It may sound cliche, but living in the moment and day by day is one of the true keys to healthy aging. People who roll with the punches and learn how to deal with loss and happiness are the individuals that seem to enjoy aging in life the most. When you see your aging loved one adapt to what they can and cannot do as they age can be a positive sign. They are accepting aging and seem to have a more positive outlook. Therefore, they are less likely to suffer depression, loneliness, and other mental or physical concerns.

Check out the 5 keys to healthier aging and living

1. Be Positive

Being positive is something you hear from an early age to your senior years. Sometimes it is easier said than done. Keeping a healthy and happy outlook is great for your mental health as well as your physical health. By the way, it makes living fun! 

2. Engage in Life and Activity

There are many studies explaining that an engaged mind and body encourages a positive attitude and life. Just getting out and about a couple days a week can make all the difference. Not only are you moving but socializing and that is beneficial too. As to keeping active, moving allows your heart to be more healthy too. Take a walk, play a game with friends, explore different coffee shops or restaurants and keep going! Active mind, body and spirit is where the joy of living keeps going.

3. Stimulate your Mind and Learn Everyday

What better way to keep the mind stimulated than to use it! Playing games (memory games are the best), as well as reading and learning each day to help you keep going and thriving as you age. Join a book club or meet a group of friends to play a game. It is fun and socially satisfying too. 

4. Keep Social

You hear so much about socializing more to keep healthy that you are probably turning blue in the face and maybe even partake in a little eye rolling.  Facts are facts. The benefits of socializing gives you purpose and an opportunity to be heard and listen to others. A good social life helps beat the winter blues and keeps us growing. We can challenge ourselves and our friends on different topics to keep social time fun and engaging. Also, a good walk with a conversation from a friend is the best therapy to relax, exercise and get a little mental stimulation.

5. Help Others

Finally, help others stay active, social, and/or mentally stimulated to make their life fun. You may also gain a little satisfaction helping others for yourself. Helping others decreases depression and loneliness. Get on the bandwagon and help others and feel great! 
At the end of the day, aging is a part of life and to do it the best you can to keep positive, active, social and give a little time to others. Do you need more help with aging questions? Contact Ann at Senior Living Options and she will guide you to the best senior living options for your loved one.

Author: Ann Jamison

Ann Jamison is an experienced senior advisor who has successfully worked with hundreds of families to help them find the best care and home-like environment for themselves or their loved ones. Prior to launching Senior Living Options, Ann was an eldercare advisor for a national placement agency and served as sales director at a senior living community. Thanks to her 25-year career in advertising sales and marketing, Ann is able to discern between hype and reality for her clients. Ann recognizes that there are objective factors that need to be weighed when making a life-changing decision, but she can also assess the important softer attributes by getting to know her clients and by using the gut instincts that can only come through extended experience.