I am hobbling today after twisting my knee playing hockey yesterday. It gets harder to stay on the field every year. When I was bemoaning this ageing stuff to my teammate, she replied, ‘It’s better than the alternative.’ What a great reminder to appreciate what you have.
Ageing is inevitable, but there is a lot you can do to make the ageing experience positive.
Here are a couple of scenarios for you to consider:
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Your last decade consists of disability, short and lengthy hospital stays, being banished to a dementia ward, frailty and poor quality of life before you contract pneumonia, causing your organs to collapse before you die at age 85.
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In your last decade, you tackle cryptic crosswords, rock climb, dance and spend time with family and friends. You have a short window of sickness before you die at age 85.
Which of those scenarios would you choose?
I assume everyone would choose scenario two. If so, what you do now drives the probability of that playing out. Here are the key lifestyle drivers for maximising your chances:
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A diet high in fruit and vegetable fibres (complex carbohydrates) and polyphenols (plant compounds) and protein.
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A diet low in simple carbohydrates, sugars and processed food.
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Increase cardiovascular health through walking and other forms of exercise, which increase your heart rate.
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Increasing muscle mass - the forgotten organ and the only one you have control of; muscles play a critical role in removing glucose from your bloodstream and supporting bone density.
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Sleep well - even as you age, you still need 7-8 hours per night. Don’ t believe the people who say you need less sleep as you age.
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Reduce stress levels - not always possible, but do what you can with breathing, meditation, nature walks (whatever your jam).
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Socialising - humans need each other and studies show that a chat with a barista can make a difference for someone experiencing loneliness.
See you at the rock climbing wall!