{"id":3838,"date":"2023-10-03T09:02:01","date_gmt":"2023-10-03T09:02:01","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ournewsmag.com\/?p=3838"},"modified":"2023-10-25T18:41:14","modified_gmt":"2023-10-25T18:41:14","slug":"aging-gracefully-and-mentally","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/ournewsmag.com\/index.php\/2023\/10\/03\/aging-gracefully-and-mentally\/","title":{"rendered":"Aging Gracefully and Mentally"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

   By M. Michelle Banks<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Life gets better with age. We\u2019ve all heard the saying, things will get better with time. That\u2019s not always the case for some.  Time does change things, how we think, how we act, what we believe, what we hope for, the way we see things, how we look, how we respond to successes and failures, challenges and loss, even how we feel about ourselves and life.  Aging gracefully, mentally, can be challenging. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

      At some point we began to notice the physical and mental changes in our bodies; weight gain, weight loss, gray hair, dry hair, dry skin, brittle nails,blurred vision, menopause, andropause, etc. Maybe we don\u2019t move as swiftly as we used to, we notice new aches and pains that come and go more often, our energy levels may have changed drastically or maybe not.  Whether male or female we feel and see the changes  in our bodies as we age.  Memory lapses, blood pressure, cholesterol, serotonin, dopamine, melatonin, cortisol, insulin and blood sugar levels all go up and down wreaking havoc on not just our bodies, but our minds.  In addition we experience empty nest syndrome, death of parents, relatives,  and loved ones. There are times we experience loneliness, sickness, breaks in finances, home life upsets, all sorts of ups and downs life brings our way as we grow older. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

     We don\u2019t have to fall into oblivion, pulling the shades,recusing ourselves to becoming hermits, giving up on life, defying to live. It is possible to age gracefully, mentally.  The first step is to let go of the shame and guilt we place upon ourselves. No matter the age, creed or color there  is no shame in seeking mental help. It’s okay to be strong, but asking for help when you\u2019re not so strong makes you stronger. The second step is acceptance.  Accept that aging, sickness, death, job loss, failure, disappointment, grievances, heartbreak and joy is a part of life. Accept yourself for yourself. Accept yourself for who you are. The third step is to seek help. Reach out, research, and resolve to help yourself.  We seek legal help and advice in life situations such as marriage, divorce, finances, housing, stocks, bankruptcy, taxes, you get the point. We should be just as concerned and vigilant about our mental health.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

     Seeking mental help is to give yourself the gift of life, it is the gift of self love. Seeking the necessary tools  to help you achieve better living is aging gracefully, no matter what age you are. A licensed  therapist can help you adapt to a new way of living, aging.  Remember, aging is a natural process. There is nothing unnatural about the challenges we face as we age physically and mentally.  Sure, we feel that they are because we\u2019ve never experienced them. Once you get the help you need, you will soon come to realize that there is nothing that happens to anyone that is not uncommon to the human race. You are not alone. Aging gracefully is an option, old age is hit or miss, but should you dare to give aging your best, do so mentally, be fully aware of what\u2019s available to help you live a gracefully fulfilling mental life.  Make the best of this life and face it gracefully, with mental courage. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Charlie Crafton, DNP, PMHNP, stated,\u00a0 \u201cAs we age, we face many life challenges that impact our mental health. Increased worry, sadness, and changes in sleep patterns are easily identified as symptoms of mental illness. Irritability, ongoing headaches, and digestive issues are also major\u00a0 symptoms of mental illness that can easily be overlooked.\u00a0 Effective treatment options are available to help older adults manage their mental health and improve their quality of life Recognizing these symptoms and seeing a mental health provider are first steps to getting treatment.\u201d \u201cCovington Place Therapy & Counseling, located in Collins, Mississippi, offers an integrated treatment program designed to address the challenges faced by people with mental health issues and\/or substance use issues in order to help them live more fulfilling lives. \u201cCovington Place Therapy & Counseling focuses on person-centered, evidence-based practices designed to help you thrive within your community.\u00a0 Any one may refer a patient, including primary care physicians, emergency departments, and in patient facilities;\u00a0 even the patient can refer themselves.\u00a0 Adults, teens, preteens, and children ages six years and over are accepted.\u00a0 Each referral is considered on a case by case basis.\u00a0 Call 601-698-0263 to receive a free, confidential consultation.\u00a0 A licensed mental health professional will learn about your needs and recommend a course of treatment.\u00a0 Covington\u00a0 Place accepts a variety of insurance plans.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

