Feel better and live longer

Ageing healthily isn't only about looking after our physical health. How we manage stress, connect with other people, and respond to our own thoughts and feelings can all form part of our overall well-being as we get older.

While we can't control every aspect of ageing, we can think about the areas of our well-being that we may be able to influence. Small, realistic changes that support our emotional and physical health can help us feel more equipped to navigate different stages of life.

What does ageing healthily mean?

We often associate healthy ageing with staying physically active, eating well, and attending health checks. These can all be important, but emotional well-being deserves attention too.

Feeling connected to others, having a sense of choice in our lives, and feeling able to understand and manage our emotions can contribute to how we experience later life.

Our circumstances can also change as we get older. Retirement, changes to our health, caring responsibilities, bereavement, or children leaving home may affect our routines and sense of identity. This makes it particularly important to consider what wellbeing means to us personally, rather than measuring ourselves against somebody else's idea of healthy ageing.

Managing stress as we get older

Stress is a normal response to challenging or demanding situations. But when we feel under pressure for long periods, it can affect both our emotional and physical wellbeing.

Recognising what causes you stress can be a helpful starting point. Perhaps you notice certain thoughts repeating when you're worried, or find yourself becoming tense when you have too much to do.

You might not always be able to remove the cause of stress, but there may be ways to change how you respond to it.

Practising mindful self-awareness

Mindfulness is about paying attention to what's happening in the present moment, including our thoughts, feelings, and physical sensations.

Rather than trying to stop difficult thoughts, mindfulness encourages us to notice them without immediately reacting. Over time, this may help us become more aware of our patterns and recognise when we need to slow down, ask for support, or make a change.

You could begin simply by noticing your breathing for a few moments, paying attention to your surroundings during a walk, or checking in with how you're feeling at different points in the day.

Mindfulness isn't right for everybody, and there's no need to force yourself to practise it if you don't find it helpful.

Finding ways to relax

Rest and relaxation can sometimes slip down our list of priorities, particularly when we have responsibilities towards other people.

Relaxation doesn't have to involve a particular technique. The aim is to find something that helps you feel calmer and that fits comfortably into your life.

You might try:

• taking slow, comfortable breaths
• consciously relaxing areas where you notice tension
• spending time somewhere you find peaceful
• recalling a memory that makes you feel calm or content
• listening to music, reading, gardening, or enjoying another activity that helps you switch off.

What feels relaxing is personal. Experimenting with different approaches can help you discover what works for you.

Staying connected with others

Our relationships can play an important role in wellbeing throughout our lives. But our social circles and opportunities to connect can change as we get older.

Making time for existing relationships, joining a group, volunteering, taking up a hobby, or getting involved in your local community are some ways you might build connection into your life, especially once you have retired. 

It's also worth remembering that meaningful connection isn't about having as many relationships as possible. What matters is finding relationships and communities where you feel comfortable, valued, and able to be yourself.

Being kinder to yourself

Many of us find it easier to show compassion towards somebody else than ourselves.

If you tend to be highly self-critical, consider how you would respond if a friend were experiencing the same situation. Would you judge them as harshly, or would you acknowledge that they're doing their best in difficult circumstances?

Ageing can bring changes that take time to adjust to. Treating yourself with patience doesn't mean ignoring problems or pretending everything is fine. It can mean recognising what you're finding difficult without adding unnecessary self-criticism.

Making space for positive experiences

Healthy ageing doesn't require us to be positive all the time. Difficult emotions are a normal part of life, and there can be genuine challenges associated with getting older.

But making room for experiences that give us enjoyment, meaning, or connection can support our overall sense of wellbeing.

This might mean noticing something you're grateful for, spending time with people you care about, helping somebody else, returning to an old interest, or trying something completely new.

Rather than putting pressure on yourself to ‘think positively’, consider what helps you feel engaged with your life.

Finding your approach to ageing healthily

There isn't a single formula for ageing healthily. Our needs, abilities, circumstances, and priorities are individual, and they can continue to change throughout our lives.

It may help to think about the different areas of your well-being and ask yourself what feels important right now. Is there something you would like more of? Is something causing unnecessary stress? Would greater connection, rest, movement, or emotional support make a difference?

You don't need to overhaul your life at once. Choosing one manageable change can be a more realistic place to begin.

If you're finding a life transition difficult or would like support identifying what you want from the next stage of your life, working with a health coach can provide a space to reflect on your priorities, explore potential changes, and consider what healthy ageing looks like for you.