Self-care itself is a great mindful practice especially as we age. It’s an insight that is unlikely to surprise anyone, but our bodies tend to change as we age. As we grow, develop, age, and go through life, our bodies can shift and be influenced by a wide variety of factors. For example, a job in hard labor, such as working on construction sites, can keep you in good shape but may add a good deal of strain. While sitting in an office may be less physically stressful, sitting down for a long time isn’t always the best for us.
Now, it’s important to remember – there’s no way to go through life without some wear and tear. So aiming for “perfection” is simply not reasonable, if it were even possible in the first place. With that in mind, determining how self-care changes as we age can be a healthy method of keeping ourselves in optimal condition, caring for ourselves when we feel a little uncomfortable, but not denying that yes, with age comes wear and the need for changing methods.
But what might that look like in practice? In this post, we’ll discuss that and more:
The Need For Self-Care Health Screenings
As we age, different conditions and potential health issues become statistically more likely. That doesn’t mean you’ll get any of them of course, it just means the chance is slightly elevated. That's why it becomes so important to stay on top of health screenings – catching any potential issues early gives you the best chance to nip them in the bud. Whether it's routine cancer screenings, checking cholesterol levels, or monitoring your blood pressure, don't skip out on preventative care. Many healthcare systems will send you a letter if you’re of the age to get tested. It may seem like a hassle, but those appointments could end up being literal life-savers down the road.
Hormone Management
Hormones are important to consider, and no, they’re just not for teenagers. They control so much in our bodies, and their levels can definitely get a little reduced as we age. For women, health experiences like menopause and perimenopause mean a total hormone shift. But men shouldn't ignore hormones either – low testosterone can take a toll which is why test for sale is so important. The good news is, that there are ways to help keep hormones in balance through lifestyle, medication, or supplementation if needed. Even vitamin D can be supplemented. Don't just accept yourself feeling off – have your levels checked from time to time.
Skincare Needs Change
You've probably noticed some differences in your skin as you've gotten older. Maybe it's drier, more sun-damaged, or less firm and elastic. Well, those are just some of the inevitable realities of aging skin, and don’t worry, we all have them. But that doesn't mean you're stuck with it! Adjusting your skincare routine with more moisturizing, anti-aging, or restorative products can really help limit problem areas and keep your complexion looking its best. However, good sleep, good hydration and cutting alcohol as much as you can will be worthwhile approaches to take, also. Moreover, don't be afraid to consult a dermatologist to get on a proper regimen if you’re at all concerned. If you have a pale complexion, then UV protection (sunblock) is of course great, although those with darker skin can absolutely benefit from this too.
The Self-Care Fundamentals Become So Much More Important
When you were younger, you could probably get away with some less-than-ideal habits like not getting enough sleep, eating poorly, or neglecting exercise. But as you age, sticking to the fundamentals of self-care becomes pretty much non-negotiable. Prioritizing things like quality sleep, a balanced diet, hydration, and regular physical activity provide you with the foundation for managing the changes your body goes through, and they help you come into your “mature body” with a healthy weight and feeling good. You don’t have to be an athlete, just focus on those smaller areas.
A Social Network Is Key as We Age
Of course “self-care” implies self, but if you’ve noticed above, many of the tips aren’t just about gritting down and doing things yourself. You can’t just “self-care” medical checkups. You will use skincare products designed by someone else. Hormone management must come through pre-proven methods. For this reason, reaching out for a little help with family and friends could be the most responsible thing you do. Pulling together with your family to ask for help, to accommodate changing diet needs, to drive to an appointment, it’s all part of getting older. Don’t be afraid to ask. You’ll be doing yourself a favor.
With this advice, you’ll continue to age gracefully in the best way.
