Once you are diagnosed with MS, you know you are in it for the long haul. Getting older isn't easy for anyone, but getting older with a chronic condition is even harder. It's important to stay ahead of the game when it comes to preparing your body to combat aging the best way it possibly can.
Plenty of people have gone before you, so their advice can be invaluable. Herb L. wrote a piece over at Above MS about he has dealt with aging with MS over the years. These are tips that can work for anyone who wants to have a healthier lifestyle, but take them to heart if you are looking age well with MS.
Check out the first couple of tips:
Our bodies were made to move
MS may keep you from being as active as you’d like to be. Mobility issues and depression are prevalent with MS, and they can isolate you from others. After working with my doctor on the level of activity that’s right for me, I learned that pushing myself to be as active as possible has many benefits—both physically and mentally. I try to stay true to a schedule of daily exercise (whether it’s going for a walk or even just taking the stairs) and maintain a network of social connections with family, friends, and neighbors. These two things have made me feel like I’m living a healthier lifestyle even as I get older.
It’s all about attitude
It’s easy to start thinking negatively when you are dealing with a chronic disease. I have realized that maintaining a positive attitude is so important. It took a while, but I’ve accepted the fact that I have MS. That means I have certain limitations. Dwelling on what I can’t do is counterproductive. Instead, I stay focused on what I can do and get enjoyment out of even the “little things.” I’ve always considered myself a positive person, and that’s something MS can’t take away from me—or from you. Be positive and get determined to maintain your self-identity.