As many seniors will attest, age is simply a number. There are numerous examples of people accomplishing amazing things in their sunset years, including the man who made 27 feature films after age 55, the 86-year-old woman who competed in gymnastic competitions (and often won), and the man who began running marathons at age 81. No matter what your age, you can accomplish lifelong goals, help your community, and embrace life with enthusiasm. The key is youthful energy, not a youthful age. So if you’re wondering how to stay young at heart, scroll down for some helpful tips.
How to Stay Young at Heart
Exercise Your Body and Mind Daily
If you want to keep your body strong, spry, and flexible, you need to get moving at least once a day. Try incorporating a daily walk into your schedule, and perhaps following up with some strength training two or three days a week. Before you begin any new exercise routine, be sure to discuss your plans with your doctor or another qualified healthcare professional.
Don’t forget about mental health. Give your brain a workout each day by doing memory games or brain puzzles. You could also take a class, learn a new language, or read a book about a subject you’ve always wanted to explore.
Get Plenty of Sleep
If you’re wondering how to stay young at heart, think about all the naps you used to take as a child. No matter what your age, your body needs sleep to rest and recuperate. Make sure that you get at least eight hours of shut-eye each night for optimum energy.
Try a Hobby You Used to Love
If you’re struggling to get in that youthful, curious, and enthusiastic mindset, try this trick. Think back to your childhood. What did you like to do as a kid? What were you curious or passionate about? Perhaps you loved dancing, making model airplanes, playing the guitar, or studying astronomy. Whatever your hobbies were, why not try them again now? Not only will it bring back memories of your youth, but also it may reinvigorate the passion you had for the hobby as a child.
Socialize Regularly
If you’re an introvert, don’t worry. We’re not saying you need to be the life of the party. But maintaining meaningful friendships, meeting new people, and socializing with strangers will help you cultivate a fulfilling social life. Many seniors struggle with social isolation and loneliness that may lower their quality of life. Fight against this by strengthening your social ties.
Be an Active Community Member
As children, we’re instantly enveloped in different communities. When you were young, your social circles might have included your family, your schoolmates, your Girl Scout troop, your soccer team, and your neighborhood pals. Now that you’re older, look around for new communities to join and be an active part of each one. These might include your family, your retirement community, your book club, your exercise class, and the charity where you volunteer. Cherish your communities and make the most of them.
Embrace New Technology and Entertainment
Although you might be tempted to wave aside new fads, embracing state-of-the-art technology and popular new movies and TV shows may spark your enthusiasm. It’s fun to be a part of what’s “hip and happening.” Instead of feeling left behind, you can go toe-to-toe with your grandchildren when it comes to discussing the latest iPhone or the new season of Stranger Things. Of course, this doesn’t mean that you need to dig into every new thing. You just need to be open to new experiences and explore the ones that speak to you.
Have Fun!
Most importantly, if you’re wondering how to stay young at heart, don’t take yourself too seriously. Do what you love, shrug off mistakes, and laugh often. One of the joyous things about being a senior is that you don’t have to worry about those big life decisions that plagued your teens, 20s, and 30s. You’ve already lived a wonderful life – now enjoy yourself!
Are you looking for a relaxing place to retire near Riverview, Florida? Check out the Crossings at Riverview, located near Tampa, Florida. We invite you to tour our community, meet our friendly staff, and see our amenities first-hand. Overlooking the Alafia River on twelve beautiful acres, the Crossings at Riverview offers a relaxing atmosphere, and our talented team is committed to cultivating a welcoming and vibrant community. Our goal is to make our community feel like home for all of our residents. To schedule a tour, contact us online. We look forward to meeting you!