What have I learned about living well in old age? We all know about the importance of diet and exercise and good sleep habits, but this is my list:
(1) Name ageism when you see or hear it. Be aware of your own inner biases toward old people.
(2) It’s never too soon or too late to reach out to others and gather together.
(3) Everyone wants to be an important part of something important. “Important” is a relative term. For one person it might be walking to the mailbox every morning, for someone else it might be writing one poem a day, or face-timing with a grandchild or great great-grandchild once a week, or becoming a political activist, or continuing in one’s job or career. My recently retired husband says, at least for the moment, his purpose is designing his second childhood.
(4) Express Gratitude. Everyone benefits. Keep a gratitude journal, count your blessings every night as you fall asleep.
(5) Find something to smile or laugh about every single day for the rest of your life.
(6) Cultivate optimism. When something bad happens, as it will, find hope.
(7) Identify and celebrate your strengths. Use one of your top strengths in a new way every day. Or just notice when you’re using them.
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