Looking Up
Embrace Your Age
Over recent years, I have come to believe that life only gets sweeter with age. As I get older, I tend to recall blissful times of the past in "vivid colours.” In fact, my brain seems to be wired to remember the good times.
Let me add here that I'm not ashamed to admit that I used to be afraid of growing old—not anymore. Over the years, I have come to realize that age is just a number and that it's how you look at things that really matter the most.
Studies show that growing old doesn't have to bring discomfort and disability. It is true that as we enter middle age and beyond, there will certainly be some changes that occur with getting older; we will certainly experience a number of major life changes, including retirement, kids leaving home, and physical changes, but it doesn't have to mean you're not going to feel good anymore. How we handle and grow from these changes is the key to staying healthy.
As I age, I seem to be better at controlling my emotions, better at accepting misfortune, and less prone to anger. In other words, I seem to get happier as I age.
Don't dread ageing. Getting older has its benefits:
- You no longer worry about what others think. "You can't please all the people all the time.
- Growing old is great - when you consider the alternative", as the saying goes.
- There are many discounts available to seniors.
- Studies have shown that older people grow better at living for the present.
Of course, everyone has different ways of experiencing happiness and joy, but if you're not sure where to get started, here are some ways you can make yourself even happier as you age:
1. Embrace age. Recognize and accept the ageing process and all that goes with it as a necessary part of the human condition; it happens to us all. One of the best ways to embrace ageing is to do what you love.
2. Learn something new every single day (i.e. a foreign language, a new game, try out a new cooking recipe).
3. Find new things you enjoy. Try some new activities to keep your interest alive. If age prevents you from engaging in the activities you've enjoyed in the past, find a new one.
4. Spend time with friends and family. Feeling connected can undoubtedly increase our contentment with our lives. Even if you are not close by, call or email frequently to keep relationships fresh.
5. Stay fit - Stay physically active. It doesn't mean you have to "live" at the gym. Even taking walks or doing balancing exercises can help. Walking is one of the best ways to stay fit. It's never too late to start! No matter how old you are, keeping your body in motion has enormous benefits that will help you boost your mood, stay active, sharpen your memory, and give you energy. Mild activities such as walking, stretching activities such as Yoga, or anything else that keeps you moving can improve your flexibility (as our muscles tend to stiffen when we are not active), strength, and balance. (A new Harvard study found that adding light exercises to your routine can make you over 25 per cent less likely to become disabled.)
6. Laugh. Laugh. Laugh. Laughter is the best medicine for both the body and the mind. It helps you stay balanced, energetic, and healthy (at any age).
7. Wear brightly-coloured clothes you associate with happiness.
8 Enjoy Life's Little Pleasures. Dress up and go out to a social event, a cafe, or a restaurant. Explore your neighborhood.
9. Older people can look stunning.
Bottom line is this: "One doesn't stop smiling as one grows old; one grows old by losing the talent to appreciate humor."
Here's an interesting article from "Los Angeles Times" by Deborah Netburn:
Photos taken in Athens, Greece on my Fujifilm X-T20, Fujinon 35mm F2 - which is my favorite lens (not too wide, not too long, just right), and Fujinon XC 16-50 F 3.5-5.6 OIS II (which sits permanently in my drawer).
