Today, I want to get into how we can age better than those who have gone before us. You’ve heard me talk about it before: obesity, diabetes, insomnia, heart disease, my grandfather died at age 50 of a heart attack, my uncle died at age 49 of a heart attack, horrible knees in my family, the list goes on.
So it’s important to me to endeavor to create a different future for myself. And this started for me very intentionally when I turned 40 – this legacy stops here! I will not pass this on to my children. So much of what has transpired in my family is due to lifestyle.
Perhaps this is your story, too. Do you have a family health history that you’re maybe a little fearful of? Like you’re just waiting to see if you’ll end up with what grandma had or what your mom had?
I’m going give you 3 ways to age better than your family.
Never Stop Moving:
The idea of retiring and taking it easy as we age has become a common mindset. However, this can be one of the biggest culprits in accelerating the aging process. Regardless of your current age, make a commitment to keep your body in motion. This doesn’t mean you have to embark on grueling daily exercise routines; it means incorporating movement into your daily life. Avoid prolonged periods of sitting, whether at work or in front of screens. Take breaks every 30 minutes to stretch and keep your joints supple. Remember, “motion is lotion” for your body, and maintaining mobility is crucial for graceful aging.
Ask this question when you eat:
Our dietary choices play a significant role in how we age. Before each meal or snack, ask yourself a simple yet powerful question: “Does this food serve my goals?” If the answer is yes, you’re making a choice that aligns with your health and fitness objectives. If the answer is no, it might be worth reconsidering your choice, especially if it doesn’t support your well-being. This practice encourages mindful eating and empowers you to make better food decisions without feeling deprived.
Stay Consistent:
Achieving and maintaining your health and fitness goals requires consistency. While starting a new regimen is often easy, sticking with it can be the real challenge. Understand that lasting changes take time and commitment. Don’t be discouraged by initial setbacks or slow progress. Recognize that consistency is the key to long-term success, whether you’re aiming for weight loss, improved strength, or overall health. By staying the course and persevering through challenges, you’ll age better than those who let inconsistency hold them back.
In addition to these three fundamental strategies, there are mindset shifts that can further enhance your adventure towards better aging. First, challenge the negative beliefs associated with aging. Reject the notion that getting older inevitably leads to decline and deterioration. Instead, embrace the idea that aging can be a time of growth, adventure, and continued enjoyment of life.
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Second, transform the way you talk about aging. Your words hold immense power and can shape your reality. Avoid phrases that reinforce negative aging stereotypes and opt for positive language. Imagine being that one person who doesn’t walk in a room, forget why and blame it on aging. Or who tells someone else, “just wait until you’re MY age.” These are the words that helped form how we feel about aging, so why would we want to do that to others?
The way you think will come out so change this pattern of thinking so the way you speak about it also changes. Remember the statistic I shared with you last month? Out of those with the highest likelihood for Alzheimer’s, 47% never developed it. When they studied why, it’s because those 47% had a POSITIVE outlook on aging. That’s powerful. Your brain is powerful. Use it to your advantage to shape better aging.
Third, set high expectations for your future. Define what “more” means to you personally and envision a future where you continue to enjoy life’s adventures. Your expectations have the potential to shape your reality, so dare to expect more from your aging journey.
Aging better than your family is entirely within your reach. By embracing these strategies and adopting a positive mindset, you can rewrite your aging story and look forward to a future filled with vitality and well-being.
Love you,
Lisa
