Accepting Get Older
"Aging is just another word for living."
We don't think too much about getting older in our forties. We are still busy raising our families. Pretty much the same for our fifties. However, we may start thinking a little about retirement. Then we hit sixty, and retirement is pretty close. After that, if we are lucky, we will be facing our seventies and eighties. And then it hits us hard. We are old.
Funny how we celebrated each birthday as a significant milestone when we were younger. We couldn't wait to become an adult.
And now, here we are facing the cold hard truth that we are old. We are now our grandparents.
We have to put on our big girl panties and face being old head-on. Accept the fact that we can't just wish getting old gone. It's a fact of life, and the alternative is not something we want to consider.
"It's important to have a twinkle in your wrinkle."
Can we ever be happy if we don't accept the fact we are getting old, and it's time to make the best of it? I believe the answer is no. We must admit that we are getting old and look for the positive. Sitting around and dwelling on what used to be is not the answer. The only solution is to make up your mind about becoming the best older person you can be.
So how do we get our minds set for this new chapter?
For starters, don't imagine the worse.
Don't dwell on the things you can no longer do. Think of new things you can do.
Start by being grateful and even proud that you've made it to old age.
Take stock of where you are right now. Are you in good health? Are you still doing all the things you are used to doing? If so, keep on doing what you are doing. It doesn't matter if you are doing things slower. What's the hurry?
"Age is a case of mind over matter. If you don't mind, it don't matter."
Now is not the time to quit working on healthy habits. Be as active as possible, eat healthily, and challenge your brain. See your doctor for your regular check-ups.
Find a purpose. Give yourself something to look forward to each morning. It doesn't have to be anything significant. Maybe just walking your dog and saying good morning to the neighbor or meeting a friend for breakfast at the local diner. Or, heck, just sitting on the front porch with your coffee observing the neighbors. Be that neighbor who knows everything that is going on your street.
"Growing old is mandatory; growing up is optional."
If you are looking for a larger purpose, how about volunteering? Maybe read to children at a daycare or the library—volunteer at a hospital or soup kitchen. Find out where you can help out in your community.
Old age is the time to be who you want to be. Be the old lady that everyone is always wondering what outrageous thing you will say or do next. Don't be afraid to do some of the things you regret not doing in your younger years. Embrace the inner child still inside of you. But, of course, within your limits.
I think each generation ages differently. Times change and new advances occur in almost every aspect of our lives. Many things will be easier for us than for our parents and grandparents.
Of course, we must deal with that person looking back at us from our mirror. Who is she? She does look vaguely familiar. It's not easy looking at the older version of ourselves. That image is a constant reminder of us being old. But once again, all we can do is be the best we can be. Keep your hair looking good, use moisturizer and a little makeup, get fresh air, and exercise. And it doesn't hurt to tell yourself you look good now and then! If being you means adding some color to your hair, then do it, and if you are good with embracing the grey in your hair, that is all good too. Just be you.
"Aging seems to be the only available way to live a long life."
Sure our bodies have significantly changed. I never did have what could be called a perfect body. An ideal body today means that we are still moving around. Okay, so maybe now and then, we need a little help doing something. But there is nothing wrong with that.
Remember that you are still the same person you were thirty years ago; you are just a new, improved, older version. We get better with age, just like fine wine.
Create some cheerful, positive habits. Find things that make you laugh. Maybe watch an episode of Golden Girls. Listen to music that uplifts you and brings back fond memories. I still listen to my old-time Rock and Roll. It somehow makes me feel young again, if only for a while. Spend time with people who make you laugh.
So I have given you my thoughts and opinions about getting older. How about sharing your ideas and views on aging with me?
"As soon as you feel too old to do a thing, do it."
Books On Aging