Aging is a part of life. It can be a graceful time or it can be rough.
According to a recent study, a positive mental state can help with the aging process. Positive mental health lowers stress hormones and may help with mental aging as well. To cultivate a positive mental state, we need to look at wellness as a multidimensional aspect that supports a positive mental state through dedicated actions and activities.
Community is important as one ages. Being a member of a religious group, having hobbies and making friends with neighbors are shown to dramatically increase one's quality of life as the aging process occurs. Studies have shown that belonging to a group helps us feel a sense of purpose and gives us something positive and fulfilling to focus on. I am focusing on building local community through my church and men's groups that focus on sports and self-improvement.
Exercise and an optimistic bent are major factors in healthy aging. Being in motion releases endorphins which cause euphoria and help us recover from life's small injuries. Weighing less and avoiding metabolic disorders including diabetes reduces the stress on one's joints and fascia. An optimistic bent is a frait we can all adopt and foster. Having events and things to look forward to can help us develop this mental focus. Exercise helps us mentally and physically, and there's just a feeling of accomplishment as we meet our strength training goals.
Diet is a key factor for aging as well, and directly feeds into our mental and physical health. A diet rich in fiber, nutrient dense foods and vitamins can help our mental state. As diet improves, we lose weight and feel better. We can focus on how good life is and what we need to change. We become physically more capable to handle life's challenges.
As a middle-aged man, I am taking this to heart. I am focusing on improving my diet to include more nutrient dense food, exercising at the gym 2-days a week and building local community. I recommend gardening as well for a diet boost and for the exercise that digging holes and harvesting fresh produce brings.
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