How to Maximize Health & Happiness in Your Third Act of Life.

Your Third Act, from ages 60-90, has the potential to be a healthy, joyful, and rewarding life phase. To maximize your well-being on every level in this period, cultivate a proactive mindset that prioritizes healthy, positive adjustments along the way in the following areas:

Your Physical Health

For optimal well-being, prioritize a menu rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, healthy fats, and nourishing protein, such as beans, lentils, peas, chickpeas, peanuts, tofu, edamame, nuts and seeds, like quinoa, hemp seeds, chia seeds, pumpkin seeds, almonds, walnuts, etc.

Hydrate well to support organ and brain function. Seniors may have a reduced sense of thirst while being more susceptible to dehydration’s negative effects. Consider plain, sparkling water, hot and iced teas, and infused water. Minimize sodas and sweetened beverages.

Keep moving. Physical activity improves your mood, energy levels, and cognitive function. Adapt your routine to your changing body with yoga, tai chi, swimming, or brisk walking that includes some slopes.

Prioritize sleep, as it’s vital for seniors’ cognitive function, memory, emotional well-being, and immune health. Aim for 7–9 hours of sleep per night. If slumber often eludes you, consider natural sleep aids such as CBD, melatonin, valerian root, “sleep” teas, etc.

Your Mental and Emotional Health

To stay sharp, clear, and cogent, challenge your brain with daily actions like solving crossword puzzles, playing complex card games, studying a foreign language, taking classes, learning a musical instrument, viewing documentaries, and reading both fiction and non-fiction books.

For emotional resilience and healthy mindfulness, engage in relaxation practices like deep breathing or meditation. Explore creative outlets, such as writing, drawing, painting, singing, playing an instrument, crafting, etc. Most importantly, tap into daily gratitude by focusing on the simple things and actively appreciating the positive aspects of your life. What you focus on expands.

 Your Social Well-Being

Meaningful relationships are a powerful predictor of a long and happy life. To maximize this aspect of healthy longevity, nurture your existing relationships. Reach out to friends and family. Consider book clubs, hiking groups, or art classes. Also, make a point to interact with younger people, as intergenerational connections provide a valuable exchange of perspectives. We all learn from each other.

 Your Financial Health

Stress and worry don’t support healthy aging, so make sure you’re organized legally and financially. A trustworthy financial advisor can help structure or update your finances for a 100-year lifespan. Settle your will, power of attorney, and plan for end-of-life care costs. If needed, update beneficiaries on all your accounts, including retirement funds and insurance policies, to ensure your wishes are clear.

As you can see, you have far more control over our health and well-being on every level than you may have realized. The more of the above positive actions you transform into regular habits, the happier and healthier you are likely to be. Cheers to a fabulous Third Act!