Staying young as you age: Suggestions for a healthy mind and body

Whether it’s the latest fresh-faced model gracing magazine covers or the anti-ageing products advertised across all our screens, society’s message is loud and clear: Getting older is something we’re meant to combat.

Here, we see things a little differently. In our opinion, aging is a blessing, as with age comes wisdom and a life well lived. That said, it’s still important to look after our minds and bodies, to help us stay well and healthy for as long as possible. Longevity is great, but have you heard of vitality?

As there’s unfortunately no fountain of youth or magical pill for this, we’ve put together a few suggestions on how to stay young as the birthdays keep coming.

Caring for your mind

Stay connected

Staying connected to our community is a big part of living well at any age. Regular chats and catch-ups, whether with family, friends or support workers, can help ease feelings of loneliness and give us a sense of connection and belonging.

Why not reach out to someone you haven’t spoken to in a while? A quick phone call can brighten both your days. You could even try something new together, like picking up a hobby or discovering a low-stakes shared interest. Ever tried life drawing classes? Now’s your chance!

Sometimes it’s the small things, like a hearty laugh or a trip to the shops with a friend, that help you feel your best.

Embrace brain games

Just like any part of your body, your mind also needs to work out.

One great way to do it is through puzzles. As it turns out, filling out the crossword in the paper can be about much more than just filling in time. Research suggests that brain games like puzzles may help with short-term memory loss, enhancing mood, improving visual and spatial reasoning, as well as making it easier to unwind. Some research also suggests they may even help prevent or delay Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. (1) Always consult your doctor to find out what might work best for you.

You’re spoilt for choice in today’s world of online games and apps: Take your pick from 3D puzzles, sudoku, solitaire, word searches, and more. After the tactile feel of a physical board game? Some of Able Foods team favourites include Wingspan, Spot It, and your classic jigsaw puzzle.

Speaking of apps, staying up to date with technology is also a good way to keep our minds active. This doesn’t have to mean mastering every new app that comes out, but keeping in the loop can go a long way. Learning to use tech could help you stay connected and confident in a digital world. Plus, it’s can be great way to stay social, another important element in a long happy life.

Caring for your body

Keep moving

Don’t forget about moving your body too! Exercise is important to your health, and older Australians are no exception.

Exercise is just as much about your heart and muscle health as it is about maintaining bone density–an important consideration as we age and complications like osteoporosis and osteoarthritis become more common.

Eat well

Looking after your body and mind often starts with the basics, like what’s on your plate. A good meal does more than just fill you up: It supports your physical wellbeing, lifts your mood, and helps you live life on your terms.

Of course, anyone can tell you that exercising and eating healthy is vital to feeling energised. The hard bit is doing it in a way that doesn’t feel like another chore to tick off a list. Luckily, the Able Foods meals are designed with this in mind.

Following the Magic 8 Nutrition Guidelines, all our main meals take the guesswork out of healthy eating, so you can just relax and dig in. They’re delivered straight to your home and suit a variety of dietary needs and preferences, including home-style classics, vegetarian meals, and desserts.

We also have a range of pureed, minced & moist, and soft meals for those who have difficulty swallowing. Our texture modified menu removes the need for complicated preparation and ensures you can access convenient and appropriate nutrition without the extra effort.

Everyone deserves a life of independence and joy throughout all phases of life, and we know how important food is in delivering that. So cheers to a healthy mind and body for years to come!