The fabulous, iconic Dolly Parton enjoyed her 70th birthday on 1/19/16
A lot of people have a problem with the word “old.” [Read more…]
We’re Blessed, Not Old
Watch Your Language!
“Staying involved and passionate and curious helps one remain youthful for sure…but spiritually and energetically, I feel younger than when I was 20 and 30.”
What is “youthful” about involvement, passion, and curiosity? Those are the attributes of a good life at any age. Let’s rewrite Jane’s statement.
“As I’ve aged, I’ve become ever more involved and passionate and curious…at almost 80, I feel more spiritual and energetic than ever before.”
Dear Reader, how do you feel now? Invigorating, isn’t it?
When we classify ageless qualities like passion and curiosity as “youthful,” we hurt ourselves. Among other things, negative beliefs about aging can shorten your life by 7.5 years.
You have the power to change your reality. Here are two things you can do: one, appreciate the physical awesomeness of youth but don’t mythologize it. Envy it, fine. But don’t judge yourself by it.
Second–(jeez, we just had a 4.8 earthquake and I forgot what I was saying! Whew. Calm down, heart.) Second, be aware that positive human attributes aren’t often age-related. Here are the qualities I admire in my friends and family. Guess what ages they are? Three to ninety-two.
- vibrant, vital, vigorous
- mentally healthy
- happy, strong, colorful
- energetic, vivacious
- dynamic, bold
- fiery, exciting, spirited
- insightful, wise, confident
You can be any of the above at any age. Learn to strip away the age-relatedness from the descriptor. You’ll feel empowered, and maybe live longer, too!
There’s good news in this article as well:
This is When Middle-Age Actually Ends
When you read it, be mindful of the derogatory way they use the word “old.” They mean well, but awareness is slow in coming. As with Fonda, it’s a habit. We need to be aware of what we do in order to change it. And here’s another reason to try:
Karma bites back: Hating on the elderly may put you at risk of Alzheimer’s
Happy New You!
Bumbling into Older Age
Whimsy doesn’t have to be limited to childhood.
“As we grow, we often have more fear of failure; our comfort zone shrinks, and we take fewer risks.” The quote, attributed to Yehuda Berg, delights me. I delight in rejecting it. Although maybe I should be more careful. [Read more…]
Dressing Crazy When You’re Older
Almost Totally Gray!
Grayer and shorter than ever.
Remember I told you about the decision to go gray? It was about something way more important than hair color. [Read more…]
The Generations Need Each Other
I’ve read that you can divide up the human lifespan into three distinct age groups. Each one is unique and powerful. But more than that, they need each other.
[Read more…]
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