Aging Healthy, Part 1 – Nothing Is Certain Except Change

Coping With Change

As we grow older, we experience an increasing number of major life changes. Career transitions, retirement, children leaving home, the loss of loved ones, and health challenges can be difficult. How we handle and grow from these changes is often the key to healthy aging.

Learning to adapt to changes is essential to aging healthy. Finding new things you enjoy, staying physically and socially active, and feeling connected to your community and loved ones can be ways to adapt. Unfortunately, for many of us aging also brings anxiety and fear. How will I take care of myself late in life? What if I lose my spouse? What is going to happen to my mind?

In this five part series on healthy aging, we will provide some tools and resources to help you along your journey.

As you age, there will be periods of both joy and stress. It’s important to build your resilience and find healthy ways to cope with changes. This will help you make the most of the good times and keep your perspective when times are tough.

[Read: Surviving Tough Times by Building Resilience]

Focus on the good things. When going through the tough times, it’s important to remember to focus on things for which you are grateful. Especially when dealing with a great loss. Taking comfort in the people and things you appreciate and enjoy.

Don’t try to hide your feelings and emotions. You may have a hard time showing emotions., but burying your feelings is not healthy.  Mentally or physically. Mentally, it can lead to anger, resentment, and depression. These have physical consequences such as hormone imbalance, depleting the chemicals in the brain required for happiness and weakening your immune system. Don’t deny what you’re going through. Find healthy ways to process your feelings, perhaps by talking with a close friend or writing in a journal.

Accept the things you can’t change. The popular prayer for serenity, courage and strength during hard times is sage advice. It’s not always easy to find the serenity to accept the things you can’t control. Try focusing on a hobby, read, meditate, go for a walk or exercise. Exercising and doing something that you enjoy releases the chemicals in your brain that help overcome negative emotions. Face your limitations with dignity and a healthy dose of humor.

Take daily action to deal with life’s challenges. Ignoring problems only allows both the problem and your anxiety to build. Instead, take things one small step at a time. Even a small step can go a long way to boost your confidence and overcoming the challenge.

When facing major changes, try to look at them as opportunities for personal growth.

Stay tuned for parts 2-5 for more information and resources on aging healthy: Laughter is the Best Medicine, Staying Connected, Keeping Your Body Healthy, and Keeping Your Brain Healthy.

Joplin Elder Law can help you plan for and overcome many of life’s changes and challenges. Call us today and schedule a free consultation or fill out the form below.