Craig Carmoney’s BLOG

By Craig Carmoney

As we move through life, many of us become focused on taking care of others—our families, our coworkers, our communities. That’s a good thing. It’s also what I’ve devoted much of my career to as an educator and leader. But one lesson I’ve learned along the way is that we can’t truly give our best to others unless we’re taking care of ourselves—both mentally and physically.

Aging brings new challenges, but also new opportunities. With the right mindset and habits, we can age with strength, clarity, and purpose. Here are a few practices I’ve found essential—not just for surviving the years, but for thriving in them.

1. Move Every Day—Your Body Was Built for It

You don’t have to run marathons to stay physically healthy. Walking, stretching, light weight training, yoga, swimming—whatever keeps you active and engaged—is more important than ever as we age. Regular movement improves balance, boosts energy, and reduces the risk of chronic diseases.

But more than that, it just makes you feel good. Starting your day with a brisk walk or a few minutes of stretching does more than energize your body—it clears your mind and sets the tone for everything else.

2. Feed Your Brain What It Needs

A healthy body supports a healthy mind. The foods we choose can either fuel mental clarity or fog it. Nutrient-rich meals, hydration, and smart supplementation (when needed) can protect memory and cognitive function. And don’t underestimate the value of sleep—it’s the brain’s way of resetting and restoring.

Beyond diet, challenge your brain. Read something new. Learn a skill you’ve never tried. Engage in conversations that stretch your perspective. Mental agility, like physical strength, must be trained and maintained.

3. Find Community and Purpose

Loneliness is one of the most underestimated risks of aging. Staying connected—with friends, family, neighbors, or community groups—isn’t just a nicety; it’s vital. Humans are wired for connection. Whether it’s volunteering, joining a book club, or mentoring someone younger, giving your time and attention to others helps you feel grounded and valued.

Purpose keeps us going. I often remind myself: retirement or slowing down doesn’t mean stopping. It means shifting how we contribute—and that contribution, however small, matters.

4. Make Mental Health a Priority, Not an Afterthought

There’s a growing awareness around mental health, and rightly so. Stress, anxiety, and depression don’t disappear with age—they often take new forms. Recognize the signs in yourself and seek support if needed. Talk to a counselor, a friend, a faith leader—whoever you trust.

Equally important is practicing self-compassion. Aging isn’t always easy. There are losses—of people, of routines, of physical abilities. It’s okay to grieve, to feel frustrated. What matters is how we respond. Gratitude, reflection, and intentional rest can go a long way in nurturing a positive mindset.

5. Keep a Learner’s Spirit

One of the best ways to stay young at heart is to stay curious. Try new things. Ask questions. Admit when you don’t know something—and then go find out. Whether it’s technology, travel, art, or just listening more closely to the next generation, staying open and adaptable can keep you mentally vibrant for years to come.

Aging is inevitable. Decline is not. With intentional choices, we can remain strong, relevant, joyful, and resilient well into our later years. You don’t have to do it all at once—just take one step. Then another. Before long, you’ll discover that health, in all its forms, is less about age and more about how you choose to live.

Craig Carmoney

Educator. Leader. Lifelong Learner.