AGING WITH GRACE AND KINDNESS
I always thought I’d be the exception. I’ve always exercised, eaten clean, and drank my water. I believed doing all the “right things” would keep aging at bay. But here I am at sixty-five, watching myself change…. in real time, and some days it’s so hard!
Indeed, my metabolism has nearly come to a a screeching halt! Energy dips more than ever before. My workouts feel so much tougher than I remember. I get tired much earlier in the evening…. I mean if I sit down to watch a movie with my husband, I’m asleep within in 20 minutes! And don’t get me started on my eyesight, or the strange things popping up on my skin….. I swore this wouldn’t happen to me this fast. I remember my mother talking about this kind of stuff, and now I get it!
It’s a surreal feeling. To feel like you’re doing all the things that should make you feel great, yet still find yourself tired, frustrated, and wondering what more you can do. How do we accept this version of ourselves….. the one evolving, softening, slowing, and still find strength and joy?
Here’s what I’m learning…………
10 WAYS TO FIGHT BACK WITH LOVE AND ACCEPTANCE
ONE – Move daily. Switch it up. Listen to your body. My cardio is so important to me, both physically and mentally. I do 60 minutes, 6 days a week. I’m trying to cut cardio back to 45 minutes on my weight-training days. I’m a bit of a cardio-fanatic over here.
TWO – Prioritize strength training. Despite working out, muscle loss speeds up with age! I’ve learned that 30 minutes three times a week is sufficient, which is what I’m currently doing.
THREE – Stretch and breathe. Without a doubt, flexibility and oxygen are underrated. Breathing has helped me so much with my migraines.
FOUR – Sleep well. Recovery is where magic happens. I’m lucky in this department!
FIVE – Eat clean, but don’t obsess. Food is meant to fuel and enjoy. I’ll never be a natzi again. I was once, and it’s a miserable way to live!
SIX – Stay social. Friends, grandkids, church, community…. they truly matter.
SEVEN – Hydrate! Aim for half your body weight in ounces. I drink 3 8 oz. glasses of water before I even go workout. I promise, you’ll notice a difference in your skin, along with feeling better.
EIGHT – Skin health is vital, and healthy skin will help you look younger more than anything. Consistency is key, as well as your sunscreen.
NINE – Nurture your mental health. I find journaling to be so therapeutic. Also finding time to be still. I’ll admit I’m not so good at this one. But prayer…… every morning for me!
TEN – Practice self-kindness. This is where I miserably fail. I’m so hard on myself. Talking to yourself in the mirror has helped. My granddaughter has reminded me of this one.
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Aging doesn’t mean giving up, and I will NEVER give up! Clearly, it means showing up with kindness towards yourself. No question I can be hard on myself, and I’m striving to be kinder. Aging with grace and kindness has honestly been one of the hardest things I’ve had to accept. How do you ladies deal with all this? What are your best tips? What are your thoughts? Tell me, I’d love to chat! Aging beautifully and with more grace, is what I’ll continue to strive for!
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I can so relate to this! I was also one of those who was seemingly slow to age and rather took it for granted that I would look younger for a long time. Then at age 68 I got breast cancer. Had chemo and radiation than was put on a pill that basically blocked any hormones I had left! Talk about aging rapidly! Thinner hair, more wrinkles, one deformed breast, way less energy and oh my, the weight gain! I really do try and accept the body I have now although it is a struggle, for sure. It helps that my wonderfully supportive husband tells me I’m still beautiful and I try to remember that my pastor has said we will have new and glorified bodies when we get to Heaven. I just try to look as good as I possibly can and not give up on myself. I think you look positively amazing! Keep up what you’re doing and allow yourself some grace. We are, after all, our own worst critics.
Hello Kathy! WOW, you’ve been through it. THANK YOU THANK YOU for sharing with me. I know there is much to be grateful for when it comes to my health…. it’s just happening so fast, and I didn’t expect that! BLESS YOU in your journey. It sounds like you have amazing optimism! What a blessing! And yes to supportive husbands. Mine was just telling me today, he thinks I look perfect! Sure does make you feel good, right?!! Come back again soon! XO
I’ve been telling my younger friends that the 60’s are their own very unique decade! Things going on that I never thought would happen to me. I’m finding that I’m having to look for solutions one issue at a time – thinning hair, dryer skin, less energy. I keep reminding myself of what my dad always used to say – getting old is better than the alternative!
I try to keep in mind that doing all of the right things my entire life is keeping me healthy and happy in later life – even though I am looking older. I can still keep active and do the things that bring me joy because my body is healthy.
Change and shifts can be hard! I think we all need each other at this age – all of us like minded, hard working, gracefully aging women! We need to keep looking for new adventures – the things that keep us excited to get up every morning! Shauna you are one of the most beautiful and positive women I know and I can’t wait to talk with you more!
Janeen!!! Hey girl, THANK YOU for stopping by! Yes for sure we do need each other. There is so much comfort in knowing there are others that think and feel the same as you do! Daddy’s have the best phrases, don’t they? Mine always said, “Getting old isn’t for sissies!” I feel as you, in that when I’m living every day the BEST I can, that helps tremendously in the whole aging process! Thank you again for your thoughts, and can’t wait to see you either!!!! XOXO
It’s become so hard after doing all the right things all my life. It’s harder than ever to keep the weight down. I am lifting heavier weights 3 x a week. Hoping that helps. Also eating at least 100gms protein a day and 35gms fiber. But it’s not always easy! Doing my best and I know you are as well! Just gotta keep going and keep smiling!
Hi Cathy…… yes, one day at a time, right? It’s not easy, but just like Janeen said (in the comments), we need each other. Those friendships and conversations about midlife, help us all to not feel so alone. It’s so easy to think that you are the only one that struggles to accept it all. THANK YOU for your thoughts….. they mean the world to me! XO
How I can relate! I turned 66 and felt like everything went to “hell” lol!. I have been active my whole life so for me now is NOT the time to stop. I did change my workouts to more weight training and less high cardio because it raises your cortisol which can backfire. It can cause belly fat to some with autoimmune issues. My weight has been issue forever even though I am with in a good range for my height and age but I still wish I can get leaner!
I too have noticed big time hair changes which now I have started red light therapy and hair serums to target scalp stimulation. I soon discovered by my dermatologist as we age growths appear all over including the scalp and it’s an age thing, not much to do unless you laser them off but they can come back.
My diet has always been fairly clean, I follow a low histamine diet plan due to my digestion.
I am trying mentally to age gracefully and be appreciative of the good in my life but I will say it’s very hard for me. I really do not like to meditate nor journal so I need to find something else to calm my body and mind.
Good luck to all the Ladies and to you Shauna, you are not alone!
God Bless
Susan, thank you so much for chiming in here! I love hearing about everyone’s experiences. I guess I just didn’t hear my mama complain enough to really get what she was going through as she got older. You just always think that you can get through it “easier” because you’ve lived and are living a healthy life. It sounds like you have adapted very well and with a great attitude. That’s at least half of the battle, is your attitude. BEST WISHES to you Susan. Thanks again, and come back again soon! XO