20 Ways You Can Age Well on a Shoestring

Getting older is a challenge — but how you age depends on what you do. And even if you’re living on a fixed income, there are ways that you can keep yourself feeling younger, which can improve your quality of life.

Read on for the 20 top ways to age — while you’re living on a budget.

One of the biggest factors in health problems isn’t whether you smoke or drink, but whether you spend time with loved ones. Remaining connected to people you love can help your health outcomes. They’ll also provide more support if your health does take a turn for the worse.

Spending time outside is one of the best things you can do for your health. Hiking is usually free, especially if you have access to good local parks. And if you have a premier state or national park nearby, buying an annual pass may be a better deal than paying for every visit separately.

Nowadays, if you want to exercise you don’t have to join a pricey gym. In fact, there are plenty of exercise videos on YouTube that you can access for free. There are so many different types of workouts, from cardio to yoga to Pilates. You can subscribe to your favorite fitness experts and get notified when they release new videos.

Holding onto anger, sadness or anxiety can decrease your quality of life and cause more stress. Going to therapy can help you release those feelings in a safe environment. Look through your insurance network to find a therapist that you can afford or ask if they have a sliding scale rate. There are even group therapy options that can be more affordable.

A regular meditation practice has huge benefits for your health, like lowered blood pressure, and it can help you stay calm during times of stress or anxiety. You can find guided meditations on YouTube or through apps like Calm or Insight Timer. Try to meditate every day, even if it’s only for five minutes.

If you want to feel young and look young, you don’t have to spend a lot of money. There are plenty of good skincare options you can find at the drugstore. Vitamin C serums, moisturizers and retinol products can be the baseline for a basic skincare regimen.

Sometimes it’s hard to find time for exercise. That’s why exercising together can help. You can do something as simple as going on a long walk or hike or watching YouTube videos. Sometimes gyms or yoga studios will have discounts if you sign up together. Plus, doing it with a friend will ensure that you don’t slack off.

Part of getting older is to keep your brain active — which can mean trying new things that will challenge your brain. For example, try learning a new language or developing a new skill, like woodworking. It will be hard at first, but learning new things should feel uncomfortable. That means you’re growing.

Attending events when you’re older can be a challenge if it doesn’t fit your budget. But one of the easiest ways to attend fun events is to become a volunteer. You’ll get free admission, meet interesting people, and be part of the community. Plus, you may even get free swag or other benefits.

Your sleep routine is a huge part of how you feel on a daily basis. Getting enough — and good quality — sleep can help you feel better, prevent illness and improve your general mood. Don’t be afraid to take a nap if you need to — that can help erase sleep debt.

It sounds too obvious to mention, but eating a healthy diet can help you live longer and have better health while you’re alive. Fill your plates with mostly fruits and vegetables with lean protein and some healthy grains. Try to avoid ultra-processed food or keep them as occasional treats.

Sometimes keeping up with current events can make you feel worse, not informed. Focusing on daily occurrences can stress you out. Instead, limit yourself to checking the news for what you actually need to know, like the weather or local events.

If the last time you picked up a paintbrush or a coloring pencil was in grade school, then it might be time to get artsy. Doing creative projects can stimulate and engage different parts of your brain than you use on a normal basis. Check out your local community center for affordable art classes that you can join.

If you live alone, having a furry friend around can make you feel better. Consider adopting a cat or dog to fill your house. You can even try fostering animals if you don’t want to commit to a long-term pet. Most shelters will give you pet food and supplies so you don’t have to spend money out of your own pocket.

Most cities have a variety of free events around town that you can check out, like concerts at the park. You can often find these listings through your local newspaper or TV station. Attending these events can help add some spice to your life, without costing you anything.

Your local library is a treasure trove for more than just books and movies. You can often get free passes to local attractions, borrow tools and other items and learn about other events happening in the city. Ask your librarian how you can maximize your library pass.

Many neighborhood groups have trash clean-up days where everyone gathers together to pick up trash and debris. Joining these outings can help you meet other people in the community, get outside and enjoy some light exercise. Plus, you’ll feel like you’ve made a contribution, which can be a hard feeling to get if you’re retired.

Being part of nature is one of the best ways to stay agile and youthful. If you have a backyard, you can start a vegetable and fruit garden or plant native pollinators. If you don’t have an outdoor space, you can find a local neighborhood garden that you can join.

One of the hardest parts of getting older is losing your memory. But you can tap into your memories by listening to music.You can find pre-made playlists on apps like Spotify or YouTube. Just type in the genre you’re looking for and see what you find. You can even collaborate on playlists with friends to get more ideas.

When you get older, being close with people is important. And there’s nothing better than being close with your neighbors. Not only can you tackle home projects together, but they can help you with minor tasks like mowing the lawn, taking your dog out or picking up your mail if you’re out of town.

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