Getting Old Vs. Aging Gracefully

Aging is a normal process, yet some people fear getting old. They fear the physical changes, the possible illnesses, and the future. But aging gracefully is not getting old. It is just the opposite. It is embracing the aging process while strengthening or maintaining your mental, emotional, spiritual, and physical capacities.

Aging gracefully should be the goal. Getting old is what everyone does, but you are not everyone. You are God’s chosen, and He has plans for you even in your golden years.

What aging gracefully needs

Even to your old age and gray hairs I am he, I am he who will sustain you. I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you. – Isaiah 46:4, NIV

Have you ever run a race? Maybe back in high school when they asked you to run a mile? Perhaps you started strong, sprinting around the track so fast that not even a racehorse could catch you. About two-thirds of the way, your energy began to flag. You depleted all of your energy stores, and your body became desperate for the extra power to finish the race.

But then, at the finish line, you spotted the coach, and he began to wave at you to hurry. And just like that, you got your second wind. Energy coursed through your tired body, and you flew across the finish line like the champion you are.

Aging gracefully is similar to that second wind. You are closer to that finish line than ever before, but you still have more distance to cover. God is waving at you, but He knows you must pass the markers He has set out for you before this race is in the books.

Tips for Getting Older

Are you getting your second wind? Are you ready to pass those markers with renewed energy? Read on for ideas of how to age gracefully instead of just getting old and letting life pass you.

Keep up appearances.

When you feel good about the way you look, you exude confidence. People are attracted to you when they can tell that you take good care of yourself. You care about your hygiene and your clothing. This does not mean that you should be materialistic; after all, God dresses the flowers in the field and the birds in the air. But it does mean you should put in some effort to feel good about yourself.

Self-confidence increases self-esteem and your sense of worth. You are more likely to accept new opportunities if you feel comfortable with people, display openness, and are approachable. Invest a little bit into maintaining a neat appearance.

You can do this without breaking the bank by choosing to shop at consignment stores or visiting beauty colleges. If you are unsure about what clothing to purchase for your body shape, research affordable stylists online to get an idea.

Try something new.

Want a quick way to relate to others and stay in the know? Learn something new from someone younger than you. Maybe that means making YouTube videos with your grandson or taking TikTok by storm with your granddaughter. It could mean having someone show you how to self-publish that memoir that is languishing on your computer’s hard drive.

Trying something new can leave us feeling giddy and young, especially if it is with someone we love. Maybe you finally try kayaking with your son or take that cruise with your daughter’s family. If you have a younger family member, ask them what they like to do for fun. Maybe they will teach you. You can get many ideas from the youth at your church if you will only be brave enough to ask.

Journal your experiences.

If you have lived long enough, you have enough stories to teach younger generations a thing or two about life. If you have not before, consider recording your life experiences in a journal. You can include both present-day and favorite memories. You can journal your prayer requests and how God answered those prayers.

Even if you never plan to share your journal with others, it is good to look back over your life and see how many times you came through hard seasons, not by your own power, but by God’s hand. When we acknowledge His moving in our lives, we appreciate everything He has done and where we are now. Leaving behind a journal for your children and grandchildren can serve as a testimony of the faithfulness of God.

Spend quality time with loved ones.

Spending quality time with loved ones not only leaves you feeling loved and accepted, but it creates memories for others. Younger family members exude contagious energy. You want to be silly with them, dance with them, and share fun experiences.

If you do not have any younger family members, volunteer at your church to work with the youth or children. Kids can be loud and messy, but so is life, and you can make a difference in a child’s life. You may never know what impact you had on a teenager, but God will know how you changed the trajectory of one person’s life.

Look into supplements.

You know that to age gracefully, you need to eat healthy food, avoid added sugars and processed food, and drink more water. You know exercise produces energy and keeps you fit, strong, and flexible. But for added protection, consider researching supplements. Your physician will run routine lab work, checking for deficiencies. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for their opinion on supplements and if any will interact with your current medications.

Popular supplements taken by seniors include:

• Senior multivitamin
• Calcium plus vitamin D
• Vitamin C
• Vitamin E
• Vitamin B complex
• Collagen

The goal of supplements is to ensure that you are boosting your immune system and meeting your daily quota for vitamins and minerals that you might not get in your regular diet.

Adopt a new sleep schedule.

As we age, our sleep schedule changes. The circadian rhythm that we have gone by our entire lives shifts earlier by the time we are in our sixties. This means you might become sleepy earlier in the evening after dinner, but wake up between 3 AM and 4 AM.

When you wake up in the middle of the night, you may have difficulty falling back to sleep. You may feel ready to start your day at 4 AM. When you resist this, you may find it more challenging to concentrate on tasks, especially later at night. You may take naps throughout the day to try and make up for the loss of sleep.

The new sleep schedule may not be the only reason you feel tired in the morning or wake up in the middle of the night. You can develop sleep apnea as you age. With sleep apnea, your breathing stops and restarts throughout the night. You might snore loudly and wake up with a dry throat. A doctor can determine whether you have sleep apnea by doing a sleep study.

Christian Counseling for Aging Issues

If you view aging as getting old, your perception will be negative. No one wants to get old, having to depend on others. The way you word things can shift your perspective. Instead of getting old, you are embarking on a new adventure of aging gracefully.

You want to engage in cognitive and physical activities and protect your mental and emotional health. Reach out to our office today to contact a counselor specializing in aging and geriatric issues. We want to help you thrive during this season of your life.