Everyone defines success differently, and people have every right to define it how they want to. The same is true when it comes to successful aging. Some people are happy to just be breathing, while other people define success later in life by the amount of money or possessions they have. If you have an aging parent, you may even have a different view of their successful aging than they do. Not everyone is fortunate enough to live in their own home as they get older. In fact, according to the National Alliance for Caregiving in collaboration with AARP, 51% of people who require care live in their homes, 29% live with their caregiver and 4% live in assisted living facilities. In many ways, successful aging is all based on perspective.
Healthy Living
Healthy living isn’t just about eating healthy foods and exercising regularly. It’s also about taking care of your mental health. Of course, mental and physical health go hand-in-hand sometimes, but the point is there is more to healthy senior living than just being in good shape physically. Signs that an aging parent may not be healthy in one way or another can include unusual irritability, inability to interact with others or the development of diseases or disabilities, among others.
High Physical And Cognitive Abilities
Physical and cognitive abilities are often taken for granted until they are taken away unexpectedly. Ask the majority of the aging population and they will likely tell you they didn’t think they would lose some of these abilities over time. Being able to move freely without the use of assisted mobility devices can’t be taken for granted with an aging parent. These abilities also tie back into the healthy living aspect for seniors, since the better their physical and cognitive abilities are, the more likely they are to be proactive with their overall health.
Living A Meaningful Life
The meaning of a meaningful life varies with each individual. Some people don’t want to work until they die, while others love their work so much that they can’t see themselves retiring. Happiness is a choice, and you can choose to live in a manner that makes you happy. If that means focusing on the little things and truly appreciating everything around you, then that may be all it takes. Positive thinking leads to positive actions and words, which can make life more fulfilling even during tough times emotionally or physically.
There’s no right or wrong answer when it comes to successful aging. If you’re ever feeling down about life as you’re getting older, take a moment to appreciate the little things you have around you. Living in your own home surrounded by loved ones is a great success at a certain age. As long as your perspective is healthy and your mind is positive, then you’ll have a much better chance of overcoming any obstacles life throws at you. If there’s anything you need help with to improve the way you age, contact Next Day Access at any time.