Let’s talk
about aging – no flowery intro, no smooth segue. In a society obsessed with
youth, we really need to discuss aging more (since most of us spend much more
of our time on this earth aging than being young [not disregarding the
importance of nurturing a young heart]). I had a birthday this month, and with
it came sentimental (I’m seldom sentimental) memories of the last 20 - 25
years. No, not EVERY one of the last 20 - 25 years, but special moments related
to my awareness of age, appearance, life decisions, and wisdom (or the lack
thereof. LOL). So, here’s my list of things we should all do to help ourselves
along this unavoidable progression of living.
20’s
1. Set goals in your 20’s, do your
research, and take the best action to achieve those goals. Oh, and please
please get some kind of education (college, trade, military, online courses, etc.). Education
opens door and gives us options we can’t even imagine without it.
2. Start an exercise regimen including aerobic
activity you enjoy.
3. Add weight training (it’s even better
with a lover or close friend)
5. Develop and maintain healthy
friendships and family relationships with wise, progressive people (more on
this later)
30’s
6. Take stock of your goals, decide
which ones are still important to you, and decide what’s next. Again, do your
research before taking action.
7. Maintain your exercise regimen and
guard your time like a mother bear
8. Reevaluate your eating habits.
Sometimes our dietary needs change as we age, so repeat the prescription
process from your 20’s.
9. Nurture friendships and healthy
family relationships by being a good friend or family member. This is your
support circle and these people (and pets) become even more valuable over time.
Steer clear of fair weather friends, fowl weather friends, ne’er do wells, and
the temporary coat-tail hangers who only want to take. Also, you are grown! You
really can avoid family members who try to bring you down and box you in.This
is your time to fly. Get rid of any excess baggage.
10. Make sure to take regular vacations
and plan at least one day a week to pamper yourself (I know you’re busy, but
this is a must). Guard your time like a ninja warrior.
40’s
11. Okay, if you laid the groundwork in
your 20’s and 30’s, this is the time to play more than you work. Travel, take
lessons in something you’ve always wanted to learn about, spend more time
enjoying life than working. Really. It’s important. Life is short, and you want
to thrive, not just survive.
12. One of the best ways to maintain your
exercise regimen is to rev it up with some activities you can include during
your vacations. I’d LOVE to visit New Zealand, speaking of revved-up
activities.
13. If you haven’t already, this is the
time you’ll most likely be called upon to be a good, faithful, supportive
friend. The easiest way to support a friend is to do for him/her what you would
need done for you. First, actively listen and ask what you can do to help.
14. Spend time with your loved ones. Go
out for each other’s birthdays, host and share pot-luck get-togethers
regularly, and share your lives.
I can't offer much info about the 50’s yet (I’m still new at
this part), but I have learned one thing, and that’s not likely to change -
everyone needs at least three things to thrive in life: purpose (something
constructive to do), love (someone who cares enough to bear witness to and
share our lives), and hope (something positive to look forward to). Focus on
these things and aging might just be a bit less painful – in fact, it can be
downright enlightening.
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