by Mary Frances Hansen
Have you noticed how some people are so robust and energetic in their 70's, 80's, and even
in their 90's? Then there are those people who are in their 50's and 60's who have lost their vitality. “Age is only a number” is an old cliché......but how true this statement is.
Astronaut John Glen returned to space at the age of 77. Poet Maya Angelou received the Presidential Medal of Freedom at the age of 82. Julia Child wrote a cookbook at the age of 87. Frank Lloyd Wright was still designing homes at the age of 91. Dr. William Worrall founded the Mayo Clinic at the age of 70. William Shatner (a.k.a) Star Trek's Captain Kirk) blasted into space at the age of 90.
The concept of positive aging is about making the most of the benefits of being old and keeping a good attitude about life. It is about keeping a positive growth mindset through our older age just like any other phase of life, regardless of challenges.
We have a choice....we can either have a positive attitude or a negative attitude about aging. If you are a positive thinker, then you are going to think positive about life in general and you will think positive about aging! You are going to be much healthier and happier. You will think young and stay young at heart. I call this “graceful aging” or “successful aging!”
Are you aware we have three ages? Our first age is our Chronological Age. This age is how many birthdays we have had. This is how old we are by our calendar years and we can't change this age. Our second age is our Biological Age. This age is the condition our body is in and how old our body feels and functions. We can change this age by our lifestyle and our Attitude! Our third age is our Psychological Age. This age is how old we think we are which affects our Biological Age.
I may be 87 by my calendar years, but I am young at heart and my positive attitude about aging puts my Psychological Age in my 50's. God has blessed me with a high energy level all my life and a positive mental attitude about aging! I am blessed and I can outwork most people in their 50's!!!
Each age is so important to our emotional, spiritual, and intellectual growth. Put humor in your life. Fill it with enthusiasm and gusto. Stay connected to positive people because negative people can have an impact on your life. Who wants to be around unhappy people complaining all the time? Quote from the Bible, Proverbs 17:22 “A merry heart does good like medicine, but a broken spirit dries the bones!” We are all human and we experience down days.... but the secret is,,,,, not to stay down but get back up stronger than ever!!!!
Why do some people stay young and vibrant despite their age? According to Harvard Research a person needs to stay physically, nutritionally, and mentally fit. Here are their statistics....Staying close to friends and family -90%, Keeping your mind active-89%, Staying in touch with God – 84% , Continue to follow current events, 64%.
One of the most valuable things you can do is keep your brain busy. Challenge your brain with mental exercises . Problem solving is to the brain what aerobic exercise is to the body. Fill your mind with spiritual thoughts. Practice love and forgiveness. Be kind, be kind, be kind. Treat people with kindness. Beautiful quote by Mayra Angelou, “People will never forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”
Keep a purpose in your life and keep setting goals for yourself regardless of your age. Keep a passion in your life that will motivate you to get up each day. Henry Ford says, “Anyone who stops learning is old, whether at twenty or eighty. Anyone who keeps learning stays young.” Change your perspective about aging. Visualize how you want to age and see yourself as a “recycled young person “with lots more of experiences and wisdom. Make the best of each day as if it was your last. Keep your mind active and remember that old saying... “Use it or lose it!” In closing...... A beautiful face will age and a perfect body will change, but a beautiful soul will always remain the same!
Stay Strong, Stay Safe, and Keep the Faith!!!