The Art of Aging Gracefully

Many books have been written on the topic of how to age gracefully.  Most experts on aging agree that an important component of aging gracefully includes surrounding yourself with people you love and people who make you laugh.  It is often said that “laughter is the best medicine” and approaching the aging process with a healthy sense of humor cannot hurt!

One popular book on aging advises you to find hobbies that do not rely on your looks or athletic prowess and that can be enjoyed at any age.  This could include gardening, reading, writing, painting and cooking. Yet another expert on aging says that the key to aging gracefully is accepting the changes in your body, your appearance and your health.  After all, longing to look and feel like you did when you were thirty when you are sixty is futile and only leads to depression and discontent.

While accepting the changes that come with age can be healthy and can help make the aging process easier, you don’t have to accept bad health as a natural part of the aging process.  Advances in medicine and technology have made it possible to live a full and healthy life well into your “golden years.”  However, your health in your older years is greatly affected by your lifestyle and behaviors during your younger years.

Establishing good habits and behaviors such as a balanced diet, regular exercise, adequate rest and good hydration while you are young will keep your body healthy and help you to age gracefully.  Getting routine medical and dental check ups as well as important screenings such as mammograms, prostate checks and oral cancer checks can detect problems early and lead to a better outcome if problems do occur.

If you have not been to the doctor for a check up in a while, or if you are experiencing symptoms that may signal a problem, schedule an appointment with your physician today.  The same goes for your dental health.  If you are currently missing teeth, schedule an appointment with an Oral Surgeon today to discuss your tooth replacement options.  Healthy habits combined with regular medical and dental care are vital components of aging gracefully.

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