Gracefully Growing Older

Written by Branda Polk

This article is courtesy of Journey Magazine.

We celebrate it on an annual basis but it actually occurs every day. Many of us hate to admit it, but we are getting older day by day, minute by minute. For a long time I tried to deny that fact, but I began to consider the alternative to aging and decided that I really didn't mind continuing to live. So, my challenge has now become to age well. Below are a few ways I have found helpful in improving the way I age each day.

• Pray and meditate on God's word daily.
• Develop a thankful, positive attitude.
• Serve others. Giving back to the community through your church or other service opportunities provides a sense of belonging and well-being and ministers to others in need.
• Create a community of friends to encourage one another. Develop friendships with someone older and younger than you are.
• Keep learning; take a course you always dreamed of taking, go back to college or get your GED, or develop a new skill.
• Always wear sunscreen, even in the winter.
• Drink six to eight glasses of water a day.
• Eat nutritious meals for long-term benefits. Eat fresh fruit and vegetables when available. Cut out the fat and make sure to choose items from all the food groups.
• Quit smoking if you smoke and avoid second hand smoke if at all possible.
• Find fun ways to exercise and do it three or more times a week. Start walking with a friend, go biking, join a fitness class, or whatever it is that you enjoy and keeps you moving.
• Consistently get a good night's sleep.
• Tune out the television and put on some music.

Take a look at the above list. Some are simple. Others take thought and planning. Are you already doing one or more of these suggestions? Which one area could you choose to focus on this month? Evaluate your aging process and instead of fighting it, embrace it and grow in yourself as you age.

Branda Polk, B.S. Exercise Science, is a certified personal trainer, wellness coach, conference speaker and health writer in Lebanon, Tennessee. Sign up for Branda's newsletter, Wellness Connection, to receive encouragement and coaching in the areas of nutrition, exercise, and stress relief. Follow Branda on Twitter.

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