A Golden Opportunity: How to Truly Enjoy Your Golden Years

Aging is a fact of life. It’s certainly better than the alternative. However, there is still a negative stigma around aging. In fact, many older adults have to face ageist stereotypes about their memory, or mental and physical capabilities.

One stereotype that has some basis of truth is that many people suffer from some degree of hearing loss as they reach retirement age. The nerves involved in the hearing function simply breakdown as our bodies age. The hearing loss is irreversible, but superior quality hearing aids can help improve your hearing.

Hearing Loss Can Put a Damper On Your Golden Years

Despite ageism, many people view the golden years as a time for kicking back and doing what makes you happiest. Unfortunately, hearing loss can make conversations, traveling, and even watching television stressful and not very fun.

The National Institute of Health recommends steps people can take to help ease the isolation and communication difficulties that come with hearing loss. The steps include being upfront about your hearing loss, and other suggestions for coping with your new normal.

Hearing loss doesn’t have to stop you from enjoying your golden years. In fact, when the hearing is diminished, your other senses step up to the plate and overcompensate to make up for the loss. But still, living with hearing loss takes an adjustment period, regardless of your age.

5 Tips for Enjoying Your Third Act

Spending time with grandchildren, or tooling around the garden are just a few things to look forward to when you reach a certain age. You’ve lived a long, full life, but there’s still more life left to enjoy.

Here are 5 ways to truly enjoy your golden years:

Check off your travel bucket list. One’s golden years can be a perfect time to check off that travel bucket list. Traveling at an older age – especially with hearing loss – can be intimidating, and stressful. However, traveling with a companion or asking for help can make it an enjoyable experience.
Stay physically active. It’s important to stay physically active, regardless of your age. Even moderate exercise, such as walking, can reduce stress and help keep your body in physical shape.
Enjoy a vibrant social life. One of the biggest struggles elderly people have is loneliness. Hearing problems only emphasize the feeling of isolation. Maintaining your social connections can help stave off depression, and other mental health issues.
Exercise your brain. The body isn’t the only muscle that needs exercising. Doing crossword puzzles, or simply reading can keep your brain sharp.
Keep busy by volunteering or other meaningful activity. Many older people struggle with feeling useless or aimless. Volunteering, or any type of activity that gets you out of the house, can help form those important social connections. And it gives you the sense of purpose you’re craving.

Embrace Your Age

The golden years should be looked at as a reward for years of toiling and looking after others. It’s your time to live your best life. After all, you’re only as old as you feel.

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