Positive Aging Strategies to Have Energy at Any Age

Turns out we can’t blame our lack of energy on getting older.

Not to say that some of us won’t, but we can no longer say, “Of course I don’t have energy, I’m old.” Wherever you fall in the energy/activity spectrum, there is good news — you can find simple ways to get more energy at any age and promote healthy aging.

No matter what your energy levels are at the moment, here are a few tips for positive aging to reinvigorate and renew your energy reserves. These tips can help with reducing both fatigue and tiredness. If fatigue lingers, it’s important to talk to your doctor.

8 Ways to Have More Energy After 50

1. Start where you are. Start today by just considering one or two simple changes that you can make to put more energy in your tank and feel better day by day.
2. Create one new habit at a time. If you know that you would feel better if you changed your diet, pick one change to focus on. For example, don’t eat after 8 p.m., or work on eating smaller portions.
3. Take a walk. If you feel tired, you might consider taking a five-minute walk. It is amazing how invigorating a short walk can be.
4. Drink water. Staying fully hydrated helps increase our metabolic rate and ensures that our metabolism is as healthy as possible. When your body is dehydrated, one of the first signs is a feeling of fatigue. Make sure to reach for a glass of water when you feel zapped of your energy reserves.
5. Do strength training. Lifting weights or engaging in some other form of resistance exercise is one of the best ways for people over 50 to boost their energy levels.
6. Take your vitamins. Taking high-quality supplements on a daily basis can help you feel better overall, and they have a myriad of advantages to your day-to-day wellbeing. Working with a health care professional can help you determine which nutrients are right for you.
7. Breathe deeply. Improve heart and brain health with breathing techniques like the 4-7-8 method: four breaths in, hold for a count of seven and exhale for a count of eight.
8. Get enough sleep. If you’ve tried sleep tips like getting to bed at the same time each night and waking up at the same time each morning, maybe you should try getting less sleep. Yup, it’s a thing. While this is a method some feel encourages better sleep, make sure you stay safe and consult your doctor for the correct method and before trying it out for yourself.

4 Ways to Use Relationships, Family, and Community to Increase Your Energy Levels

1. Limit time with people who drain your energy. Are there people in your life who make you feel like you have to hide a piece of yourself? As a result of spending too much time together, is your energy drained or do you feel bored? You may want to limit your time with this type of person and invite others to spend time with you instead.
2. Take time for your hobbies. As we get older, many become increasingly isolated. Step out of your usual pattern at least once a week. Change your routine and see what happens.
3. Connect with family and friends. Schedule an evening once a month where you have a potluck dinner with family or friends and have everyone bring their favorite poem to share. Arrange to go to an event with your friends like a concert or a street fair.
4. Be of service. You may also improve your energy by becoming socially active and supporting a cause that is important to you. Participating in the wider community has a value that energizes you and those around you.

Use one or all of these methods to improve your energy level. Make an experiment out of it by keeping track of how you feel when you take on any one of these tips. What is important is to focus on fully embracing your own self-care and knowing that this will help you age well and keep you energized.

If you need support caring for a loved one, you can contact Amanda Butas, Certified Dementia Practitioner, at (480) 699-4899. My office is located at 2031 N. Power Road, next to Bed, Bath and Beyond. Our office has trained caregivers who can provide support to fit your schedule and provide you with peace of mind. We understand aging and can help your loved one age in a healthy manner.