Finding Balance as You Age May Protect Your Health and Independence
You know, life looks different as you get older. Your days may be full of work, caregiving, grandkids, and personal stress. You might feel squeezed between raising the younger generation and helping aging parents. Or maybe you just feel your priorities changing.
There are real ways to reclaim balance, protect your health, and support healthy aging. However, you must take action to do so.
The way you live in your 40s, 50s, and 60s directly influences future long-term care needs, especially as you get into your 70s, 80s, and even 90s. The Social Security Administration says that one out of every four 65-year-olds today will live past age 90. Longevity is a reality.
There can be a downside to longevity, as the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services says 56 percent of adults will eventually need help with two or more activities of daily living or support due to cognitive decline. This is why so many people prepare for aging by being proactive in retirement planning and adding Long-Term Care Insurance before they retire. But more and more people understand they also need to have healthy habits now, in midlife, because it can make a difference.
Play Games That Stimulate Mind and Body
You know you should keep your body active, but you should also make sure your mind stays active. Games can be fun and are more than entertainment. They are cognitive exercises and social connections.
Games of all sorts are so much fun to play. They offer quiet moments when you are on your own with a game of Solitaire or raucous laughter while playing the latest board games with friends after a delicious dinner party.
Games of all types will help challenge your mind while strengthening your brain. Word games and puzzles are beneficial as you age.
Word games, puzzles, and strategy games support brain engagement. Harvard Medical School finds that mentally stimulating activities may delay cognitive decline by helping maintain neural connections.
Examples that help:
- Word games
- Puzzles
- Card games
- Video games you play with your grandchild
- Lawn games like horseshoes or bean bag toss
The game itself matters less than the engagement. You build brain strength as you build memories.
Learn To Say No Without Guilt
Your time is not infinite. You may feel compelled to say yes to every request at work, from adult children, and from your community. Boundaries protect your well-being.
You may find it hard to say no. A clear no does not make you unkind. It protects your health, your schedule, and your energy. It also reduces resentment. You can say no respectfully and keep relationships strong.
Saying no is hard. These communication tips make it easy. | Michelle Tillis Lederman | Big Think
Say Yes When it Builds Real Connection
Some adults trend in the opposite direction. They stay in. They avoid social invitations. They default to isolation.
Social disconnection increases the risk of anxiety, depression, heart disease, stroke, and early death.
Former Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy wrote in 2023 that the mortality impact of loneliness is similar to smoking 15 cigarettes a day.
Loneliness is far more than just a bad feeling—it harms both individual and societal health. It is associated with a greater risk of cardiovascular disease, dementia, stroke, depression, anxiety, and premature death. The mortality impact of being socially disconnected is similar to that caused by smoking up to 15 cigarettes a day, and even greater than that associated with obesity and physical inactivity. — Former Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy.
Say yes selectively. Try a small gathering or one new experience next weekend. One positive encounter can be the emotional lift you need.
Try Saying Yes More
Hmmm. You may be scratching your head. Why say yes when you have just been given a green light to say no? Well, saying yes might be difficult for you if you prefer to stay home most evenings and spend time with your furry friends and streaming shows.
Staying in night after night is relaxing and gives you a chance to reset and unwind, especially if the day-to-day rigmarole and crowds are too much. Unfortunately, it can also lead to social isolation and a dwindling support system, especially as you age.
If you are a sensitive person, you need your space. Even so, you can also expand your wings a bit and try new things. If you try one or two small activities or attend one event next weekend, you will probably feel some anxiety before you go, but experience a rush of elation when it is over.
Rethink Your News Diet and Media Choices
How much news do you consume? Does the news consume your daily thoughts, perhaps too much? As we get older we often settle into a narrow band of media content. It is human nature to consume news that affirms your worldview. But narrowing your content sources shrinks your world and raises conflict with family.
While everyone has their own life experiences that contribute to their unique perspectives, it is essential to realize that it can be too easy for older adults to fall into the habit of consuming news and content from only one or a group of sources that align with their beliefs.
Of course, this is okay, but it can also become a roadblock or a path toward division with beloved family members and friends who have a different mindset.
You do not need to change your beliefs. You only need to diversify your inputs. Multiple viewpoints broaden understanding and keep discussions constructive.
Healthy discourse protects relationships. This protects the quality of life as you age.
Why Balance Matters For Long-Term Care Risk
Your emotional health, social connection, and cognitive stimulation today influence:
- Brain aging
- Stress health
- Cardiovascular risk
- Independence
- Long-term care risk
If aging eventually leads to support needs, the cost of that extended care will be significant. Costs vary based on where you live. You can review actual cost data in your area using the LTC News Cost of Care Calculator.
Planning ahead helps ensure you have access to quality care at home or in a facility without draining assets or placing the burden on your family.
Take A Next Step For Your Future Self
You can start today with two questions:
- What small boundary could I set this week?
- What new activity or connection could I say yes to this month?
Finding balance in your daily routine through the calming effects of Solitaire or the giggle-inducing games you play with your friends will help you age the way you want.
Learn how to set boundaries that are appropriate for you while being judicious with what you consume online and begin to enjoy your life to the fullest. Small changes accumulate over time.