The age at which old age begins is defined differently depending on the period. Although there is a general onset of old age, the ages at which people feel/think they are getting old vary. In general terms, we can consider a person as a person of advanced calendar age, which corresponds to older ages in the person's life line, often accompanied by retirement.
For a healthy and happy old age, it is important for people to take care to lead a healthy life in their current age. Although physical health and psychological health are very intertwined, this article can provide support on 'what we can do to increase our chances of psychological well-being in old age'.
1. Preparing for 'active aging':
Active aging, a concept that started to be used by the World Health Organization in the 1990s, means that the person is still a social, economic and cultural participant in the aging process. In this way, rather than being individuals who withdraw from life and feel sad, a lifestyle that can keep them mentally and physically as vigorous as possible is adopted. Old age does not have to mean being debilitated and withdrawn from life. Planning a lifestyle that will be socially and physically active as possible after retirement may be a good way to prepare.
2. Thinking about the priorities of your life:
There are many things that are valuable to us that we do not realize as the days pass. In old age, many people may tend to turn inward and question their lives rather than what is happening outside. It is both a period of reckoning and a period of looking at one's own life and ideas as the current hustle and bustle of life subsides a little. If a person does not realize his priorities and settles them in his old age, this can turn into a mental slide rather than living and enjoying the moment in old age.
3. Trying to increase your ability to stay in the moment:
Feeling good and the ability to stay in the moment are highly related. Depression occurs when we spend most of our time noticing what is happening in the moment, evaluating or even judging past or future events rather than living. We are more likely to be if or anxious. You can increase your potential for spiritual well-being and coping with problems by being aware of the moment we live in, in other words, by keeping your attention on the present experience, rather than waiting for 'I'll relax after this is over'.
4. Realizing the importance of your social network:
Even though a person feels lonely from time to time, he continues his life in a much more emotionally resilient way when he receives social support. It is likely that he can cope with problems more easily and his mood will be higher. Regardless of whether a person is an introvert or an extrovert, it is supportive for people of both natures to have friends and relatives around them with whom they have a truly sincere relationship.
5. Establishing physical exercise habits to stay physically active:
Sports can be neglected while trying to catch up on what needs to be done, but regular physical exercise is one of the most efficient ways to protect our mental health. We kill two or even four birds with one stone: We support our physical and physical health now and in old age.
6. Trying to be open to learning new things to stay mentally active:
The world is changing very quickly. Trying to adapt to the existing changes is a priority for us to remain active and to continue communicating with the generations that come after us.
7. Pursuing an occupation that brings you good feelings:
Man is not a being that feels good out of the blue most of the time. Starting and continuing an endeavor that nourishes us, makes us happy, develops us, in which we perceive ourselves positively, and even gaining depth on this subject over time can be a gift to ourselves in old age.
>8. Imagine being old and looking back at what kind of life you want to see:
Although it may seem like a sad idea at first, it is a realistic way to define ourselves and what kind of life we want. We can think of it as taking a video or photo of our life. Go to a quiet place, maybe close your eyes, stay with this thought for a while and see if an idea comes to you, if not, try to force it without forcing it. Continuing your daily life creates space for such ideas and awareness to arise.
9. Analyze the issues you think about over and over again, and if you cannot resolve them, get support.
Old age provides an environment to evaluate old experiences. I wish the good pantry could be more noticed. If you are already experiencing these, solving them instead of leaving it to that time, rescuing what is blocked from your mental energy, reviewing the files that remain open and placing them in their places, although it is not easy to do, may ultimately make you feel better.
10. Try to have your internal dialogues with yourself in a more loving tone.
We may have aspects or behaviors that we get angry at, dislike, or criticize. It is not a rule that we will always feel good. However, trying to understand why the things that are a problem for us are a problem, and trying to stay in a more compassionate tone while doing this will be good for understanding ourselves. Just like trying to understand someone we love, regardless of finding a solution, is good for them.
In summary, the best thing that can be done for a happy and healthy old age is to try to know yourself and learn about yourself. It may be trying to structure a form that works physically, mentally and spiritually as much as possible. The things mentioned may give you an idea, they are mostly theoretical, and as you try it for your life, you can find your version with a little trial, a little error, and a little more trying. Hoping everyone finds their own path…
Read: 0
