Making Aging Fun

Aging is a unavoidable fact of life but how we age and our attitudes toward it are not/ I worked for someone else until I was 72. Then my body said, “ enough”, it developed a major illness and made me rest. Which I did for a while. The doctors said I would really never recover but I believed I would and I did. I even came off dialysis, which according to my doctors no one ever does. Well that was three years ago and I am back so to speak. I now run a full time internet business. I go to the gym daily. I make an effort to eat well and stay physically fit. I have built physically fitness into my life. I took up Photography as hobby. I get outside daily to take photos. I also started doing some other things like making wind chimes. I walk along the lake near where I live and along the river to find drift wood. I take my camera everywhere now as not to miss a shot. I kill two birds with one stone so to speak or two hobbies. I get some terrific photos, I find my driftwood, and I get my exercise. Diet Coupled with a good exercise regime must be a good diet, which is arguably just as important as maintaining physical activity. As age progresses, the skin is no longer able to make as much vitamin D, and the body needs more vitamin C and vitamin B12 as well. Supplements can help these deficiencies, but the best way is always to get these vitamins from natural sources in the diet. Another nutrient of concern is fiber and protein as the body begins to become a little weaker than it used to be. Now this by no means is saying you have to entirely change the way you eat, but even a few changes here and there can reduce risk of diabetes, obesity, and high blood pressure. A great way to incorporate both protein and vitamin D is through fatty fish such as tuna or salmon. I love soup and my appetite is not as good as it once was, so I add salmon chowder to my menu. I love good old tuna and noodles a good source of fish. Vitamin C can come from various fruits and vegetables, and I love fruits and vegetables, I incorporate a lot of root vegetables which lower blood pressure. I don't like meat very well anymore but I use small amounts in my soups and I get my B12 which comes from animal meats. Various beans and vegetables can contribute fiber to the diet as well. Just incorporating a few of these healthier foods can make drastic improvements to your health, both right now and in the years to come. Vision Do not take your vision for granted. Have a every other year check up by a real doctor. Eat foods that support your vision. Lutein+Zeaxanthin are two of the vitamins that are needed to have good eye sight. You will find them in foods like eggs. I love eggs and eat them at least three times a week. You also will find luetin Zeaxanthin in kale and in hot cereals, corn meal, wheat bran, brown rice and pastas. Other good sources that I like are: dried peaches, fresh Avocado. Teeth The vitamins that are important to your teeth are calcium, Iron,Vitamin B3, and Vitamin D. Calcium is found in many foods and liquids, such as milk, yogurt, cheese, beans, and oysters. Iron is found in many foods, including liver and red meat. Other iron-rich foods include bran cereals, some nuts, and spices. To boost your B3 levels, eat chicken and fish. vitamins B12 and B2. Red meat, chicken, liver, pork, fish, as well as dairy products like milk, yogurt, and cheese, are good sources of vitamin B12. Vitamin B2 is found in foods like pasta, bagels, spinach, and almonds. Sweet potatoes, raw red peppers, and oranges are great sources of vitamin C. Vitamin D is really important without you cannot assimilate calcium. Drink milk, and eat egg yolks and fish to increase your vitamin D intake. Be sure you see your dentist on a regular basis and brush and floss regularly. Mood Exercise can effect mood. If you are getting enough exercise you releasing endorphins that cause you to feel good. Other factors in feeling good are: Low levels of a vitamin can result from eating a poor diet or not being able to absorb the vitamins you consume. Older adults, vegetarians and people with digestive disorders such as celiac disease or Crohn's disease may have trouble getting enough B-12 Good sources of B12 are liver, Shell fish, salmon, crab, fortified soy products, Fortified cereal, red meat, low fat daily products, cheese and eggs. Spending time with loved ones and friends definitely improves mood. Find a purpose whether that is a full time job, a volunteer position, a hobby, giving time to your church. These are all excellent ways to stay mentally fit. Meditate daily, take a time out for you and God. Thank your body for being healthy several times a day. Ask God what your part of being a healthy aging adult is. Don't sit around bemoaning your aging embrass it and enjoy your time here.