What it means to each generation to age well has changed throughout the decades. As societal norms change, expectations for how people should feel or act also change. The goal of successful aging is always to age gracefully.

So what does it mean to age well or gracefully? Aging gracefully is finding the optimal balance between the physical, social (friendships), mental (cognitive), psychological, and spiritual aspects of aging. Each aspect of aging is important and interacts with the other.

We must be intentional in how we grow, develop, and maintain these five aspects of aging because of the multifaceted nature of our beings. Each aspect will likely be a focus at different times and seasons. Like a garden, our lives (and specifically these five basic attributes to graceful aging) go through the necessary seasons and cycles.

As a physical therapist, my primary role is to help older adults improve their physical abilities so they can continue to participate in the other aspects of living a full and graceful life. Daily activity and maintaining strength are vital components to aging well. Continue reading for tips for staying active and aging gracefully.