   By M. Michelle Banks Life gets better with age. We\u2019ve all heard the saying, things…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":3823,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"nf_dc_page":"","_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_feature_clip_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false},"categories":[12],"tags":[239,240,242,238],"class_list":["post-3838","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-our-health","tag-aging-gracefully","tag-aging-mentally","tag-center-for-aging-better","tag-covington-place"],"featured_image_urls":{"full":["https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ournewsmag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/centre-for-ageing-better-REIecbS8XQY-unsplash.jpg?fit=2400%2C1600&ssl=1",2400,1600,false],"thumbnail":["https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ournewsmag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/centre-for-ageing-better-REIecbS8XQY-unsplash.jpg?resize=150%2C150&ssl=1",150,150,true],"medium":["https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ournewsmag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/centre-for-ageing-better-REIecbS8XQY-unsplash.jpg?fit=300%2C200&ssl=1",300,200,true],"medium_large":["https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ournewsmag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/centre-for-ageing-better-REIecbS8XQY-unsplash.jpg?fit=640%2C427&ssl=1",640,427,true],"large":["https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ournewsmag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/centre-for-ageing-better-REIecbS8XQY-unsplash.jpg?fit=640%2C427&ssl=1",640,427,true],"1536x1536":["https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ournewsmag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/centre-for-ageing-better-REIecbS8XQY-unsplash.jpg?fit=1536%2C1024&ssl=1",1536,1024,true],"2048x2048":["https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ournewsmag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/centre-for-ageing-better-REIecbS8XQY-unsplash.jpg?fit=2048%2C1365&ssl=1",2048,1365,true],"newsium-slider-full":["https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ournewsmag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/centre-for-ageing-better-REIecbS8XQY-unsplash.jpg?resize=1280%2C845&ssl=1",1280,845,true],"newsium-featured":["https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ournewsmag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/centre-for-ageing-better-REIecbS8XQY-unsplash.jpg?fit=1024%2C683&ssl=1",1024,683,true],"newsium-medium":["https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ournewsmag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/centre-for-ageing-better-REIecbS8XQY-unsplash.jpg?resize=720%2C475&ssl=1",720,475,true]},"author_info":{"display_name":"Admin","author_link":"https:\/\/ournewsmag.com\/index.php\/author\/admin\/"},"category_info":"OUR HEALTH<\/a>","tag_info":"OUR HEALTH","comment_count":"0","jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":3783,"url":"https:\/\/ournewsmag.com\/index.php\/2023\/09\/13\/white-house-deia-officer-alaysia-black-hackett-reflects-on-first-year-on-the-job\/","url_meta":{"origin":3838,"position":0},"title":"Department of Labor’s DEIA Officer Alaysia Black Hackett reflects on first year on the job","author":"Admin","date":"September 13, 2023","format":false,"excerpt":"Hackett places focus on community outreach By Iris Raeshaun\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0This month marks the one-year anniversary of Alaysia Black Hackett as the Biden-appointed Chief Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility Officer.\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0When the President wrote an executive order to the federal government to model diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA), a global\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "OUR NEWS"","block_context":{"text":"OUR NEWS","link":"https:\/\/ournewsmag.com\/index.php\/category\/your-world-your-community-your-source\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ournewsmag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/ABHOfficialportrait.jpg?fit=618%2C800&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ournewsmag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/ABHOfficialportrait.jpg?fit=618%2C800&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ournewsmag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/ABHOfficialportrait.jpg?fit=618%2C800&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x"},"classes":[]},{"id":505,"url":"https:\/\/ournewsmag.com\/index.php\/2022\/04\/02\/trauma-therapist-and-denzel-washington-express-concern-for-chris-rock-and-will-smith\/","url_meta":{"origin":3838,"position":1},"title":"Trauma therapist and Denzel Washington express concern for Chris Rock and Will Smith","author":"Admin","date":"April 2, 2022","format":false,"excerpt":"By Iris Raeshaun\/OURNEWS \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Today veteran actor Denzel Washington spoke for the first time about last week\u2019s Oscar shock when millions witnessed the on-air assault on comedian Chris Rock by actor Will Smith.