Introduction

All of us go through the process of ageing. Growing old can be a pleasant experience. Successful ageing means preparing yourself for your later years so that you will have a happy, fulfilling and fruitful life.

There are two aspects of successful ageing:

• Physical
  • Personal hygiene
  • Nutrition
  • Fitness and exercise
  • Elderly friendly environment
  • Managing illnesses
• Psychosocial aspect

Image and attitude

• Develop a positive attitude towards life.
• Accept the changing roles.
• Be active physically and intellectually.
• Accept help when you need it but continue to manage your own life as far as you can.

Retirement And Finances

• If you are still working you should start planning for your retiremen while you are still working.
• It is never too late to take up a new hobby or a new career following your retirement.
• Join in activities where your knowledge and experiences can be shared.
• You may face some financial problems following retirement so save your money by doing a weekly budget or buying only the necessities.

Relationship

• Children may leave home but you can preserve family ties by keeping frequent contact.
• Look at your previous patterns of relationship with your family and find ways to preserve or improve them.
• Try to improve communication with your family members.
• Earn to make new friends with people in your community.

Recreation And Leisure

• Take up new hobbies to fill up your time.
• Join senior citizen clubs, community groups and voluntary bodies in your community to reduce isolation and loneliness.
• Travel if you can afford.
• Exercise regularly.
• Eat healthily.
• Avoid smoking.

Spiritual And Religion

• Learn more of your own religion.
• Join the religious activities or groups in your community.

Sexuality

• Do not feel guilty about wanting a sexual relationship at a late stage in life.
• Practice safe sex.
• Adjustment may need to be made to ensure sexual satisfaction.
• Companionship may be more important to you than just a physical relationship.

Facing Death And Dying

• You must be able to express your feelings when you experience the loss of someone close to you.
• You must know when to get help from family and community if you feel that you cannot cope with your loss.
• You must know when to confide in someone rather than withdraw into yourself.
• Look at your past achievement as it may help you bring some self-satisfaction to you, regardless of how small or great it was.