Texas Christian Counseling Logo

  • CounselorsFind the best counselor for your needs
  • ServicesRead about the expertise available
    • Individual ServicesAddress your personal concerns confidentially
      • Abandonment Issues
      • ADHD
      • Aging and Geriatric Issues
      • Anger Management
      • Anxiety
      • Bipolar Disorder
      • Coaching
      • Codependency
      • Counseling for Children
      • Counseling for Teens
      • Depression
      • Eating Disorders
      • EMDR Treatment
      • Family Counseling
      • Grief Counseling
      • Individual Counseling
      • Infidelity and Affairs
      • Men’s Issues
      • OCD
      • Personal Development
      • Premarital Counseling
      • Professional Development
      • Relationship Issues
      • Spiritual Development
      • Trauma
      • Women’s Issues
    • Christian Couples CounselingWork through challenges together
      • Couples Counseling
      • Family Counseling
      • Marriage Counseling
    • Family CounselingEstablish the peaceful home you desire
      • Couples Counseling
      • Counseling for Teens
      • Family Counseling
    • Group CounselingBenefit from the support of others
      • Men’s Christian Recovery Groups
      • Men’s Sexual Addiction
        Recovery Group
      • All Counseling Groups
    • Online Counseling
    • Anxiety
    • Depression
    • Marriage Counseling
  • LocationsChoose from our variety of office locations
    • Alamo Ranch
    • Allen Christian CounselingAllen
    • Bible Verses about Anger: Dealing with Anger the Godly Way 1Arlington
    • Carrollton Christian CounselingCarrollton
    • Don't Tough it Out Alone: Thoughts on Grief CounselingFort Worth
    • Harlingen
    • Keller Christian CounselingKeller
    • Killeen
    •  1Laredo
    • How to Deal with Chronic AnxietyMcKinney
    • How to Cope with Anxiety: 6 Practical Techniques 2Plano
    • How to Deal with Chronic AnxietyRichardson
    • Bible Verses About Hope: How to Stay Afloat When You’re in a Storm 1Rockwall
    • Round Rock
    • What the Bible Tells Us About Mental HealthRoyse City
    • Stone Oak Christian CounselingStone Oak
    • Sulphur Springs
    •  1Online Counseling
  • CareersBecome an affiliated Christian counselor
  • (469) 333-6163Please give us a call, we are here to help
header-image

Successful Aging Today: Tips for How to Age Gracefully

Texas Christian Counseling
https://texaschristiancounseling.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/successful-aging-today-tips-for-how-to-age-gracefully-3.jpg 1920 1280
https://texaschristiancounseling.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/cropped-TexasCC-1080-min.jpg
1255 West 15th Street Suite 445
PLANO, TX 75075
United States
1255 West 15th Street Suite 445
PLANO, TX 75075
United States
Photo of Amanda Lindsey

Amanda Lindsey

Jul
2023
11

Successful Aging Today: Tips for How to Age Gracefully

Amanda Lindsey

Aging and Geriatric IssuesIndividual Counseling

The saying, “Eighty is the new sixty,” may be true. More and more seniors live longer than before and enjoy their health and daily activities. Have these people found the secret to successful aging?

What is successful aging?

Successful Aging Today: Tips for How to Age Gracefully 1Successful aging is planning for the future by choosing better options now in all areas of your life. It is aging gracefully instead of giving in to “getting old.” As you age, you strive for peace in all areas of your life, including your health, family, spirituality, retirement, career, hobbies, finances, and other relationships. You try to make better decisions and consult with experts about making the transition smooth but exciting.

How to age successfully (and gracefully)

How do you age successfully? Stay active and emphasize your health, relationships, and spiritual life. If you have these bases covered, then everything else falls into place. Can you still get sick even if you eat well? Of course, but your outlook on life can change how you experience situations. It all starts with setting new goals and nurturing your relationships.

Like us if you are enjoying this content.

Set new goals

It used to be that we would hear stories about people who seemed fine until they retired, and then their health rapidly declined. Why was that? How could someone’s mental and physical health be good, and then they would suddenly fall ill after retirement?

Going to work and performing a job was a goal for these seniors. However, after retirement, they may have stopped setting goals and only went with the flow of the day. This is not to say that you shouldn’t enjoy the slower pace of retirement. It is to say that setting goals keeps your mind sharp and your body moving.

