(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:
1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.
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