3 Easy Ways to Bring Back A Senior’s Youthful Spirit

Feel like your parents are starting to get old and cranky? Maybe they struggle to make it through the day or are annoyed over minuscule things? You can restore your youthful spirit. Maybe it’s time you suggest to them to relax, go back to their roots, and have some fun!

Just because people get old doesn’t mean they can’t still keep up with the young, cool, hip youth of today. It certainly can be a challenge as you get older to find time for fun things, especially when work, kids, grand kids, and simple exhaustion gets in the way, but there are numerous activities older adults can engage in to stay fresh, feel healthy, and be happy.

1. Get in touch with your spiritual side

Being in touch with religion allows for a spiritual escape from reality and all that it entails. Church, bible groups, and religious meetings can lift up your spirit and make you feel revitalized. There’s no better feeling than being in tune with the secular world around you and gaining peace from it.

Spirituality is the key to vivacity and longevity. Another great way to achieve this is through readings. Mary K. Doyle wrote a great book called Young in the Spirit, a book arguing that people with strong faith live stronger, happier, healthier lives. It also gives advice on how to strengthen your spirituality once in your “golden years” of life. Anything spiritual brings out the youthful side, the happy side, and the enlightened side in anyone.

2. Engage in physical activity 3-4 times a week

It’s no secret that exercise increases energy levels, reduces stress, and strengthens the body. It’s perfect for any older adult looking to make a change in their life.

I realize there are mental barriers to this idea. Many might be thinking, “My parents are too old to run!” or “That’s not safe for their brittle body.” But no worries because I have come up with multiple fun, engaging exercises that any senior would love!

–Aerobic swimming is a great way to increase cardiovascular fitness while being safe, having fun, and getting fit. It’s especially a great activity in the summer to get away from all that Texas heat.

–Joining a dance group, like the seniors at the multiple Benton Houses around the country have done. There’s nothing more fun than a night on the dance floor with your friends.

–Yoga is a great way to relax, stretch, and relieve that stress from all those doctor appointments, family visits, or other stressful activities that happen once you reach a certain age. And the even better part, anyone can do it!! No matter how flexible you are, everyone can bend over and reach for their toes. You can learn more about how yoga benefits seniors, here.

3. Take a technology class

No better way to engage your youthful side than truly understanding technology and its uses. The world today is run through technology. There’s a TV in every room, Wi-Fi just about everywhere, and hand held devices literally in every single person’s pocket.

Many seniors are afraid of technology but there are many technology classes geared towards seniors.  It’s so important that the older generations embrace the technological revolution that has engulfed our world. Being a senior and understanding technology such as  smart phones or laptops would be extremely beneficial, and think of all the possibilities that would arise with a basic understanding. Millions of apps, games, and websites await your search!

It’s certainly easy once you age to feel useless, old, and like you can’t do anything fun anymore. But that is the farthest from truth. Being an older adult should and could be a fun time of your life! You are the oldest, wisest, and most experience of everyone in the world!! There is no stopping you. Don’t let physical, emotional, or mental limitations get in your way. These are only 3 things to do to feel great, and there are worlds more! Get out there and get involved and feel like that kid inside of you again, no matter how far you have to dig to get it.