For example, you could take up a couple of new hobbies. Maybe you decide to collect a favorite author’s books and read each copy and start a book club for the author. Perhaps you sign up for a class to learn a foreign language so that you can visit that country in one year. Working toward a goal is what keeps us healthy. It is about the journey and celebrating the milestones. When we stop moving, stop learning, and stop setting goals, we diminish the time we have left.

Make movement part of your daily life

Successful Aging Today: Tips for How to Age GracefullyAlthough sitting in a rocking chair on the front porch has its qualities, you need movement for successful aging. This does not need to be overly strenuous exercise but a daily movement you engage in consistently.

Think about the activities you enjoy. Do you like to take walks around the neighborhood, dance in the comfort of your own home, or swim at the community center? Is there an activity you would like to try? You want to find something that gets you excited about the activity.

Maybe you could create a walking group in town or hire a personal trainer to teach you how to lift weights properly. The more active you are, the healthier your heart will stay. Always get your physician’s approval before starting any fitness regimen.

Socialize

Isolating yourself at home is not good for your mental health. We are social creatures and need to nurture friendships and relationships. We need to make connections with new people. Think about the people around you. Is there someone older than you whom you could befriend? What about a younger person? Friendships with a younger generation can keep us young and allow us to impart our wisdom to others.

If you attend a hobby group or club, ask yourself who looks lonely and could use a friend. Pay attention to the people in your neighborhood and church. You may notice a young man or woman who needs extra encouragement.

Regularly attend events if possible. Most towns offer concerts, festivals, movie nights, dances, tournaments, and other events. When you meet someone you like, invite them for coffee or out to an event.

Make healthier food choices

Processed foods, junk foods, and fast foods can clog your arteries, contribute to obesity and diabetes, and cause inflammation. Poor food choices can also affect cognitive thinking. If these choices are part of your daily diet, now is the time to start making healthier swaps.

Successful Aging Today: Tips for How to Age Gracefully 2Focus more on lean proteins, vegetables and fruits, low-fat dairy, and healthy fats like olive oil and nuts. You may want to consult a nutritionist for ideas, especially if you have never done much cooking at home.

When making healthy changes, use a baby-step approach. For one week, swap out only your breakfasts for healthier options. You can make a menu with different meals daily or eat the same meal for one week. The following week, do the same with your lunches. Eventually, you will have swapped out your meals and snacks for more nutritious fare. Keep treats to a minimum, but do not cut them out completely.

Avoid alcohol and cut back on caffeine

Although some researchers praise the benefits of moderate amounts of alcohol and caffeine, you will want to keep your intake of these substances minimal. Too much alcohol can lead to problems with your liver or kidneys. In addition, if you are prone to addiction, alcohol can quickly become an issue.

Too much caffeine can raise your heart rate and blood pressure. Consult with your physician about the correct amount for you. Some people can consume one to two cups of coffee in the morning and then switch to decaf coffee or tea later in the day or evening. Caffeine can interfere with your sleep, which becomes sporadic the older you are.

Do things to make yourself feel good

When was the last time you did something for yourself? Do you purchase new clothes occasionally? Do you get your hair done, or if you are a man, get your beard trimmed? You may think it does not matter how you look if you stay home most of the day. But how you treat yourself reflects the love you have for yourself.

Successful Aging Today: Tips for How to Age Gracefully 3Think about how you dressed when you wanted to impress a future spouse or significant other. It may have been a while since that has happened, but why not dress for yourself? Why not do things and wear things you love?

Now is the time to eat off the China dinnerware when you want to instead of waiting for a holiday. Now is the time to take boat trips on a lake or book a week at the beach. Doing things that make you feel good makes you walk more confidently, and your self-esteem grows. Impress yourself.

Serve in your local church

Serving in your local church goes back to becoming more social and forming new friendships. It also incorporates setting goals. For example, consider joining a committee, construction crew, decorating group, or Sunday School leadership. Working inside the church can also draw you closer to God as you lean on Him to direct your steps and bring new people to you.

God gave each one of us gifts to use for His glory. If possible, try to use your gifts in the church. For example, if you are organized, organize the newsletter or the annual summer revival. Ask your church leadership where your gifts can help the church grow.

