We’re Living Longer Than Ever Before
The average life expectancy in 2023 was 77.5 years. This is almost double what it was at the start of the twentieth century. But just because we’re living longer does not mean we’re living better. Here are a few tips from Meemaw that helped her age gracefully.
Eat Home-Cooked Meals
When you grew up before take-away and DoorDash, making food at home from scratch was the only option. Most of our grandmas were expert cooks, and picking up their cookbooks and family recipes might be a great place to start eating healthy again.
Stick to a Routine
You can’t manage an entire household (often full of many children and grandchildren) without a good schedule. Even if you’re someone with a full-time job and no children, picking up time and task management skills can be an asset in your personal and professional lives.
Grow Your Own Food
Nan-nan probably grew up at a time of war rationing, and that meant growing anything you could in your back garden. Today, although we can get basically anything at the nearest Walmart, growing some (or all) of your fruits and veggies can be an economical and therapeutic hobby.
Keep Moving, Gently
We’ve all seen those '50s home workout videos, haven’t we? Even after those days were past, keeping up with some form of exercise was a routine for Grams. Even something as simple as going out for a walk can help you feel better physically and mentally, helping you age gracefully.
Use What You Have
Mend clothes, reuse takeout boxes, rewear outfits — use every resource you have to the fullest. It’s what kept grandma's budgets low and her life content. Making full use of everything you have is a great way to stay grounded and resourceful.
Rest Without Guilt
Today’s hustle culture demands we be plugged in nearly 24/7, but grandma understood that rest is as important as work. Whether it is afternoon naps or quiet reading time at night, getting proper rest for your body and mind can help you be more productive and fruitful during the day.
Laugh Often
One of grandma’s greatest wisdoms has been the maxim ‘laughter is the best medicine’. The longer you live, the more you realise that this is undoubtedly true. Finding joy in the smallest things can help make the bigger stresses of life easier to bear.
Mind Your Posture
Sitting up straight isn’t just better for your back; it’s better for your mind. Some studies have shown a link between an upright posture and a better mood. Sitting up taller and carrying yourself with dignity can lead to a better self-image and increased self-confidence.
Drink Herbal Teas
Most of us coffee addicts might not understand how helpful these are until we try them. Herbal teas are known to reduce stress and help soothe the mind and body. That’s why most of our grandmothers are always sipping on a piping hot cup of chamomile tea.
Stay Out of the Sun
Sunhats and parasols may have given way to sunscreens in the 21st century, but the general principle still remains. Protecting yourself from harsh sunlight can reduce the risks associated with skin cancer and keep your skin looking moisturised and wrinkle-free (without any botox).
Wear What Feels Good
Grandma understood the difference between fashion trends and personal style. She didn’t try to fit into molds she was never made for. Realising and living this mindset can be the secret to unlocking your self-confidence. Next time, don’t wear what others are wearing; wear what makes you feel confident and comfortable.
Limit Sugar and Sweets
Yes, grandma always had some sweets for the kids, but she rarely hogged them herself. Sugary sweets are meant to be an occasional treat; making them a part of your regular diet can wreak havoc on your body. Keep your sugar intake low to reduce the risk of diabetes.
Read for Pleasure and Growth
What today’s TikTok generation doesn’t understand is that reading is not a chore. It is one of the most stimulating hobbies that can help you grow as a person. That’s why winding down with a good book is grandma’s favorite pastime.
Write Things Down
This doesn’t necessarily mean physically writing in a notebook; even something as simple as jotting down your thoughts in the Notes app of your phone can count. From grocery lists to journal entries, writing things down is how Nanna kept her mind sharp and her home organised (and so can you).
Pray or Meditate
Many people get more spiritual as they grow older. It's common to find refuge in religion and spirituality when life’s stresses start weighing you down. If you’re not religious, spending five to ten minutes a day meditating can have a similar calming effect on your mind.
Tidy as You Go
A messy home is a reflection of a messy mind, and grandma always knew that. That’s why she picked up after herself (and others) as she went. Tidying up as you go makes it much easier to maintain a clean space and gives a sense of clarity and comfort.
Don’t Complain, Adapt
Life will never stop throwing curveballs at you. That’s just how it is. The most important thing you can learn from grandma is that instead of dwelling on the past, use what you have to move forward and build a future.
Listen More Than You Speak
Still waters run deep. Picking and choosing when to speak and what to say is an art that Meemaws have perfected. Listening to people helps you gain more insight into what they think and feel, and helps you become a better, more empathetic person.
Use Things Until They’re Truly Worn
This is a useful piece of advice not just for your life but for the planet as a whole. You don't need to chase trends and buy things you already have just because social media is pushing you to. Invest in high-quality things and use them until they are worn out, and pass them down the generations if you can.
Keep Family Close
Even if it’s your “chosen family”, having a tight-knit group of people you can rely on in case of emergencies and for emotional support helps make life much easier. Go beyond just “catching up” and actually invest time in relationships.
Practice Good Manners
“Never wield such power, you forget to be polite” is not just a Taylor Swift lyric; it’s a lesson she learned from her grandmother. And it’s a rule everyone should follow. Politeness can open more doors in life than force.
Preserve Memories
A life lived alone is not a life worthwhile. Creating memories for yourself isn’t enough. You need to preserve and spread them. Whether it’s through photo albums or Google Photos, work hard to keep the memories of your life and the lives of others important to you, alive.
Don’t Chase Youth
Ageing is a natural process. The only way to age gracefully is to accept the effects of ageing and work with them rather than against them. Do what you need to stay healthy, but spending countless thousands of dollars on excessive beauty treatments will not give you the inner acceptance that you crave.
Do Things With Mindfulness
The idea of doing whatever you’re pursuing–whether it’s a hobby, a chore, or a degree–with intent and care was never an unknown concept. It helps you be precise and deliver high-quality work in the most efficient way, improving your work and your self-image.
Limit Screen Time (or Avoid It)
It might not be entirely possible for most of us to entirely cut out screentime from our lives because we use it for work or school, but cutting down on screens during our free time is possible. Without screens (and social media), you’re bound to be more present and appreciative of the small things in life.
Take Pride in Appearance
Grandma always looked put together and presentable because she knew that how she looked affected how people treated her. Maintaining your looks is not vanity, it’s an investment in yourself.
Give Without Expecting
How many of us remember being told that “A true gift expects nothing in return”? Being kind, especially to those most in need of it, should not come with the expectation of kindness in return. Understanding this helps you have more empathy and joy in life.
Stretch in the Morning
Ease into the day with gentle movement that will make your blood circulate properly throughout your body. Over time, it will help reduce any minor aches and pains.
Accept Help When Needed
A lot of us are tuned to see needing help as a weakness, but Grandma knew better. We can’t always do everything alone, and being able to accept that and ask for help needs courage.
Keep a Hobby Alive
It can be anything from knitting and baking to woodworking and sports. Having a space or an activity where you can be entirely yourself and build relationships with others outside of just your family helps maintain your sense of self and keeps you optimistic.
