Aging gracefully has a myriad of meanings, depending on who you ask. At Baldwin House Senior Living, when we think of “aging gracefully,” we know it means knowing that no matter how many candles are on your cake, your attitude is what helps with aging gracefully and embracing the golden years.
Today’s older adults and seniors have more options than ever before for how they spend their retirement years and the ways in which they embrace an active lifestyle. Our Baldwin House Senior Living communities offer older adults the option of a full-service lifestyle or active adult lifestyle, and we’ve found that both are popular, depending on the level of service and amenities the senior prefers.
When you consider that the average life expectancy keeps increasing based on healthy lifestyle choices and access to medical care, older adults know they want to age in their own way. Deciding to choose a positive attitude and to take control of the way in which – and where – you age is a welcome change for many of our residents.
As older adults, we have “earned” the right to experience our lives after retirement and as we age in a way that makes us happy and brings us joy.
The experienced staff at our Baldwin House Senior Living communities understand that “aging gracefully” means different things to different people, and that’s why our amenities and activities and our apartments provide options and choice. We know that growing older is a privilege that not all individuals will experience, so we show our residents that there is no need to regret growing older; instead, we help them embrace aging gracefully!
We know that “age is a number” and “you’re only as old as you feel” but that doesn’t mean our residents don’t sometimes feel “old.” However, we ensure they aren’t treated that way. In fact, many of our residents don’t even think of themselves as old – they are senior, active adults! A Pew Research Center study found that more than 50% of adults who were 65 years of age or older felt younger than their age – and we love that mindset!
How To Age Gracefully & Embrace The Golden Years
There are a few external signs of aging that simply can’t be ignored, but that doesn’t mean that your mindset won’t help you approach them with grace! Here are a few.
- Gray hair! During the pandemic, many adults – what some might consider “younger” adults” – embraced going gray. They couldn’t get to their salon or beautician, so instead of home-coloring kits, they let their hair grow out and embraced the gray. And many now find they love their gray hair and are sticking with it.
- Wrinkles and age spots. Unlike gray hair that you could cover under a hat, your wrinkles and age spots are on full display. Embrace them. Your skin is a testament to a life well-lived. You know you’ve earned those laugh lines and crow’s feet, right? Fashion designer Diane von Furstenberg was quoted as saying, “My face is where I carry my memories…why would I want to erase them?” We agree.
- Age-related changes to posture and movement. Have you ever heard the phrase, “move it or lose it?” It’s apt because if you aren’t physically active, you will find it harder to age gracefully because you will suffer aches and pains and a limited range of motion and movement. What can you do? Take a walk. Do chair stretches. Sit up straight. Start a strength-training program — you don’t need to join a gym; you can lift canned foods at home to keep your arms and shoulders strong and flexible. Swimming is an ideal way to get in shape, strengthen your core muscles and do it all in a non-impact manner. Get dancing. Whether you join in the social activities at a senior living community or if you simply turn on your favorite music at home and get up and dance, it’s a great way to stay limber. Ask your doctor before you begin any exercise program. You can also ask your doctor for advice on physical activity to keep you physically healthy and active.
As with almost anything you have done, or will continue to do, in your life, you have the power to age gracefully. Count your blessings, look ahead and embrace your age!
Visit a Baldwin House Senior Living community near you and ask about our active adult living options and the activities we plan for our residents. Baldwin House Senior Living is built upon the strong foundation of guiding families and empowering seniors.
Baldwin House combines care with compassion and dignity. We offer families peace of mind and give seniors who call Baldwin House home the freedom to live their very best lives. Call us today to schedule a visit. We’d love to meet you or your loved one!