How to Stay Young at Heart & Live Life to the Fullest

There’s an old Jimmy Durante song that asks “don’t you know that it’s worth every treasure on earth to be young at heart?”

There’s another saying that suggests you’re only as old as you feel. So, if you remain young at heart and live life to the fullest, there is no reason you can’t enjoy yourself and find fulfillment at any age.

Living life to the fullest can encompass a variety of habits to adopt and mantras to repeat, including things like:

• Choosing to live in the moment
• Forgiving others
• Being an active participant in life
• Showing gratitude
• Trusting yourself

But, if you want a few practical suggestions on how to stay young at heart as you age, keep reading for ideas that can make a big difference in your physical, mental, and emotional health, so you can enjoy every second of your life.

Stay Active Under Sunny Skies

When children play, they don’t think of it as physical activity. They don’t consider the fact that a game of tag is a good cardiovascular workout. They simply enjoy time outside, running, and playing for the fun of it. If you truly want to be young at heart, why not adopt the same attitude about being active, especially outdoors?

As you age, you might not be able to hit the pavement and run mile after mile the way you used to. But, didn’t that feel daunting sometimes, anyway? Physical activity should be fun. It should feel more like play or cause you to appreciate the world around you. Simple outdoor activities like walking, swimming, or even organized classes like tai chi or yoga can help you to boost your energy and your mood while taking it easy on your body. If you’re in good health, why not take on more adventurous activities like kayaking, rock climbing, or even going on a treasure hunt using a metal detector!

Staying active as you age has many benefits, including:

• Reduced risk of heart disease, stroke, and diabetes
• More energy
• Reduced fatigue
• Improved strength
• Improved balance

Studies have shown that being active outside has even more benefits when it comes to how you feel and your energy levels. If you’re retired or ready to take on a new chapter in your life, one way you can spend more time outdoors is to “chase the sun” all over the country. One way to do that is to invest in an RV. Whether you want to take more road trips or become a “full-timer,” traveling in an RV is a great way to see the country and go where it’s warm and sunny no matter what time of year it is.

If you do decide to take an RV road trip or spend most of your time in a home on wheels, make sure you understand your budget, have a consistent itinerary, and feel comfortable behind the wheel of such a large vehicle.

Find a Job That Fulfills You

Even if you’re older, it doesn’t mean you have to stop working — if that’s something you truly love to do! Having a job at an older age gives you the opportunity to socialize with people on a daily basis, and it helps you to become a lifelong learner, which will keep your brain active. A job can improve your focus, your attention span, and your memory.

But, if you truly want to live life to the fullest, don’t resign yourself to a job that feels like a chore to go to each day. Instead, look for something that inspires you, or something you’ve always been interested in.

The top job search trends right now are in the tech field. That covers a wide variety of career paths, and thanks to advancements in AI, cybersecurity, and robotics, you can find a job that interests you, teaches you, and motivates you all at once while positively impacting the future.

Take Preventative Health Measures

No one wants to think about the increased risk of health issues as they age. But, it’s a reality. By taking care of yourself every day, you can reduce the risk of contracting certain illnesses and ailments, and keep yourself as healthy as possible. Everything from eating right to regular exercise will make a difference in how you feel and how strong your immune system is.

Another preventative health measure is to visit your doctor regularly and take part in health screenings/tests. Older adults benefit from tests like blood pressure checks, colonoscopies, eye exams, bone density scans, and cancer screenings. These tests can ensure that you don’t have any warning signs of a health issue. If you do, getting tested regularly can catch a problem early on, so it will be easier to treat.

If you’re worried about how you’ll financially manage preventative health screenings, consider looking into Medicare. If you’re 65 or older, you may be eligible for Medicare.

By taking care of yourself inside and out, and making your mental and physical health a priority, you can enjoy every second of what life has to offer, and that is “worth every treasure!”

Photo Credit

Photo by Yannes Kiefer on Unsplash

Guest Author Bio
Jori Hamilton

Jori Hamilton is a writer and journalist from the Pacific Northwest who covers social justice issues, healthcare, and politics. You can follow her work on twitter @HamiltonJori, and through her portfolio at Writer Jori Hamilton.

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