We have all seen little old ladies and men using canes and hearing aids. But this isn’t the norm. Much of the assumptions made about old age are based on myth. That stereotype couldn’t be further from the truth in most cases. Older folks all over the country are enjoying active lives into their 70s and 80s. Following are some great tips that can help you join the ranks of people who are getting older well and loving every minute of it.

Don’t measure yourself in numbers–measure instead in content. Pay attention to the big things in life, and don’t get too wrapped up in numbers. If you worry that you are 84 years old, weigh 10 more pounds than you did last year, and that have lost an inch of height, you won’t have any time to keep yourself useful by doing fun activities.

Make sure you are receiving the appropriate amount of sleep for your particular age. Sleeping between seven and nine hours nightly will help your peace of mind and help keep your hormone levels even. If you do not get enough sleep, you will find that you are more irritable and having a hard time enjoying life.

It is natural to lose some abilities as we age. There is a point in time when someone cannot care for their self. This is the time to consider moving into a long term care facility or nursing home. While not the ideal situation for some, in actuality this might be the best available option. Caring, experienced health care professionals can help with chores and maintenance that might otherwise be neglected if you had to continue going it alone.

Try personalizing your home. Perhaps this residence is not a long-term one, not the house you once owned and expected to stay in. If so, it is important to do the little things that will make your new place feel like it is where you belong. Making your house or apartment feel like home is key to feeling happy in your own space.

Sleep is very important for the body, so make sure you get enough each day. Ideally, you should receive between seven and nine full hours of rest. Deficient amounts of sleep can lead to disorders like depression or cardiovascular conditions.

A good way to keep your skin smooth and youthful looking is to avoid powders and foundations. As you age, your skin requires even more hydration than when you were young, making this effect even more apparent. Try to keep your beauty regimen to minimum as you get older. Use the fewest beauty products possible, avoiding those that harm the skin.

Ditch the pessimists and surround yourself with optimistic, encouraging friends and acquaintances. Laughing and having a good time will help you look younger. As a result, it is in your best interest to spend more time with the people who make you truly happy and keep you laughing.

Have a little fun! This is a great time for you to do the things you want and to make wonderful things happen. Take all you can out of life.

Always drink copious amounts of water. Drinking eight to ten glasses of water a day is important for everyone, but it is doubly important as you age, when your body more easily dehydrates.

Return to a favorite hobby after retirement or as your children leave home to help you focus on the positive aspects of growing older. You should focus on interests that you have had to put on the back burner while working and raising your family; this will help keep you active. These hobbies can help keep you healthy and active.

It is a common occurrence to gain weight as people age. Maintaining a healthy weight will lower your risk of diabetes, stroke, high blood pressure, osteoarthritis, and certain types of cancer. You will be able to lose fat and stay thin, thanks to a better diet and exercise.

You can enjoy life even more than when you were young. If you use the tips below, your remaining years will be your best.


*Consult with a physician before attempting any tips in this blog post.