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'Grow old along with me, the best is yet to be....,' said Robert Browning and he was right. The later years of life can certainly be enjoyable. There is a sense of balance and poise as one ages. This is the period to take stock of oneself, both physically and spiritually.

Negative eating habits developed over the years, the lack of exercises, apart from ineffective breathing, collectively begin to give rise to physical discomfort during this period. Digestive disorders, sleeplessness, arthritis, and improper blood circulation are some of the common difficulties experienced at this age. Talking to your children or grand children will relieve stress. Here are ten tips to make the later years a wonderful experience.

• The first thing one has to bear in mind is that your major responsibilities are over. Be positive about everything. Good thoughts make a good body.

• Play soulful instrumental music in the mornings, like flute or some bhakti songs. Music helps to lift the spirits.

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  Walking is a rejuvenating experience. It has to be slow and peaceful.

• Talking with other people and sharing your thoughts with others are positive outlets.

• The body has great regenerative powers. Simple exercises and modified yogasanas like Makarasana,( lying on the abdomen, eyes closed with the palms kept one on top of the other). Paschimottanasana (Forward Bend) and Padahastasana(touching toes or at least the knees). These two exercises can be done in the standing posture. These can even be done with a backrest or pillow or sitting on the chair. Whenever there is discomfort, either in walking or while doing exercises, do the Shavasana or the corpse pose.

• Meditation helps to soothe the mind. Sit in the pose you are comfortable in, and concentrate on a beautiful flower or happy moment of your life. Eyes should be closed. If you are lonely, meditation will give you solace.

• Do take time off to watch your favourite television show or indulge yourself by watching a movie.

• Warm coconut oil mixed with a few camphor pieces can be used to massage stiff joints. In winter or in the rainy season, warm mustard oil can be gently massaged. Get oil body massage done once a fortnight, either with coconut oil or with gingili oil. In case you have access to aromatic oils, go ahead and get a massage done with it.

• Cook a favourite dish for your children or grandchildren.

• Remember our mothers did knitting and sewing? If your vision is good, knit or sew once in a while. It is a good exercise for the joints and helps relieve stress.

Do keep the above in mind and live a happy and healthy life.