Now that I am in my 60’s, I feel more comfortable in my skin than my obsessed 20’s, my emotions are more stable than my neurotic 30’s, I decline commitments I felt obliged to take on in my driven 40’s and I care not what others think of me, which still worried me in my 50’s.
While there are plenty of benefits to ageing, no body escapes the relentless march of the years. The cruel truth is the human body declines with age. Sarcopenia, the age-related loss of muscle mass and strength, bones weaken, blood vessels harden, brain volume decreases, kidneys filter less toxins, the heart muscle becomes weaker….. yada, yada, yada.
So, it is with great respect and compassion, I regard my gorgeous patients who, in their 70’s, 80’s and 90’s, stoically take on the challenges of an ageing body.
3 key aspects to help you age well include
1. Exercise regularly
Keep joints mobile and flexible. Maintain muscle for strength and stability. Weight bearing exercise to keep bones strong.
2. Drink enough fluid
The sensation of thirst diminishes with age. All parts of the body suffer when dehydrated, including the brain, skin and kidneys. Drink 30mls of fluid per body kg. Eg 80kg person needs 2.4l of fluid daily, which can include teas, coffee, herbal tea as well as water.
3. Eat sufficient protein.
It’s not just muscle that requires protein, bones, nails and hair are also made up of protein. Make sure you eat some protein with every meal. It doesn’t have to be meat, protein can be found in eggs, legumes, nuts and seeds.
As Bette Davis said.. Getting old ain’t for sissies’ but it sure beats the alternative.
