Healthy Aging can be defined as “the practice of developing and maintaining functional ability that allows older adults to live a fulfilling and satisfying lifestyle”. It encompasses physical, cognitive and social abilities. Furthermore, self-care practices related to self-care practices; participation in family and community life activities; understanding and managing health conditions effectively and making use of preventive services are all elements of healthy aging.
Meditation can be an invaluable asset to healthy aging. Meditation helps improve mental clarity, reduce depression and foster positive feelings towards others while diminishing negative thoughts that contribute to anxiety, such as worry, fear or obsessive-compulsive behaviors. Furthermore, regular practice of meditation increases self-esteem and compassion while decreasing blood pressure.
One study reported that people who meditated regularly reported decreased pain. This may be due to brain chemicals which reduce perceptions of pain. Furthermore, regular meditation improves heart and blood vessel health by relieving strain when pumping blood; additionally lowering cholesterol levels may decrease your risk for stroke and improve performance overall.
Meditation comes in many different forms, and finding one that fits is key to finding what’s right for you. Some types are designed to increase focus while others help identify negative or self-deprecating thoughts. You can meditate sitting or lying down, in a quiet location such as walking or stretching. Studies show that just 12 minutes of daily meditation practice can strengthen attention span as well as reduce migraine frequency while potentially lowering blood sugar and cholesterol levels.