Have you ever thought about what it means to “age gracefully”? Is it a state of mind? A state of being? A hope or wish for an easy and smooth transition to our elder years?
I’m at a point in my life where most of the elders in my family have passed on, except for my amazing 92-year-old aunt. She always has a smile on her face and a twinkle in her eye. She’s quick witted with a dry sense of humor and completely aware of what’s going on in the world around us – which I attribute to Jeopardy, news programs, crossword puzzles, going to church and her weekly Bridge outings with friends. She enjoys a cocktail or two from time to time and eats MOSTLY healthy.
When it comes to exercise, it’s a little tough. She’s had both her knees replaced, a pacemaker installed, a leaky heart valve, deteriorating disks in her back and is maybe a little bit overweight. But in spite of her physical ailments, she is more active than some 70 year olds I know! She still drives (but is no more a menace on the road than I am), she’s able to care for herself and can still put an amazingly delicious meal on the table.
In the past few months, she’s had a few setbacks – not the least of which is getting Covid twice. But she still has a smile on her face and that twinkle in her eye. And when she starts to complain, she ALWAYS stops herself, shifts her perspective and says she’s got nothing to complain about.
Then there was my aunt on the other side of the family – my mom’s sister. She was an amazing woman and lived a long and healthy life, passing away at the age of 94. I attribute her longevity to unwavering faith, helping others, staying current with the news, shopping only the perimeter of the grocery store, keeping a plentiful garden and Shaklee vitamins. I never saw her take a drink of alcohol or smoke a cigarette and I never heard her complain.
Wow. Is that the secret ???
Is it something as simple as changing our perspective and taking on a positive mindset that helps us deal with the trials and tribulations that come with aging?
I’m sure that’s only part of the equation. The other things these amazing role models had in common were faith and connection – with friends and family, as well as what was going on in the world around them. No matter what form faith and connection take in our lives, they provide a solid foundation for how we view the world.
So as we move on into the twilight of our lives, consider that aging gracefully is more about a positive mindset than it is a state of being.
RenewYou.
Be Positive.