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0During last week\u2019s Oscars, Smith approached and slapped Rock after he made a joke about his wife, Jada\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "OUR FAITH"","block_context":{"text":"OUR FAITH","link":"https:\/\/ournewsmag.com\/index.php\/category\/our-faith\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ournewsmag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/PottersHouse.InternationalLeadershipSummit.DenzelWashingtonTDJakes1.040222-scaled.jpg?fit=1200%2C800&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ournewsmag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/PottersHouse.InternationalLeadershipSummit.DenzelWashingtonTDJakes1.040222-scaled.jpg?fit=1200%2C800&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ournewsmag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/PottersHouse.InternationalLeadershipSummit.DenzelWashingtonTDJakes1.040222-scaled.jpg?fit=1200%2C800&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ournewsmag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/PottersHouse.InternationalLeadershipSummit.DenzelWashingtonTDJakes1.040222-scaled.jpg?fit=1200%2C800&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ournewsmag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/PottersHouse.InternationalLeadershipSummit.DenzelWashingtonTDJakes1.040222-scaled.jpg?fit=1200%2C800&ssl=1&resize=1050%2C600 3x"},"classes":[]},{"id":946,"url":"https:\/\/ournewsmag.com\/index.php\/2022\/07\/07\/students-remake-black-panther-hidden-figures-scenes-for-screenings\/","url_meta":{"origin":3838,"position":2},"title":"Students remake Black Panther, Hidden Figures scenes for screenings","author":"Admin","date":"July 7, 2022","format":false,"excerpt":"\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Filmmaker Maximus Wright is pleased with the outcome of his first Filmmakers Camp done in partnership with the City of Jackson last month. Twenty students between the ages of 13 to 17 attended the month-long camp learning the ins and outs of filmmaking from Wright, who has been making films\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "OUR NEWS"","block_context":{"text":"OUR NEWS","link":"https:\/\/ournewsmag.com\/index.php\/category\/your-world-your-community-your-source\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ournewsmag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Screen-Shot-2022-07-07-at-6.28.25-PM.png?fit=1200%2C698&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ournewsmag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Screen-Shot-2022-07-07-at-6.28.25-PM.png?fit=1200%2C698&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ournewsmag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Screen-Shot-2022-07-07-at-6.28.25-PM.png?fit=1200%2C698&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ournewsmag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Screen-Shot-2022-07-07-at-6.28.25-PM.png?fit=1200%2C698&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ournewsmag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Screen-Shot-2022-07-07-at-6.28.25-PM.png?fit=1200%2C698&ssl=1&resize=1050%2C600 3x"},"classes":[]},{"id":306,"url":"https:\/\/ournewsmag.com\/index.php\/2022\/01\/03\/306\/","url_meta":{"origin":3838,"position":3},"title":"Got superfoods? This is why you need them","author":"Admin","date":"January 3, 2022","format":false,"excerpt":"By Makeisha Lee, Health and Nutritional Advisor\/OURNEWS The institution of superfoods is a technological advance that allows those of us wanting to make healthier eating choices the ability to do so without sacrificing good nutrition. In fact, consuming superfoods actually enhances our levels of nutritional intake. Let\u2019s discuss exactly what\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "OUR HEALTH"","block_context":{"text":"OUR HEALTH","link":"https:\/\/ournewsmag.com\/index.php\/category\/our-health\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ournewsmag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/cilantro-g2f2f5a72e_1920-1.jpg?fit=1200%2C816&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ournewsmag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/cilantro-g2f2f5a72e_1920-1.jpg?fit=1200%2C816&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ournewsmag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/cilantro-g2f2f5a72e_1920-1.jpg?fit=1200%2C816&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ournewsmag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/cilantro-g2f2f5a72e_1920-1.jpg?fit=1200%2C816&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ournewsmag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/cilantro-g2f2f5a72e_1920-1.jpg?fit=1200%2C816&ssl=1&resize=1050%2C600 