Do you belong to the group of people that doesn't want to grow old? ![IMG_3521.jpeg](https://cdn.steemitimages.com/DQmXF6hzUk63tTGWzsvL63gBg9j7owFGtBzxoqiscNEtiD2/IMG_3521.jpeg)[pixabay](https://pixabay.com/photos/people-portrait-adult-old-woman-3190181/) As old age is inevitable, can I ever say that I don’t want to grow old? Most of us sometimes wish we can stay young forever but things don’t work that way. I was talking with my mum some months ago when she came visiting and she was telling me of how she knew my aunty’s mum when she was a small girl. The woman was so beautiful and tall that everyone thought she was a goddess but now my mum is in her fifties and That once very tall and exceptionally beautiful woman she knew from when she was small is now old and old age had taken it toll on her. She’s no longer as beautiful obviously and wrinkles are now the order of the day. An inevitable part of life. While aging can be slowed down, it cannot be avoided. I know that I would grow old someday but thank God for the everyday young look he gave me. >What are the characteristics of old age? ![IMG_3522.jpeg](https://cdn.steemitimages.com/DQmS6pttR4Suawr23g7CmMiVK6docdCDktE8vyRnn2dStqF/IMG_3522.jpeg)[pixabay](https://pixabay.com/photos/face-woman-old-infant-young-child-1987212/) Old age is a phase of life that’s characterized by so many things ranging from physical to emotional, to health, cognitive, sensory and even health changes. Some of the things that characterize old age includes; * Physical changes. The once smooth and fine body begins to have wrinkles and the physical strength begins to diminish which affects physical activities due to the reduction in bone destiny and muscle mass. * Sometimes there could be impairment of vision and hearing loss. * Old people experience sleep disorders and disturbances such as sleep apnea and insomnia. * Chronic health challenges like diabetes, high blood pressure, arthritis etc become prominent in old age. * Alzheimer’s and amnesia mostly affects people of old age and some even have long term loss of memory while some are short term. * Old age is known to be full of wisdom and experience accumulated over time. * Work retirement which comes with challenges or more opportunities. * Old people tend to have more emotional connections with family and building relationships becomes important to them. >What are you doing to stay healthy during old age. ![IMG_3523.jpeg](https://cdn.steemitimages.com/DQmRLFhNWw2f1eRcDTvpEArPWh6nrKkT6oxWYLiw58KAVZy/IMG_3523.jpeg)[pixabay](https://pixabay.com/photos/hands-old-hands-old-granny-folds-2066551/) Old age can be a challenging time and hence some things are necessary to stay healthy during old age and some of the things we do now can help us in that stage and some of the things to do to stay healthy during old age is: * To be physically active and engage in a lot of exercising and physical activities such as swimming, yoga, walking, running and etc to stay fit. * Maintaining a good and balanced diet is key such as incorporating more vegetables, fruits and whole grains in our diets. * Getting enough sleep helps us to be able to maintain clear mind and good mental sanity. * Maintaining good hygiene and cleanliness amd staying hydrated. * Routine medical check up if a great way to take care of ourselves and prepare for old age. >At what age can we call someone an old person. From world health statistics, United Nations and the society at large, anyone from 60 years and above are considered as belonging to the old age category while those who are 80 and above are considered oldest age. Many countries consider the age and 60 -70 as retirement age which can vary in many countries. The average majorly being 65 and max 70. Though this is just the chronological consideration of old age. Old age comes with joy as the contest implies and old people are full of wisdom due to the various experiences that they have been through and old people are calmer and more family and relationship oriented even though they encounter certain challenges but these challenges can be taken care of or minimize with good health practices like I stated above.