As we get older, things change. The kids are all grown up, our bodies are physically aging, and our perspectives on life shift. However, once you hit that milestone birthday, don’t let society woo you into false assumptions about aging. Yes, you may want to slow down a bit, but never stop living it up just because you’ve hit a particular age.
Are You Up For An Adventure?
Try new things and stop assimilating to society’s view of being “frail, dependent, and out of touch in the media.” According to Alana Officer, WHO Coordinator of Ageing and Life Course commenting on a 2016 study about negative ageism, “negative attitudes about ageing and older people also have significant consequences for the physical and mental health of older adults.”1
So, keep active, stay creative, and reinvigorate your social life.
Don’t just sit and watch TV. Don’t give up on your fun activities. It’s your time! Find a friend or a role model and follow their example to live your best life.
There are plenty of role models to choose from. Not just in entertainment but in all levels of society. Just look at Liam Neeson (70), Arnold Schwarzenegger (75), Morgan Freeman (85), Diane Keaton (77), Jamie Lee Curtis (64), Tina Turner (83), Oprah Winfrey (69), Rita Moreno (91) and so many more actors who are still working. And that’s not including our many government officials who are still active in their 70’s and 80’s!
There are local examples in your community, you just need to look for them. Are there neighbors in their 70s that spend their free time hiking? What about the seniors who babysit and chase around their toddler grandchildren or even great-grandchildren? Do you know of that 80-year-old who takes senior-friendly gardening or carpentry classes? What about that 65-year-old man who runs miles daily to keep himself fit and active?
How do these senior men and women push themselves each day and live their best lives? You won’t find them sitting around in rocking chairs. Instead, they’re rocking it in their senior years.
Aging Gracefully
We’ve all heard the term, “aging gracefully.” This concept is more about being healthy and happy than keeping wrinkles at bay. To age gracefully, experts advise people to maintain a healthy lifestyle, surround yourself with people you love, and do things that bring you joy! While it’s natural to be concerned about some of the health challenges that aging can bring, don’t let it stop you.
Everyone around us talks about role models for youth, but it’s just as important for senior adults to have someone to look up to. Those are the people who teach us to live life at any age. We’re here until the final checkout. Why not go all 80 For Brady until then? Those four long-time best friends weren’t done living yet and embarked upon a life-changing road trip at 80 to see their favorite football star, Tom Brady, play at the 2017 Super Bowl LI.
This film beautifully depicts that life doesn’t have an expiration date; that’s best left for packaged food items. Our graceful years don’t mean that life’s over. The golden period begins a whole new chapter. Your energy might be a little low, but your desire to live your best life shouldn’t be.
Embrace The Transformation And Live It As A Positive Experience
Having role models and embracing whatever is to come can help you fiercely pursue happiness regardless of your age. Have a purpose, get moving, keep your brain stimulated, manage stress daily, drink and smoke moderately, eat healthily, sleep well, connect with your community, and keep a positive outlook. When you’re doing that, you’ll stay young, no matter what the numbers say.
1News release: “Discrimination and negative attitudes about aging are bad for your health,” 29 September 2016, WHO, GENEVA