to care for grandchildren. If conservation is a strong value, find projects that contribute to the health of the environment,” Kim suggests.
“Volunteer work is a great way to do this,” he says.
RELATED: Ageism Is Everywhere and Can Harm Your Health positive attitude
Recognize negative messages about aging – and reject them
Research shows negative stereotypes about aging are internalized over a person’s life span and can harm physical and cognitive health as a person grows older.
“Develop an awareness of these messages,” suggests Giasson. “Understand how they influence us.”
For example, a person may believe poor physical health is inevitable for older adults so there’s no use in trying to stay active. But according to the National Institute on Aging, exercise can lower the risk for cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure and Type 2 diabetes, and can improve sleep and reduce the risk of falls.
“Recognize that practicing healthy behaviors can support health at any age,” Giasson shares.
Stay socially active
As people age, they may lose loved ones such as spouses, family members or friends. If a spouse was responsible for maintaining social networks and that person dies, the remaining spouse may grow lonely and more socially isolated.
Social isolation and loneliness are risk factors for poor physical and mental health, increasing the risk for heart attacks and strokes and contributing to poor life satisfaction, depression, low self-esteem and difficulty with daily life activities. But research shows maintaining social connections can have a positive effect on health.
Kim says it’s important to make new connections to replace those you’ve lost.
“What typically happens is people stop making new friends. Re-engage mechanisms for meeting people that were there earlier in life,” he adds, such as joining a club or taking part in community organizations. “Reach out to people more, instead of being on autopilot.”
Try something new
Sometimes people lose mobility as they age and may not be able to engage in the activities that brought them joy when they were younger. Kim suggests trying to “redeploy that energy in a new way,” such as teaching a skill or craft instead of practicing it.
Or learn something new that is less physically demanding, Giasson says. Research suggests that older adults who learn new skills can improve memory, self-esteem and overall quality of life.
“Don’t fall into the mindset that it’s too late to try something new,” she says. “It’s never too late, and you’re never too old to explore new interests.”
By American Heart Association