Aging: The Inevitable Years to Come

By Sara Ghazi

Sure aging is unavoidable, but looking and feeling old are an option. I’m not one to talk: in my 20s, a medical student…what would I know about aging in the prime of my youth? I’ve watched my grandmother and others around me lose the ability to be self-sufficient, slowly deteriorate over the years, and lose interest in the things they once loved yet, they still have the keenest instincts and wisdom. Perhaps this issue is most pertinent to me and my peers, who will reach that stage in thirty years or so, and can prevent facing many of the obstacles that are posed at that age. However you look at it, each of us is bound to get old, and it can be an uncomfortable transition--but there is a bright side…

What Aging Drags Along

There are many frustrations that come along with aging, primarily health problems, and for women: beauty. Your senses won’t be as honed as they are now, you’ll more frequently forget where you put your keys, and you won’t be able to eat the same things you do now. Not to mention the most frustrating ailments such as uncontrollable bladder, frequent snoring, and loss of teeth. Although there are ways to treat these annoyances, one can feel as if their body is giving up, leading them to give up mentally as well. Giving up mentally, however, does not mean they have lost interest in everything, but can mean they have acquired new interests in more mature areas. The most common complaint from the elderly is that there is no one there to listen to them, and express themselves with. Most elderly people live with their children, and grandchildren, who are busy in their daily lives, leaving little time to spend with the elderly. Who’s to blame though? People are busier and more vivacious in their youth. Thus, one of the best ways to prepare for your late years is by making good friends within your age group. As you get older, your friends will age with you, and can lend an ear when you feel like reflecting.

Preparing For Our Future

We may wonder how we can possibly prepare for our later years, besides eating right, exercising, and refraining from activities harmful to our bodies. However, there are many things we should pay attention to in our youth to prepare for our future. Many people rely on retirement money to support them, however saving money besides that can also help. Many people fall short after they have retired and have to rely on others to support them. Although living with one’s children may be more comfortable, it could pose as a financial burden on them. More money can give you more options on how and where you want to live.

Planning what you want to do in your life now, will be helpful later. Looking back at all your aspirations for life, can motivate you when you feel like you have experienced everything and life’s a bore. Keeping a journal and descriptions of special moments in your life can also spark excitement in your life when you reach an older age. Many celebrities or famous individuals decide to write their memorabilia when they retire. This is an option for anyone! Writing about your life and passing it down for generations to come can be very valuable to your family. It will also help you appreciate and reflect on the part of your life you have already lived, and will give a chance for others to learn about your youth.

Many elderly people live with the attitude “I guess I can hold on one more year,”, but there are the few with a more optimistic attitude towards age: “Imagine investing 50-60-70 years into something, as oppose to only 5? Wouldn’t 60 years of experience be more rewarding?” The years and experience that the elderly have is indispensable, their wisdom and instincts can change the world like no young mind. I’d like to emphasize passing this wisdom and knowledge down to others, so it can reform ideals you thought you could never reach. Teaching is the best way to pass on knowledge along with wisdom. It doesn’t have to be formal—even a small class once a week in your own home can prove to be rewarding for both you and your students. To give back to the community will also give you a chance to make new friends, and get more involved.

We’ve all heard the saying, “you’re only as old as you feel,” and your mental state will determine how you feel. Optimism and acceptance of oneself are probably the most rewarding attitudes at an older age. When I asked some women in their late-years what the hardest part of aging was, they all replied: wrinkles. As surprising as it was to me, I thought it was somewhat superficial. I then realized how heavily women are judged on appearance-- far more than men are-- so it makes sense to see this as their biggest barrier between self-acceptance. In recent times, innovations such as botox, and lasers are being pushed towards women who have fine lines and wrinkles. Some women don’t believe these methods are safe, or natural, and are not willing to take the risk.

We realized how important it is to feel beautiful at any age, so we’ve put together a list of things that may help you glow at any age:

EAT RIGHT:
Studies show that those who eat fish, legumes, green vegetables, and olive oil can reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. Foods with Omega-3 fatty acids such as walnuts and cold-water fish are recommended as well.

Taking your vitamins is also important! Vitamin C (a co-factor in the production of collagen (your skin’s toner)) can optimize the appearance of skin.
**applying your vitamins can reduce the visible signs of aging as well! Antioxidants such as vitamins C or E and even green tea can benefit your skin.

MOVE YOUR BODY:
Exercise is essential at all and every age. It enhances circulation and improves blood vessel tone so that blood can deliver nutrients to the skin. Try walking, swimming, or bicycling for 45 minutes every day, and you’ll see major results.

MOISTURIZE:
Dry skin will only enhance the look of wrinkles and fine lines. Moisturize daily to reduce the appearance of these aging marks.

BLOCK SUN:
Extrinsic factors such as smoking and the sun can take a toll on your skin. Specialists say the majority of wrinkles, sagging, and skin discoloration result from sun exposure. Be sure to use UVA and UVB protection with SPF 15 or above.

*This means the sun exposure you get when you’re young will affect the visibility of fine lines and wrinkles when you get older!

CLEANSING YOUR FACE:
Products with alpha-hydroxy acids (such as glycolic acid or lactic acid) are good for exfoliation. Use a facial scrubber once a day to rid your skin of impurities, to get a more renewed look.

**Ask your dermatologist first before applying and lotions or cream and if you experience severe skin problems.

Many adults have the biggest regrets towards the lifestyle they lived in their youth. Their eating habits, smoking, and lack of exercise have definitely caught up with them, and deprive them of eating and doing things they enjoy. We all realize the importance of eating well, and exercising, and are reminded time and time again. However, many of us don’t make a conscious effort to act upon these regimens. Ailments, such as osteoporosis, heart disease, skin cancer, breast cancer, and lung cancer are abundant in men and women above the age of 40. Several adults wish they would have spent more time on their health, exercising, and becoming financially stable, earlier in their life. To live well now and in the future, those who are still in their active years should learn from their mistakes. Preventive measure such as drinking milk to get the calcium we need to prevent osteoporosis, and limiting the intake of fattening foods are just some things we can do to help our lifestyle sustain healthiness.