If you’re currently a resident of Los Angeles, you’re already well aware of the many advantages of living here, and one of them is the incredible access to options for fitness and healthy living. Healthy living is possible at any age, but it’s a lot easier if you know some of the common myths associated with health and aging.
Your Physical Health
Many people assume that a physical decline is an inevitable part of getting older, but this is not the case. If you were an athlete when you were younger, you will notice a decrease in your performance, but some people may surpass the condition they were in when they were younger. Your diet can shift as you age as well and while there are effects of aging on gut health that does not mean that you won’t be able to still eat the things you love. While some diseases are more likely to develop in older adults than younger ones, there is no reason to think that aging automatically equates to ill health.
Your Life Insurance Policy
If you bought a permanent life insurance policy when you were younger, you might assume that you have little choice but to hang onto it for the rest of your life or simply stop paying the premiums. However, one great advantage of remaining in good health is actually outliving the need for your policy. While life insurance can help cover debts and funeral costs, most people want to maintain a policy to take care of their dependents. As you get older and your children grow up, you might not need the policy any longer. You can check out a guide that compares that companies offering a life settlement and choose the one that’s right for you. You may be able to get a substantial sum of money this way.
Mental Alertness
As is the case with physical health, there is no reason to assume that you will suffer from a loss of memory along with age. Even if you have more difficulty recalling certain things, this does not mean you will have significant problems. Keep working on the projects that you enjoy and take on challenges, such as learning a new language for fun, and your mind can stay supple.
Staying Active
The great Los Angeles weather makes it much easier to stay active, and walking, running, or cycling outside is one way to remain active. However, if you’re more of an indoor exercise type, these approaches don’t work for you or you have mobility issues, there are plenty of other things you can do at a gym or in your home, such as rowing, stationary cycling or taking fitness classes. Some classes cater specifically to seniors. Be sure that you don’t neglect strength training too.
Your Mindset
Even if your physical and mental health is great, you will inevitably go through a lot of changes as you get older. You may lose some of your peers, and you might not be able to do everything that you once did. You may run up an ageism that does not value your experience and your hard-won wisdom. However, these can still be rewarding and happy years. Your resilience, your ability to practice gratitude and see the positive, and your willingness to accept change will be all be important.
Feature photo by Mikhail Nilov
