Aging Gracefully at 60: 5 Tips to Make the Most of Your Golden Years

The term "aging gracefully" is one of social media's most enduring buzzwords, but what does it mean for a woman in her 60s? If you're trying to figure it out yourself, allow the following tips to be your guide.

Reaching 60 and beyond is a milestone undoubtedly worth celebrating. But for many women — and perhaps even men — it's also the age when you slow down and start to think carefully about how you plan to spend the rest of your life after coming so far.

With the long-standing societal pressure for women to maintain a youthful appearance, there is now an adjacent expectation to "age gracefully." But aging gracefully is not all about looking ten years younger.

It's about the glow that comes from taking care of yourself and being comfortable in your own skin. Below, we'll look at five tips to help you get started.

1. Move Your Body

Exercise is something that's drilled into us from a young age. But as we grow older, it can be something that we begin to neglect. When the realization that your body can't move the way it used to in your 20s, some jump headfirst into an intense workout routine.

Doing this can immediately overwhelm you, and you might even give up on yourself. But at 60 years old and beyond — or at any age, for that matter — it never hurts to start small, as long as you're moving.

Plus, you can decide what that looks like for you — whether it's a daily walk in nature, stretching, bicycling, taking a local fitness class, or light jogging — whatever you enjoy and feel you can willingly sustain. Start from ten minutes a day, a few times a week, and build your endurance.

2. Engage Your Mind

Keep your brain active! Try activities that engage your mind to keep it agile and resilient. This is particularly achievable when you try something new, as studies suggest that new experiences stimulate neural connections, promoting the growth of new brain cells and reducing the risk of cognitive decline.

As with exercise, start small. Pick something that makes you happy and that you know you can sustain — because who knows you better than you? Curl up with a book of word puzzles, try making desserts with five or fewer ingredients at home, or take up origami. Get creative!

3. Eat Well — and Enjoy It, Too!

What you put inside your body plays a significant role in how you feel as you grow older, and it is paramount that you prioritize nutrient-dense foods. It's also important to stay hydrated, ensuring your body is receiving enough fluids through both food and water intake.

The recommended water intake for women is about 11.5 cups, while for men it's 15.5 cups. As for what to eat, focus on whole foods, including plenty of vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains.

Now, this doesn't mean your dinners have to be boring and bland. Experiment with different spices and cooking techniques to elevate your own dining experience at home. Additionally, practice mindful eating — allow yourself to savor each bite so you feel more satiated.

4. Prioritize Your Beauty Sleep

The recommended amount of sleep — seven to eight hours a night — remains the same even as we age. However, according to the National Sleep Foundation, up to 39 percent of older adults face difficulty sleeping, which affects overall quality of life.

If you're part of this statistic — and even if you're not — having a calming sleep routine can help. Try:

• Eating on a regular schedule: Eating around the same time every day, especially dinner, can help signal to your body when it's time to wind down for the night.
• Curate a comfortable sleeping environment: Experiment with different conditions in your sleeping space to determine what kind of environment helps you fall asleep better.
• Go to sleep around the same time: Establishing a regular sleep schedule allows your body's circadian rhythm to settle into a pattern, making it easier for you to fall asleep.

5. Nurture The Relationships That Matter

Spend time with the people you love — the ones who leave you feeling like you have a ball of light in your chest every time you go your separate ways. Nurturing these relationships does wonders for both mental and physical well-being.

Try to avoid staying isolated for long periods, as studies suggest that older people who engage in frequent social contact experienced up to 70 percent less cognitive decline. So, stay in touch as much as you can.

As we mentioned in the beginning, aging gracefully has little to do about maintaining a youthful appearance and physique. It's about prioritizing your well-being. And when you take care of yourself, it shows. Enjoy your golden years.