This article covers 5 Tips for Easing the Common Pains of Aging. Although people like to joke about things like a bad back or a trick knee as they get older, there’s a lot of truth to those common issues. It’s no secret that getting older is often associated with different types of chronic pain.
However, you don’t have to live in misery just because you’re aging. While you can’t prevent the process from happening, you can make it easier to ease the common aches and pains of getting older with a few proactive tips.
The good news? It’s easier than you might think.
Let’s look at five helpful tips for easing the common pains of aging. The more you utilize these tips, the more you can enjoy getting older gracefully and without discomfort.
1. Move Your Body
One of the biggest mistakes people make as they get older is that they don’t stay as physically active as they should. You don’t have to join a gym or run ten miles a day. You don’t even have to keep up the same level of physical activity you did 10 years ago.
However, moving your body each day has countless benefits, including:
- Better balance
- Improved muscle strength
- Improved bond strength
- Increased stamina
- Reduced risk of disease
Something as simple as walking daily can help to reduce joint pain, give you more energy, and improve your cardiovascular health. Take a walk around your neighborhood, or head to a local track with a friend or two and socialize while you get your steps in!
2. Find More Energy
It’s common for people to feel less energetic as they get older. Your metabolism slows down, and even if you walk or exercise every day, you’re probably not going to be as active as you were when you were younger.
A lack of energy can cause you to feel fatigued, so you spend less time moving and more time leading a sedentary lifestyle. That often leads to aches and pains and can even harm your mental health.
Thankfully, there are plenty of natural ways to boost your energy levels and restore motivation. Take short breaks throughout the day to stretch and move. Eat a healthy diet. Make sure you’re prioritizing healthy sleep. Practicing these simple forms of self-care can make a big difference in how you feel and how much stamina you have to get through each day.
3. Reduce Stress
Did you know that stress can cause physical pain? It can impact your body in many ways, contributing to issues like:
- Dry mouth
- Hair loss
- Muscle aches
- Digestive issues
- Lightheadedness
Everyone deals with stress. It’s a part of life, and a little stress isn’t necessarily a bad thing. However, excessive stress will take a toll on your mind and body. Seek out the sources of stress in your life and you’ll have an easier time fighting back against them. Additionally, you can combat stress by improving your daily habits. Try things like mindfulness and meditation or journaling each day. Do what works for you to manage your stress levels, and you’re likely to feel better physically.
4. Eat the Right Diet
You’re undoubtedly well aware that you can’t eat pizza for breakfast and ramen noodles for dinner each night and still feel great. Maybe you could get away with that in college, but that lifestyle and diet will only leave you feeling sluggish, tired, and even achy.
Instead, focus on eating an anti-inflammatory diet as you age. The right foods will fuel your body from the inside out and help to fight inflammation – a common cause of aches and pains. Some of the best foods to help with pain management include:
- Berries
- Olive oil
- Tomatoes
- Whole grains
- Leafy greens
- Fatty fish
Alternatively, foods high in sugar and refined carbohydrates can actually make your pain worse. As the old saying goes, “you are what you eat.” If you’ve started to experience more pain with age, consider changing your diet as quickly as possible.
5. Find the Right Support
Surrounding yourself with the right people won’t eliminate your physical pain. However, loneliness and isolation can become highly problematic for older individuals. They can contribute to cognitive decline, depression, pain, and even an increased mortality rate.
If you’re struggling with pain already, consider joining a support group or working with a counselor. It’s important to know you’re not alone. You might feel better hearing how others with pain have still managed to live fulfilling lives. You might even learn a few new tips and tricks to manage your pain regularly.
Most importantly, you won’t be alone. That kind of communication and companionship will go a long way in boosting your mental and physical well-being.
While you might be unable to completely prevent aging effects – including aches and pains – you can make them more manageable. Whether you’re already dealing with pain or you’re trying to avoid it as much as possible, keep these tips in mind and you’ll likely be able to lead a happier, healthier life well into your golden years.
Author: India Lee
Publisher: International Pain Foundation, iPain Blog, Team iPain
