Fitness is an attitude of mind; I believe “Age is mind over Matter” and if you don’t mind it doesn’t matter! Ageing is inevitable, a depressing thought and nothing we can do about it, or is there? No, we can’t add years to life but we can add “life” to the years we have! Maintaining good health enables us to pursue ambitions, hopes and dreams with many older people continuing to lead interesting lives. Feeling well helps us enjoy the increase in longevity by giving us a sense of wellbeing, relaxation and confidence.
Category Archives: Manage Your Mind
Feeling Stressed? Then Find A Hobby And Learn to Relax!
Far too many of us living in large cities or busy communities find ourselves leading fast and furious lives. With ever more competitive working conditions some run the risk of becoming stressed, anxious or depressed resulting in a decreasing quality of life, sleep disturbance, drug and alcohol abuse, and poor performance. Stress can, and will at some point in many peoples lives take a heavy toll on our minds and bodies, with acute stress having an adverse effect on our health. Stress can suppress our immune functions and lead to a possible increase of infections and ailments, including hypertension, digestive disturbances, heart disorders and other distressing conditions which could shorten our life expectancy.
Healthy midlife
Talk with girlfriends approaching midlife and inevitably “Midlife Crisis” is mentioned! Many women still think midlife and menopause signals decline; weight gain and loss of fitness but it needn’t be a time of despondency if we understand the ageing process. For those women in their 40’s and 50’s this should be a time to adoptContinue reading “Healthy midlife”
Top Tips On Staying Healthy
Watch your diet – Swap biscuits and treats for nuts, pulses and seeds, all of which are high protein, minerals and vitamins. Also eat bananas, which have natural sugars which are released slowly into the body, and is a great substitute for other sweet snacks.
Putting A Spring In Your Step
The late great, Marilyn Monroe once said, “Give a girl the right pair of shoes and she can conquer the world.”
Well, with the warmer weather here [honestly!] it’s time to get out and put a spring in our step. I tend to think flat shoes are good for my feet. So, I’ve kicked off my heavy winter boots and am now in light fashionable ballet pumps. But these have thin soles and offer little support and indeed can change the way I walk and encourage my arches to drop. [note to self: – maybe they’re why I’m feeling aches and pains in my knees and back? Everyday shoes with a low broad heel are a more comfortable option. I must look some out! On second thoughts my achy, creaky body could be the result of overdoing the gardening – but at least I’m being active which is good for my health.
Old Enough to Know Better
Ouch my achy back, I’ve done it again!
It’s that time of year when my delightful small garden calls out for attention. Given a fine day I’m more than happy to respond but I do get carried away with my enthusiasm. I know I’m old enough to know better, and I know I’m informed enough to prepare my ageing body for such an event by stretching it out. Trouble is I only intended to prune a plant or two, cut back a hedge or two, or dig a patch or two. But I ended up doing it all, scaling ladders to hedge, digging deep to plant, and heaving rubbish to tip. End result…severe back ache which happens every spring. So when will I learn?
What to do?
Putting on A Happy Face Can Work ..
We all feel insecure about our body image, none of us are perfect. But I’ve found the trick is to make the most of what you’ve got and put on a happy face!
At what age did I feel my best and confident of my body image? You’d think I’d say in my hey-day as the Green Goddess on breakfast telly 30 years ago, when my slinky body was held up as the picture of health. But no! Not only was I insecure about my lack of curves back then, but I was soon to be diagnosed with cancer which was to challenge my self confidence.
Love Later Life
It’s time for a reappraisal of ageing. Recently there has been a lot in the daily papers about research from AgeUK which found that more than ¾ of adults are looking forward to living longer. However, 9 out of 10 feel strongly that something needs to be done to ensure quality in later life plus a change in the negative view of getting older. It concluded that a positive attitude to ageing appears to be the key to enjoying longevity.
New Horizons
“Whatever you can do, or dream you can, begin it.
Boldness has genius, power and magic in it”
W.H.Murray – The Scottish Himalayan Expedition
The Active Ageing project called; “Winning the Generation Game: Improving Opportunities for People aged 50 – 65 in Work and Community Activity” was set up by the Prime Minister in 1999 and the results published in 2000. The project consulted the Government and sources throughout the country looking for advice, and came up with suggested solutions to the problems which included;
• changing the culture
• enabling and encouraging over 50’s to stay in work
• helping and encouraging displaced workers to re-enter work
• helping older people make use of their skills and experience for the benefit of the wider community.
See The Person
These days the world seems to be obsessed by beauty and looking good, but to my mid being healthy and happy is more important. If you put health to the forefront of priorities then many aspects of beauty follow on naturally. One thing I would never do is go under the knife for aesthetic reasons in order to hold onto youthful looks. I’ve had my fair share of surgery from past health problems to even consider that.