Terms such as “40 is the new 30” have become popular buzz words within the last 10 years. Although it seems as if better health during middle age is a fairly new concept, the idea has been around longer than one may realize. Dr. Halbert Dunn, an Ohio physician, is reputed as being the first to coin the phrase, “high level of wellness.” A small publication, High Level Wellness, authored by Dr. Dunn in 1961 defined the concept of wellness as “a process involving a zest for living.” Health is far more than just a fit physique. Enhancing certain elements of life becomes even more important after 40. These elements can be defined as the scope of a total person.
Emotional
Emotional or mental wellness is determined since birth by biological makeup and environment. The mind becomes conditioned to learned responses and each individual reacts or copes differently. Developing rational and positive coping skills to life’s ups and downs is essential to reducing stress and achieving optimal mental health. Employing techniques such as meditation or prayer, and behavioral counseling can offset learned, unhealthy responses to anxiety or stress.
Social
Social isolation is a major, contributing factor to poor health. Those with strong support systems tend to live longer and live happier. Quality of life and self esteem is enhanced by social networks. Many people report after turning 40, they develop better social skills and make better choices in terms of friends and partners. A social network can be a small group of friends, a community-based organization, or involvement in work-related activities. The key is that the network or support system be meaningful to the individual; this usually means associating with people that have similar interests.
Intellectual
The childlike wonder of seeing/learning something for the first time can be realized throughout life. Being open to learning new skills is crucial to overall health. A hobby such as painting or woodworking can be enhanced by taking a class—online or at a university. Learn a new language. Travel to a nearby city and learn about its history. Become a mentor to someone older or younger. Watch less television and read, read, read. The brain is similar to a muscle and a muscle will atrophy without exercise. Exercise the brain!
Spiritual
Studies from the past two decades suggest that having a strong spiritual or religious belief have a positive impact on one’s health and well-being. Whether it’s engaging in a religious ceremony, mediation/prayer or enjoying nature, the intrinsic value of spirituality incorporates different aspects of the human experience—our emotions to our intellect, our minds to our bodies, and our connection to others. Spirituality touches the intangible part of us, the soul, which results in a peaceful state of well-being. These periods of rest offer a respite from the stresses of everyday life. Stress, a major contributor to chronic disease, is alleviated through rituals of quietness and sublimation.
Physical
According to an article in the Canadian Journal of Applied Physiology, there is a 10% decrease in muscle tissue between the ages of 25 and 45. After 45, that decrease plummets to 45% over the next 30 years. Resistance or weight training is crucial to slowing down this process. Joining a strength training class or gym, or using resistance bands are ways in which to maintain healthy muscle tissue. Walk, walk, walk. The benefits of walking at least three times a week, for 30 minutes is one of the best and simplest ways to promote physical health. It lowers blood pressure, strengthens bones, and is an excellent way to boost cardio health. After age 40, yearly physicals are not an option, but a necessary, preventative tool to ensure optimal health.
Life after 40 is no longer the beginning of old age. It is simply the next chapter; the beginning of enjoying life to its fullest through knowledge gleaned and lessons learned.