We have all heard this
resolution: "I am determined to grow old gracefully."
It might not have been put quite like that but the meaning was
clear, getting older does not equate with giving up. Aging is a
journey we all must take and with the proper attitude, lifestyle
and a bit of luck, our later years can be very fulfilling.
Perhaps the biggest factor in
enjoying our senior years is accepting the fact that we are now
older and very normal limitations now abound. The pursuit of a
youthful appearance can go only so far until it becomes somewhat
silly and even degrading. Wearing our years honestly brings with
it a certain dignity that we will benefit from.
We need to tolerate the
inevitable loss of our physical strength and realize that asking
for help can lead to closer ties with our families and friends.
Speaking of friends, now is the time to reach out to old and new
ones. If we cultivate the skill of really listening to what
others are saying, we might just find that our vast experience
gained over the years can be a font of knowledge that is readily
accepted by friends in need of a little help.
Many older folks seem to lose the
joy that they once had and tend to worry more and withdraw from
friends and family. Doctors now say that laughter can be one of
the best medicines for a senior citizen. Keeping your sense of
humor and being able to laugh at yourself is a great attitude to
develop and will increase our popularity with those around us.
Now we come to what I consider to
be the most important factor in determining how much we will
enjoy our senior years. I believe it is essential to maintain or
acquire a passion for some activity and a lively interest in a
number of areas would be best.
We will all have much more free
time on our hands and using that time wisely will strengthen our
zest for life and keep us mentally sharp and active. Travelling,
hobbies and group activities all work to keep us engaged and
prevent us from drawing in on ourselves and withdrawing from the
world; the greatest danger to a seniors state of mind.
A good question to ask ourselves
as we approach our senior years is this: "What good does it
do us to add years to our lives if, at the same time, we do not
add life to our years?" It is a terrific question to ask
and our answer will make all the difference in the world as to
how we spend our "golden years".
