle strengthening exercises are useful.
Eating right means getting enough fruit and vegetables, lean protein, wholegrain cereals, healthy fats, and low-fat dairy. Reducing salt intake can guard against high blood pressure.
Life is meant to be enjoyed. Pay attention to your mental health by spending time with loved ones, engaging in hobbies that make you happy, and taking time for new experiences, such as the cruise you always wanted to go on.
Also, try to get enough sleep. A short afternoon nap can be restorative and allow you to make the most of your evenings.
Stick to the fashions that you have learned suit you. Don’t dress to look younger – in fact, this makes you look older. Focus on classic elegance.
Memory care provides help for older people with mental health challenges like Alzheimer’s. Facilities such as McKnight place offer memory care. These facilities can relieve the burden on relatives who are working, raising a family, and unable to provide the level of care needed or lack the necessary training and skills. A good facility will offer a personalized plan for each resident to ensure that they continue to function as they are able and aid with tasks that can no longer be managed. Memory care will help you retain your independence and enable you to continue to enjoy the activities you value.
It is possible to grow old gracefully as long as you keep these few bits of information in mind.
LivingBetter50 is a magazine for women over 50, offering an over 50 magazine free download for women with spirit!