Seek counseling when you need it

A successful person in business knows how to seek advice from experts when he or she is unsure about a move. Successful aging requires the same thought process. Managing finances is imperative after retirement, so you will want to consult with a financial advisor. On the same note, when you feel overwhelmed, stressed, anxious, or depressed, you should seek a counselor to help you work through these issues.

Contact Stone Oak Christian Counseling today to schedule an appointment with me or one of the other counselors in our online directory specializing in aging and geriatric issues. Successful aging and good mental health are possible. Give us a call today.

Photos:
“Coffee and Newspaper”, Courtesy of Getty Images, Unsplash.com, Unsplash+ License; “Yoga”, Courtesy of Krakenimages, Unsplash.com, CC0 License; “Chess Masters”, Courtesy of Vlad Sargu, Unsplash.com, CC0 License; “Hanging with Grandpa”, Courtesy of Isaac Quesada, Unsplash.com, CC0 License

  • Share on Facebook
  • Tweet it
  • ↑ Back to top
Photo of Amanda Lindsey
Schedule with Amanda
  • Appointment Info

  • Your Info

  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Amanda Lindsey

Licensed Professional Counselor Associate
(469) 333-6163 connect@texaschristiancounseling.com

As your therapist, I will be there for you and listen to you and your concerns. When we go through challenges in life, we can feel alone. Sometimes it helps just to have someone with whom you can talk things through. With kindness and empathy, I will listen to your perspective and help you understand what you are feeling, why you are feeling that way, and how you can overcome any unwanted or unhelpful emotions. My practice is enhanced by the supervision of Gene Benedict, LPC-S, a marriage and family therapist with over 30 years of experience who specializes in resolving relationship issues from a systems perspective. As a follower of Jesus, I will seek to share with you the love of Christ and the enduring truths from His Word that offer us lasting hope. Read more articles by Amanda »

Other articles that might interest you...

spacer

spacer

4 Tips for Overcoming Women's Insecurities 2
Texas Christian Counseling

4 Tips for Overcoming Women’s ...

Dealing with women’s insecurities can feel insurmountable. We can be excited about an event, wait months, and buy the perfect...

continue reading »

About Amanda

Photo of Amanda Lindsey

Amanda Lindsey, MA, LPC Associate

Licensed Professional Counselor Associate

As your therapist, I will be there for you and listen to you and your concerns. When we go through challenges in life, we can feel alone. Sometimes it helps just to have someone with whom you can talk things through. With kindness and empathy, I will listen to your perspective and help you understand what you are feeling, why you are feeling that way, and how you can overcome any unwanted or unhelpful emotions. My practice is enhanced by the supervision of Gene Benedict, LPC-S, a marriage and family therapist with over 30 years of experience who specializes in resolving relationship issues from a systems perspective. As a follower of Jesus, I will seek to share with you the love of Christ and the enduring truths from His Word that offer us lasting hope. View Amanda's Profile

Recent articles by Amanda

  • Apr 18 · Music and Mental Health: Beethoven’s Music and How Our Brains React
  • Mar 21 · There’s Nothing More Dangerous Than a Woman Who Wants Peace
  • Mar 7 · How to Fight the “Post-Holidays Blues”
See all articles by Amanda »

Related Services

  • Aging and Geriatric Issues
  • Individual Counseling

Amanda's Office Locations

  • Photo of the Stone Oak office

    Stone Oak

    Texas

    General Office Number

    (210) 961-8365
    1380 Pantheon Way San Antonio, TX 78232

    View Office Details
  • Photo of the Online Counseling office

    Online Counseling

    Texas

    General Office Number

    (469) 333-6163
    TX,  

    View Office Details
Texas Christian Counseling Logo
Texas Christian Counseling
Professional help with faith-based values
Welcome to Texas Christian Counseling. We are an association of professional, independently licensed Christian counselors and therapists. We offer multiple office locations throughout the state of Texas for your convenience, including the Plano, Frisco, Flower Mound, and Rowlett communities. We look forward to serving you!
© 2025 Plano Christian Counseling. All rights reserved.
1255 West 15th Street, Plano, TX 75075. Tel (469) 333-6163.
Facebook Sitemap Online Counseling Privacy Policy Terms of Use Feel free to contact us!