5 Things To Maintain For Successful Ageing

Your retirement years can be some of the best years of your life if you take steps to prepare for success. Many of my retired Pilates clients, who have prioritized taking care of their health, are a living testament to this. They enjoy active travel adventures around the world, including skiing, hiking, and experiencing new cultures. Others are active grandparents who can spend quality time creating memories with their grandchildren. Whatever your goals are as you age, here are 5 things you need to maintain:

Muscle Mass

Maintaining muscle mass is essential for successful ageing. It's the difference between pain-filled later years and living a fun-filled active life. Even if you are faced with unexpected health issues or surgery your muscle mass is like an added security that will help support your body and brain and reduce recovery times.  If you want to avoid being frail and at risk of falling, keep strengthening and maintaining your muscle mass as you age.  Pilates is the ideal way to build and maintain muscle mass and walking, swimming, cycling, and dancing are also great too. If you want more detailed information about this, my recent blog post "Losing Muscle Mass is Dangerous - Are You at A Risk As You Age? is an in-depth look at how you can ensure you are not at risk and stay strong as you age.

Teeth & Gums

Several of my clients over the years have suffered mystery symptoms of being very unwell for months only to learn they had an undiscovered gum infection.   As you age, your risk of tooth decay and gum disease increases due to factors such as medication use, changes in saliva production, and gum recession. Proper dental hygiene, including brushing, flossing, and regular dental check-ups, can help prevent these issues and maintain oral health. Poor oral health has been linked to various systemic health problems, including heart disease, diabetes, respiratory infections, and cognitive decline. Bacteria from gum disease can enter the bloodstream and contribute to inflammation and other health issues throughout the body. By maintaining healthy teeth and gums, you can reduce the risk of developing these serious health conditions. Many people missed dental check-ups during Covid lockdowns and have fallen into bad habits since. Make sure you are up to date with your dental check-ups to prevent disease as you age.

A Sense of Adaptability

Ageing often brings unexpected changes in health, lifestyle, and circumstances. Being adaptable and open to change can help you navigate these transitions more smoothly. Practice flexibility in your routines, attitudes, and expectations to better cope with the uncertainties of ageing. This may involve transitions in social roles and relationships, such as moving into retirement, becoming a caregiver for a spouse or parent, or experiencing changes in family dynamics. Adaptability allows individuals to navigate these transitions by developing new social connections, finding purpose and fulfillment in different roles, and adjusting to changes in family dynamics and support systems. The less rigid and the more open you can be to change, the smoother the transition into your later years will be.

A Sense of Humour

Maintaining a sense of humor as you age can significantly contribute to your overall well-being and quality of life.  Spend time with friends, family members, or acquaintances who have a good sense of humor. Laughter is contagious, and being around people who enjoy a good laugh can help lighten your mood and boost your own sense of humor.  Find the humor in everyday life: Look for the lighter side of everyday situations and find humor in the mundane. Finding humor in everyday challenges and mishaps can help you maintain a more lighthearted perspective and reduce stress and anxiety.  Consider attending live comedy shows, improv performances, or comedy clubs in your area. Live comedy performances can be a great way to experience the infectious energy of laughter and connect with others who share your sense of humor. By incorporating these strategies into your life, you can cultivate and maintain a sense of humor as you age, fostering greater resilience, optimism, and enjoyment of life's journey.

Brain Health

Maintaining brain health as you age is crucial for preserving cognitive function, memory, and overall well-being. Movement such as Pilates and exercise are the two most important things you can do to benefit your brain. Engaging in aerobic exercise, strength training, and flexibility exercises can help improve blood flow to the brain, promote the growth of new brain cells, and enhance cognitive function. Maintaining your teeth and gums, your sense humour and your ability to adapt to changes all contribute to your maintaining your brain health too  Adequate sleep is essential for brain health and cognitive function. Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night to allow your brain to rest, repair, and consolidate memories. Establish a regular sleep schedule, create a relaxing bedtime routine, and create a comfortable sleep environment to promote restful sleep. Take steps to protect your brain from injury and damage. Wear helmets when cycling or engaging in sports activities, practice safe driving habits, wear seat belts, and take precautions to prevent falls and accidents. By incorporating these strategies into your lifestyle, you can help maintain your brain health, preserve cognitive function, and promote overall well-being as you age. It's never too late to start adopting brain-healthy habits and making positive changes to support your cognitive health and quality of life.

fI you are ready to prepare for successful ageing with Pilates and improving your overall health and fitness, email me at [email protected] .  Alternatively, you can book your in-depth Initial Assessment with me via Skype. or work independently at your own pace through my library of on-demand videos.  Take the free 10 day trial and start now.  It would be my pleasure to assist you in staying strong and pain-free as you age!