3x"},"classes":[]},{"id":3409,"url":"https:\/\/ournewsmag.com\/index.php\/2023\/08\/04\/3409\/","url_meta":{"origin":3838,"position":4},"title":"Biden-Harris Administration Announces Competition Winners\u2026","author":"Admin","date":"August 4, 2023","format":false,"excerpt":"Biden-Harris Administration Announces Competition Winners for the Minority Business Development Agency\u2019s Capital Readiness Program The Capital Readiness Program represents the Commerce Department\u2019s largest investment in support of underserved entrepreneurs. Minority Business Development Agency Capital Readiness Program Fact Sheet WASHINGTON, D.C., \u2013 Today, Vice President Harris announced the recommended awardees for\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "OUR NEWS"","block_context":{"text":"OUR NEWS","link":"https:\/\/ournewsmag.com\/index.php\/category\/your-world-your-community-your-source\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ournewsmag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/Screenshot-2023-08-04-at-5.33.47-PM.png?fit=1200%2C459&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ournewsmag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/Screenshot-2023-08-04-at-5.33.47-PM.png?fit=1200%2C459&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ournewsmag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/Screenshot-2023-08-04-at-5.33.47-PM.png?fit=1200%2C459&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ournewsmag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/Screenshot-2023-08-04-at-5.33.47-PM.png?fit=1200%2C459&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ournewsmag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/Screenshot-2023-08-04-at-5.33.47-PM.png?fit=1200%2C459&ssl=1&resize=1050%2C600 3x"},"classes":[]},{"id":436,"url":"https:\/\/ournewsmag.com\/index.php\/2021\/05\/04\/robotics-program-inspires-rural-youth\/","url_meta":{"origin":3838,"position":5},"title":"Robotics Program inspires rural youth","author":"Admin","date":"May 4, 2021","format":false,"excerpt":"by Iris Raeshaun\/OURNEWS Rural Class Emphasizes\u00a0Math and Science \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Eighteen students from Covington and Simpson counties are now considering careers in engineering thanks to the Rural Robotics Program (RRP) taught through Mount Olive Ministries. \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0There are approximately nine school -affiliated robotics clubs in Mississippi. The RRP is the only non-school affiliated\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "OUR EDUCATION"","block_context":{"text":"OUR EDUCATION","link":"https:\/\/ournewsmag.com\/index.php\/category\/our-education\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ournewsmag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/MOM.png?fit=1200%2C685&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ournewsmag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/MOM.png?fit=1200%2C685&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ournewsmag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/MOM.png?fit=1200%2C685&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ournewsmag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/MOM.png?fit=1200%2C685&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ournewsmag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/MOM.png?fit=1200%2C685&ssl=1&resize=1050%2C600 3x"},"classes":[]}],"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ournewsmag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/centre-for-ageing-better-REIecbS8XQY-unsplash.jpg?fit=2400%2C1600&ssl=1","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/ournewsmag.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3838","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/ournewsmag.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/ournewsmag.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ournewsmag.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ournewsmag.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=3838"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/ournewsmag.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3838\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":3919,"href":"https:\/\/ournewsmag.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3838\/revisions\/3919"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ournewsmag.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/3823"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/ournewsmag.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=3838"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ournewsmag.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=3838"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ournewsmag.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=3838"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}