"Anyone who keeps the ability to see beauty never grows old."
- Franz Kafka
When we're young, the process of growing up feels like an exciting achievement. However, as the years go on, birthdays start to feel different than before. Even though there will always been a certain level of celebration that comes as every year passes, the idea of aging can be overwhelming to many.
Rather than fighting the inevitable, how do we embrace the changes in our bodies and minds as we age? Focusing on healthy aging is something we should all be practicing daily.
What is healthy aging?
Looking for a more empowering perspective on age, many of us are turning to the concept of mindful aging as a way to embrace getting older. Mindful aging is all about supporting your body, both from the inside and the outside.
Despite the general rules of eating healthy and getting physical activity (which apply to everyone, regardless of age), at the end of the day, it is best to listen to the pace of your own body.
Healthy aging is a process that starts with finding what works best for you and sticking to it. In most cases, it has little to do with our physical appearance – covering grey roots, using anti-aging creams, or getting cosmetic procedures can only slow down the appearance of aging, not what's going on inside.
Just as cars require regular maintenance, it's important to continually check in with yourself and your health. See a naturopath, book those chiro appointments, get that facial! But don’t worry – you don’t have to implement everything at once. Whether it is a nutrient change, adding a few supplements to your dietary plan, or focusing on more mindful exercise such as yoga – enjoy the process.
How do we shift our perspective on age?
In some ways, there is freedom in being in the prime of your life! With children raised (or not), and retirement on the horizon (or not!), a slowing pace of life means the ability to finally focus on reading books, learning a new skill, traveling the world, and so much more. What opportunities can you discover in the later stages of life?
We invite you to reflect on what rituals and practices you can implement in your wellness program and find the best way to embrace life, and age, with grace and self-love.
Let's welcome the aging process with arms wide open!