The not-so-secret menu for ageing gracefully and healthily.

Written by Karen Stewart-Smith, Head of Allied Health

Ah, the elusive fountain of youth! Turns out, it's not a mythical spring guarded by immortal jellyfish or guarded by a gang of sprightly centenarians. Those dreams are certainly dashed as we grow older.

Nope, the key to healthy aging is a bit more down-to-earth, sprinkled with a dash of humor and a pinch of common sense.

First off, let's address the elephant in the room: exercise.

Now, I'm not saying you need to start bench-pressing refrigerators or running marathons in your sleep. But a little movement goes a long way. Picture this: brisk walks with friends (or pets), casual strolls through the park (or the mall, if it's raining), or even spontaneous dance parties in your kitchen (no audience required). Basically, keep those limbs limber and your heart happy, even if your rhythm is questionable. Practice your stork pose on one foot beside your kitchen bench to work on your balance to reduce your falls risk and……. don’t forget what exercise can do to combat osteoporosis and sarcopenia – this is your homework - most everyone knows what osteoporosis is, but do you know what Sarcopenia is?

Next on our menu of wisdom: diet.

Now, don't panic—I'm not about to take away your beloved snacks or demand you survive solely on kale smoothies. Moderation is key. Treat yourself to the occasional indulgence (life's too short for blandness) but remember to load up on the good stuff too. Fruits, veggies, whole grains, —the kind of food that makes your insides do a little happy dance (metaphorically, of course). And good quality protein to keep our muscles strong for the demands of managing everyday life, running after those grandchildren and staying independent.

Ah, but what about the mind? Mental gymnastics are just as vital.

Keep those neurons firing with puzzles, books, hobbies—anything that tickles your fancy and challenges your brain cells to a friendly match of intellectual tag. Crossword puzzles, learning a new language (even if it's just to order coffee in Paris), or mastering the art of remembering where you left your keys each morning.

Let’s tackle the recipe for sleep: There are so many remedies that one can suggest but try and keep it simple -To sleep better, start by creating a bedtime routine that's more rigorous than your afternoon cat's nap schedule. Dim the lights and disconnect from screens and that includes TV—your brain isn't a disco ball that needs constant stimulation. Perhaps put on your favorite talk back radio host or some relaxing music. Avoid those late-night snacks if you get the munchies and substitute for a soothing hot drink. Find a comfortable mattress that supports you better than your best friend in times of need. If noise keeps you awake, invest in earplugs and if all else fails, count sheep—backwards.

Last but not least, let's talk about the spice of life: laughter.

Surround yourself with people who make you snort milk out of your nose (figuratively, unless that's your thing). Embrace joy like your favorite cozy blanket—wrap yourself in it daily and share it generously with others. After all, a hearty chuckle is like an ab workout for your soul.

So there you have it, the secret recipe to aging gracefully and healthily: move a little or a lot 😊, strengthen your muscles and bones, eat sensibly (with the occasional indulgence), keep your mind sharp, and laugh like no one's timing your chuckles. And if all else fails, just remember wrinkles are just laugh lines in disguise, and each grey hair is a badge of wisdom earned through a life well-lived. Cheers to growing older, one smiley wrinkle at a time!

Discover more ways to support your health with our range of Allied Health services at Healthy Connections. From physiotherapy to exercises sessions, we’ve got everything you need to stay active, strong and independent.