Everyone wants to be healthy and clear-headed in old age — to go outside, manage household tasks independently, and not require daily care. Do you think this is impossible? But we can change a lot if we start right today.
The way you live today — whether you are 30, 40, or 55 years old — determines what will happen to you in decades to come. Will you be taking daily walks in the park at 80, enjoying fresh air, having pleasant conversations with loved ones, and welcoming guests, or will you be lying in bed, unable to move? Certainly, it is impossible to insure against frail old age 100%, but it is worth making every effort to meet a significant anniversary in good health starting now.
For example, writer Marlene Martin recommends doing these 7 things.
1. Train Your Muscles and Joints
Weak arms and legs, stiff and rigid joints at 40-50 years old — this is a direct path to frailty in old age, when you won’t be able to get up in the bathroom without assistance. You don’t have to train your muscles in a gym; you don’t need to become a bodybuilder — you can do exercises at home. Squat, do push-ups, use dumbbells, elastic bands. Even while your morning coffee is brewing or lunch is being prepared. Start with what you can manage. Even five minutes of targeted physical activity is better than another day of good intentions in the spirit of "I’ll do it tomorrow."
2. Talk to Yourself About Money
Financial vulnerability feels very different as you get older. If you don’t have money in your youth, it’s much easier to accept. If you reach an age where you have nothing to live on — that’s a disaster. Think about what savings you have, what assets you can rely on when you can no longer work. Assess all possible expenses honestly and in advance. The numbers may scare you, but ignoring them and burying your head in the sand is even worse. You always have time to fix the situation. And no excuses! You can start saving a little now, without worrying about what will happen to that money later. If you have none at all — that’s even worse.
3. Master New Technologies
Do you know how to make an appointment with a doctor online or call a doctor to your home if you feel unwell? Can you order a taxi, groceries from the store, or view medical test results in an app? These are not just services, but vital skills for maintaining independence. Every month, master at least one new technological skill. But be aware of scammers — make sure to learn all the ways to avoid online fraud.
The goal is not to become a tech genius, but to be able to be self-sufficient and obtain what you need without leaving home.
4. Build Your Social Circles
Who would you call if you needed to get to a medical procedure? If the answer is "Only my children," you are creating problems. Adult children have jobs, their own health issues, and responsibilities that only increase over time. Relying solely on them is unfair to everyone.
The solution is to create new connections that can become your support. Join a book club, a hiking group, or a volunteer organization. If you start building relationships now, in years to come, you will have a whole team of support.
5. Keep a Medical Archive
Save (not only digitally but also in paper form) the results of tests, examinations, and any health checks right now: it is easier to track changes in your well-being if you can see the dynamics. Keep copies in a place accessible to your family.
Also, make sure to discuss important questions with your loved ones: who will make decisions if you cannot due to health reasons, what type of care you agree to, and whether you are willing to live in a nursing home in old age?
Psychologist Dmitrieva revealed why her mother wants to go to a nursing home.
6. Throw Away Everything You Don’t Need
Start with one drawer. Open it and ask yourself: "Will this be useful to my children or anyone at all?" The answer is often negative.
Free up space in your life right now while you still have the opportunity to choose what to keep and what to discard. The freedom that comes with reducing the number of things around you will undoubtedly be to your liking.
7. Keep Learning and Growing
The moment you stop being curious, you begin to become a burden. Not because you need physical help, but because you lose the ability to interact with the changing world around you. Your grandchildren won’t want to visit if every conversation consists of complaints or monologues about how "things were better back then."
Learn something new, read books that seem difficult to you, find out what interests young people today. This will allow you to always remain in demand and engaged in the lives of your loved ones, and they will be happy to communicate with you.
Every decision you make today either expands or narrows your possibilities for tomorrow. Yes, you cannot control all aspects of aging, but you can approach it consciously.
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