The Art of Aging Well

Oscar Wilde opined that “life imitates art far more than art imitates life” in his essay The Decay of Lying. His idea is that we, as humans, are able to appreciate the beauty in things around us when artists reveal their beauty to us.

Today, aging has become an art form all unto itself and we are the artists. More of us are taking conscious steps to lead a beautiful life - a life reflective of the beauty all around us.

Physical fitness advocate James P. Owen empowers older adults to embrace an active lifestyle in his book Just Move! Today he is doubling down and challenging our older population to expand their personal wellness.

Here are five simple ways you can practice the art of aging:

Limit Stress – Be conscious of your stress and take proactive actions to reduce its levels. Be in nature, use deep breathing and meditation, take a hot bath, or stretching are all ways to calm a stressed mind.

Be Positive – Individuals who are optimistic are healthier and live longer. Begin each day with a gratitude ritual, nip negative thoughts in the bud, and listen to uplifting music to keep your spirits high.

Healthy Eating – Our bodies are indeed machines. And like any machine, the better the fuel consumed, the better its performance. Keep an eye on portion control, emphasize whole grains, fruits, and vegetables in each meal, and avoid highly processed foods.

Get Quality Sleep – Sleep deprivation has several negative health impacts. While taking sedatives may be tempting to fall and stay asleep, improving your sleeping habits will be more beneficial. Create a pre-sleep routine to help you drift into slumber faster.

Have a Sense of Purpose – Everybody needs a reason to get up in the morning. Find a purpose that ignites a drive inside you. It may take a little bit of searching, but the opportunities are endless. Ask a friend or family you could use support, seek out volunteers for causes you care about, learn a new hobby or skill, or start that business you always wanted to.