Carpe Diem: Active Aging with Your Tribe

CARPE DIEM! Make the most of each day. 

Strive to be your best self by getting proper nutrition, sleep, and activity. If we can seize each day, we have a chance to age gracefully. Some people are intrinsically motivated and can push themselves to be the best they can be. Many people are extrinsically motivated and need a community to push them to achieve.

To seize the day, we need to invite others into our tribe. A community allows us to become exposed to new ideas and to share our individual and shared experiences.

Build Community ... Find Your Tribe

Aging well is fostered by a community. The world's oldest living people have come from communities that prioritize spending time with family and friends.

Surround yourself with people who have similar interests. Find your tribe and thrive in the energy of the community. Community building provides conversation, a workout partner, and inspiration to try new things.

The Tribe That Gets Fit Together Ages Gracefully Together

The American Council for Exercise, ACE, suggests adults engage in moderate intensity physical activity for at least 150 minutes each week. Many people do not get that amount unless they have an active hobby. Find a tribe that likes to be active doing activities such as: walk, hike, ride bikes, and practice yoga. Studies show that being physically active 2.5 hours per week adds 5 years to your life. Schedule time to be active and add years to your life!

Embrace Nature

People who enjoy spending time in nature have better mental health and a lower risk of dying from cancer and other chronic diseases. According to a July 2018 article in Science Daily, "exposure to greenspace reduces the risk of type II diabetes, cardiovascular disease, premature death, preterm birth, stress, and high blood pressure." The author states, "Populations with higher levels of greenspace exposure are also more likely to report good overall health -- according to global data involving more than 290 million people." If you live in a city and can spend leisure time or vacations in greenspace it would be beneficial. 

Young people participate in may outdoor physical activities from impromptu games organized with friends to sporting events in which they are competing. As we age we spend more and more time inside working, taking care of the home, and driving to and from our events and our children's events. As adults, we need to harness our inner child and find a way to get outside when we can. The neighborhood in which we live and work may be filled withe concrete, our family schedules might make this a challenge, but we need to find some way to FIND THE GREEN. Celebrate the moments you can get into nature for physical activity.

 My husband and I like to find outdoor activities when we are on vacation.

Read more at Delicious Living How to age well in the game of life