(NC) Aging gracefully isn’t about avoiding grey hair or fighting wrinkles – unless you want it to be. And wellness is about so much more than just good physical health. The goal of old age should be living a rich, curious life, full of laughter, love and longevity. But how do you get there?
Older adults can do these five things to create an ultimate at-home wellness practice:
- Find creative outlets. Book clubs, knitting groups or dance lessons are a great way to get out of the house, meet new people and get those creative juices flowing.
- Volunteer. Maybe it’s fostering kittens for your local animal shelter or driving cancer patients to appointments; community ties and a sense of purpose are even more important as you age.
- Smile. Even if you have to fake it sometimes, smiling can trick your brain into feeling happy, and happiness can have powerful immune-boosting benefits. As we age, it’s even more important to maintain good oral health, and that includes gum care. Consider brushing with an over-the-counter toothpaste that can fight the bacteria that can cause early gum disease such as Colgate PerioGardSF.
- Start a gratitude journal. Embracing your age and all of the experiences that got you this far can shape a more positive outlook on life and improve mental health. It’ll also make a treasured memory for loved ones one day.
- Get into nature. Walk through a park when flowers are in bloom, hike a tree-lined trail or go birdwatching – whatever it takes to go outside and enjoy some fresh air. This can help reduce stress and cortisol levels, which can contribute to a number of health issues.
So many things get better with age. Unfortunately, your teeth and gums aren’t usually one of them, so it’s vital for seniors to make an oral-health routine a consistent part of their at-home wellness practice. Learn more about the causes, consequences and risk factors associated with gum health at colgate.ca.
