We find ourselves living in an age whereby we are bombarded with news headlines stating that “we are living in a world of a demographic ageing society”
“How much care is going to be needed for older individuals and how much the care system is in financial constraints. This does not paint an optimistic picture and it does not promote the positivity of ageing”.
We all find ourselves at a certain age, looking in the mirror and we see wrinkles that seem to have come out of nowhere, we get sudden pangs of pain and wonder where it came from and suddenly, we are loving listening to Radio 4 -or maybe not so suddenly!!
How did it all happen so quickly? However, ageing can be wonderful. You are at the peak of your knowledge skills; the children may be off your hands and leading lives of their own and do you really care these days what people think of you?
You are truly your own person.
If we reframe the mindsets of the ageing process as a time of opportunity and new learning it doesn’t seem so daunting, in fact it can appear exciting.
I will suggest a few ways in which stereotypical ageing mindsets can be changed and how we can live our lives to the full. As we get older, we can take opportunities in which we can do all the things we ever wanted.
HEALTH.
Whilst it is important that we visit the GP regularly, take prescribed medication and have regular medication reviews, it is also important to remember that there are also other alternatives and choices that one can look at to maintain health and wellbeing.
- Acupuncture
- Acupressure
- Hypnotherapy
- Counselling
- Homeopathy
- Chiropractic
- Osteopathy.
Always get a Gp’s advice on this first, especially if you have pre-existing health conditions or are on certain medications that may contra-indicate certain therapies. Check that the therapist is registered.
The British Acupuncture Council
Complimentary and Natural Health Council
Federation of Holistic Therapists
NHS websites.
Remember to ask for:
- Cost of the treatment
- How long the treatment should last
- Whether there are people who should have this treatment
- What side effects may occur
- What complaints system is in place
- Documentary proof of their qualifications
- Documentary evidence that they are a member of their professional association
- Proof of insurance.
Check out your local hotel’s spa facilities and look online to see what deals are being offered. Surely there can be nothing more luxurious that swimming in a private pool that is not crowded or luxuriating in a jacuzzi.
It is important to be aware of diets and to eat healthily, however enjoying a good meal in a restaurant with friends is not only enjoyable but is so good for our wellbeing.
Exercise is a must, whether it is taking a walk in our local countryside, going to a gym, Zumba dancing or whatever exercise brings you enjoyment. It shouldn’t be a chore, but a pleasurable pastime. Get referred to a physiotherapist and see what exercise clubs are in your locale. In a nutshell-Keep Fit.
WORK.
If you enjoy your work, keep working as long as you can. It gives one the opportunity to mix with younger people, keeps the mind active, keeps the discipline of getting up in the morning and commuting to work.
Alternatively, you may be able to work from home and reduce the hours you work but keep involved.
WELLBEING.
Keep up with the latest fashions, dress trendily. Just because we are getting older does not mean we can’t keep up with the latest fashions. We can be bold with our use of colours.
Have a makeover for free in department stores or get a professional stylist to advise you on a new look. Go to University and get a degree-there are people over 70 getting degrees.
These ideas are only a few pointers as examples of how getting older can be fun and I know that there is so much more to cover and that everyone who is getting older will have their own dreams, hopes and aspirations of what they would like to do with more leisure time on their hands.
Getting older can facilitate opportunities for new learning and having fun. We can all contribute to breaking Ageist Barriers. Ageing doesn’t have to be a dismal scenario and we can plan for things that make us happy. So, look great, keep fit, eat well and above all ENJOY LIFE.
It is our own states of mind the keep us feeling young and good about ourselves and we have choices in how we think about ageing.
SABINA KELLY RN Ba (Hons) BSc (Hons)
sabinakellylondon@yahoo.com
