As you grow older you may begin to encounter a unique set of challenges that are often difficult to face alone. The back pains, arthritis, and issues relating to vision are already a handful. Add to that an ostomy and you have got one extra layer of adjustment to deal with.

However, your ostomy doesn’t need to slow you down. A study on patients with an ostomy concluded that the way a patient assesses their health condition and their mindset regarding potential complications determines their quality of life.

This means that if you nurture the right mindset, plan ahead, and follow a few practical tips, you can definitely maintain an active and fulfilling lifestyle well into your golden years!

1. Start Moving Your Body

Your body is your biggest asset and staying active is one of the best ways you can keep your muscles strong, your energy high, and mood lifted. But, where to begin?

Start by exploring different activities and find what feels good for you personally. Not every kind of exercise is going to be comfortable or enjoyable for you. That’s alright! Start with gentle, low-impact exercises.

Consider walking. Be it a stroll through the local park or around the neighborhood, walking is a low impact exercise that gets your blood pumping without any risk of a strain. You could also take up swimming! Water exercise is even easier on the joints and provides you excellent core strength which is a need for many ostomy patients.

If nothing else sounds appealing, try yoga. Look out for local yoga classes designed especially for seniors, opt for gentle yoga, or try chair yoga. This allows you to build flexibility, balance, and boost your well-being. It’s a great way to relax!

Some days you may feel like you can conquer the world. On other days, you might feel down in the dumps. That is perfectly normal and if your body wants you to take a break, remember to not push yourself too hard. Being consistent is much more important than intensity.

2. Dressing for Comfort and Confidence

Part of having an active lifestyle is ensuring you don’t shy away from public appearances. Socialize just as much as you would have before you got that ostomy.

One of the biggest concerns of people with an ostomy is, “Will people notice?” The great news? With a little planning, no one needs to know unless you tell them!

The first and most important step is to choose the right clothing. High waisted pants as well as leggings work wonders for keeping your ostomy bag secure and out of sight. You can also rely on loose, breathable tops for comfort and discretion.

If you want to take it up a notch, consider investing in specialty ostomy wraps and belts which can offer you added support especially if you are attending a workout class or your local gym.

3. Carry Everything You Need

Keep your ostomy bag supplies on hand with confidence. This ensures you are prepared for everything. Choose a small travel bag that ideally contains extra pouches, wipes, and disposable bags. This could be a lifesaver when you are out and about.

• Pack extra supplies (because it is way better to have too much than not enough).
• Use a small carry-on bag for easy access during longer trips.
• Keep yourself hydrated and be mindful of what you eat.

Just because you have an ostomy doesn’t mean you need to reserve yourself to the sidelines. You deserve an active lifestyle just as much as anyone else. Stay connected with others and commit to doing things you love.

Join a group or a class with like-minded people for your mental well-being. Be it a walking club, a painting class, or a book club, social activities can keep your mind sharp and your spirits high.

4. Nourish Yourself

Eat well to feel your best. Food is fuel and choosing the right fuel will keep those energy levels up. Although everyone’s digestive system reacts differently, here are a few general tips that might help;

• Stay hydrated and consider drinks with electrolytes if you sweat a lot.
• Be mindful of fiber as some high-fiber foods can cause blockages or discomfort. Introduce them slowly and see how your body reacts.
• Instead of three big meals, try eating smaller portions throughout the day. This helps you avoid bloating.

5. Mindset Matters

Don’t forget to laugh at life. Spilled a drink? Forgot your shopping list? Left the house in mismatched shoes? It happens! Learning to laugh at the little things makes life much more enjoyable.

If you need support, be it in the forms of a good friend, an ostomy support group, a family member, or a partner, make sure you reach out. Having people around you who uplift you can make all the difference.

Lace Up and Step Outside

The world is waiting, and there’s plenty of adventure ahead. Having an ostomy doesn’t mean the end of an active lifestyle. Stay active, dress comfortably, plan ahead, and continue to enjoy all the things you love!