5 Realistic Goals to Set for Healthy Aging

Remember: It’s never too late to set some goals. And if you want to age gracefully, it’s never too early either. But you don’t have to wait for January 1 to make some New Year’s Resolutions or enact them whenever you find some downtime (which might be never). And you don’t have to hit the ground running to prepare for a marathon. So instead, take some baby steps and start today!

Here are five realistic goals for healthy aging you can start now, from pelvic floor exercises to assist with incontinence and bladder leakage issues to developing a new skill to sharpen the mind. But first, we discuss why it’s as important as ever to maintain your health as your body gets older.

Why You Should Set Goals for Healthy Aging

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With age comes some mental and physical-related issues. Women begin to experience menopause, incontinence and bladder leakage, and even osteoporosis. And while there are many options for menopause relief and a wide range of incontinence products for women, it’s still important to take the necessary steps to sustain your health and keep your brain active for as long as you can.

There might be other underlying reasons and incentives for setting goals for healthy aging, too. For example, older adults list their spouses, children, and grandchildren as motivators for living a long and healthy life.

Another reason older adults should set goals is to maintain their independence. Worrying about taking care of yourself or losing your memory is one of older adults’ primary concerns for the future. They don’t want to feel like a burden on their family either. Instead, they would prefer to age-in-place in their own homes, without assistance.

5 Realistic Goals for Healthy Aging

Ultimately, by taking care of your health and setting realistic goals, you can stave off health problems and have peace of mind that you can live happily and healthily for years to come. Still, as you age, you have to take some things in moderation. Ready to glide smoothly into your golden years? Below are the five realistic goals for healthy aging that you can start today.

#1 Eat More Nutritiously

A proper diet is vital at any age. But as you become older, what you eat can make a huge difference in how good you feel each day. So, make sure to reach for healthy fruits and vegetables, as well as whole grains and low-fat dairy products. If you struggle to eat better on your own, visit family for dinner or have them hold you accountable — eating healthy meals together! Even dining together virtually can have a positive impact on the foods you eat, helping each other stay on track.

If you have dietary restrictions, this might be even trickier. For example, a diabetic diet might even be impacted by what you can and cannot eat. But when you eat with others, which can also help you keep track of your dietary modifications, it makes a more enjoyable experience without the worry.

#2 Get More Exercise

As you age, staying active gets harder. Your body feels like it just won’t cooperate. However, it’s still important to remain active. So what can you do? Being active doesn’t have to mean running a marathon or taking spin classes. It’s okay to be gentler on your body with low-impact exercises and activities like aerobics, swimming, or simply taking a daily walk around the neighborhood. Whatever you do, start slow and allow your bones and muscles time to adapt.

If you can’t get outside or visit the gym due to things like COVID-19, you can take virtual classes through online memberships — all from the comfort of your own home!

#3 Be Social and Stay Connected

However, because of COVID-19, being social and staying connected has been a challenge. Still, there are ways! For example, through video calls and social networks, you can maintain friendships and communicate with family members as much as you need. And building and prioritizing these kinds of relationships can be beneficial for your mental health and keep you connected to those you care about, making you care about your own overall health.

#4 Keep a Sharp Mind

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Aging adults worry that they may not be able to remember things as they get older. With Alzheimer’s and dementia on the rise, it’s imperative to keep a sharp mind, allowing for greater independence. Mental health is equally important as staying healthy through exercise and nutrition, but how do you exercise and feed the mind?

As a start, reach for your favorite activities such as reading, trivia, and crossword puzzles. Perform these activities each day, building your memory muscle as best as you can. Discover countless books and reading material online, downloading it to a Kindle or a tablet, where you can adjust the brightness levels to be able to see clearly. You can also find online games where you can invite friends and relatives to join in.

Whatever kind of activity engages the brain, make the most of it and create a regular routine.

#5 Improve Cognitive Functions

Pick up a new skill to improve your cognitive functions. Whether you pick up and learn an instrument you’ve always wanted to try, learn a new language or take a painting class, it not only keeps the mind sharp, but the connection between it and your fingers, toes, tongue, and more. Specific exercises like yoga and swimming are also excellent for improving your cognitive abilities.

Plus, learning something new gives one a sense of accomplishment. Even as you age, confidence is important. Who says you can’t teach an old aging dog new tricks?

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