What is normal during the aging process? You don’t have to feel sick and tired
Do you have concerns about aging? Many people do. But the aging process doesn’t have to be the end of vitality, feeling good, or enjoying good health. In fact, it’s NOT normal to feel sick and tired as we age – despite what popular culture would tell you. An aging adult doesn’t ever have to be “over the hill.”
In fact, aging is just another stage of life. Our bodies change to adapt. In fact, there may even be some advantages. So, what symptoms are often attributed to aging that aren’t part of the normal, healthy aging process? Read on for a list. None of the symptoms below are necessarily caused by aging. Instead, they may be symptoms of underlying health issues.
Fatigue – Tired all of the time? That’s not normal, even when you’re older. Fatigue is a sign of illness. See a doctor, and try examining your lifestyle to see if the fatigue is due to lack of sleep, exercise, chronic stress, poor nutrition, or infection.
Weight gain – A lot of us assume that weight gain is a part of aging. But, it’s not! You might be losing muscle mass, but only if you’re inactive. You can maintain a healthy weight and metabolism with exercise, and good nutrition.
Pain – You don’t have to accept pain as part of the aging process. Achy joints can often be improved with physical activity and therapies, for example. If you’re in pain, see an integrative medicine practitioner.
Memory issues – Did you know that poor memory can be caused by inflammation? We can help you find solutions to fogginess.
Illness – Getting sick is not a part of healthy aging. You can take good care of yourself, and find ways to manage your health and wellbeing. Finding a practitioner that takes a holistic approach is key.
Surprised? Don’t be. All of the issues outlined above can be treated with a holistic, integrative approach. Often, all that is needed are lifestyle changes. You can learn more about how to take better care of your body, and reap the results in increased wellness.
In fact, aging can sometimes lead to wisdom about what does and doesn’t work for you. Perhaps you are finding out more about you personal allergies, intolerances, and other needs. Or, maybe after a lifetime of ignoring stress and other lifestyle factors, you’re finally taking into account what does and doesn’t work for you – and setting healthy boundaries.
When you think about it that way, aging can be a healthy process of gaining self knowledge about how to best care for your body and your life. You can take charge, and even find ways to be in better health than you were when you were younger!
Here are some healthy ways to promote good health as you age, and learn more about what works for you.
- Really key-in to how much sleep you need. Most of us have been trained to try to skimp on sleep. Instead, take the time to determine how much you need to feel your best. Good sleep is essential for maintaining good health.
- As we age, it becomes important to pay attention to how we feel after meals. Paying attention to feelings of fullness, and recognizing how we feel in the time after we eat, can help us tune in to allergies, imbalances, and other issues we may have pushed through or ignored when we were younger.
- Get more exercise. Even just walking helps. Regular physical activity is best for both body and mind. You have to stay engaged to keep moving (so to speak) into your best health at any age.
- Manage stress. Aging often brings self knowledge. It’s important now, more than perhaps ever, to draw healthy boundaries and limits. You must prioritize self care.
Also, know your body. Unexplained symptoms should never be ignored. If you are feeling unwell, it’s worth a trip to visit your trusted provider to rule out issues and find holistic solutions.
At Proactive Wellness, we will provide a complete screening and counseling at each step to help facilitate normal, healthy aging at each step of the process. If you have any questions, we will run tests and give you full screenings to rule out any issues and prevent a progressive worsening and risk to your long-term health.
If you have any questions about your health please don’t hesitate to give us a call! Check out our website for more information, as well. We want to partner with you to find solutions that work, and help you to live your most active, healthy life – even as you age.
