As the hands on the clock continue to click away, the prospect of growing older can be met with trepidation or embraced as an opportunity for personal growth and well-being. Aging is an inevitable aspect of life, but the manner in which we navigate this journey plays a vital role in our overall health and happiness. How do you want to age? How do you want to grow older? 

No matter our age, the choices we make now on a daily basis impact the rate at which we age. I asked an arborist recently about the timeframe on when to plant another tree in our backyard.  I loved his answer.  He said, “10 years ago”. This is the same answer to the question of when should I think about the manner in which I want to grow older. “10 years ago!”

Change

It is never too late however to review our lifestyle choices, our nutrition choices, our fitness choices.  This review creates a blueprint for growing older in a healthy manner.  After the review is complete, then it might be time for change.  That is the challenging part. People want change but some do not want to make changes to what they are currently doing.  People want the benefits of doing things differently, but sometimes they don’t want to do the work to achieve the rewards.

Blueprint

Lifestyle Choices

• Limit sun exposure.  Sun exposure can increase skin aging, the risk of skin cancer, and cause wrinkles.
• Control stress levels.  Excessive amount of stress can accelerate the rate of aging.
• Develop mental sharpness.  Keep the mind active and engaged.  Challenge the brain with activities that stimulate cognitive abilities such as learning new skills, puzzles, reading, doing math without a calculator, etc.
• Get 7 or more hours of sleep at night.
• Limit or eliminate tobacco and alcohol consumption.
• Engage with others, choose a positive mindset.

Nutrition Choices

• Eat fruits and vegetables that are the colors of the rainbow.
• Avoid highly processed foods.
• Eat whole, natural foods.
• Limit overeating and how often food is eaten.  

Fitness Choices

• Prioritize physical fitness.  Physical activity is the cornerstone to healthy aging.  The lack of exercise can cause cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, increase cholesterol, and obesity.
• Being active not only slows the biological clock but can also boost immunity and improve brain function.
• Walk daily.

There are many other items that can be added to each of the lists. Growing older in a healthy manner involves this holistic approach.  By prioritizing lifestyle, nutrition, and fitness, one can pave the way for a fulfilling and vibrant life.  Embrace the journey and answer the question of how do you want to grow older?