As we get older, we can mentally and physiologically start to slow down.
This can create a perception that as we age, we can no longer be active participants in and contribute as much to our families, societies and local communities.
Many rest homes and villages are full of older people who have just accepted their lot and appear to have aged before their time. Their families ignore them and see them as a nuisance and a burden rather than people who are desperate to be seen and who are willing to contribute what they can.
The good news is that this does not have to be the norm. That in our older years we have a wealth of experience and wisdom to contribute to our families and communities. However, the work to change our experience in our golden years starts with us.
What can we do to ensure that we can experience our best lives as we age? Here are my 8 best tips:
- First, never stop learning and growing. If we rest on our laurels believing we have lived so long there is nothing left for us to learn then we are destined to stagnate and fade away. See aging as a new beginning rather than an end.
- Second, no longer put up with toxic people that don’t bring you happiness. Time is short and you need to create space for people who respect and uplift you and help you feel alive.
- Third, if we have lived a long and full life, we will have acquired many things that can clutter up our mindsets and homes. It is important to carry out an inventory of those things and be prepared to throw out what no longer serves us as they can take up space we could use for new things.
- Fourth, realise that happiness is an inside job. Other people are not responsible for and cannot bring you happiness. You are the only person that can make you happy by choosing how you feel at any given moment.
- Fifth, be compassionate for yourself and other people. Let go of grudges and traumas as these only affect you not the people who were involved in the events that lead to these events and feelings. Focus on forgiveness. Not forgiving is like drinking poison and expecting someone else to die. Move forward not backwards.
- Sixth, let go of any regrets that you may have. Regret is a burden to carry and will weigh you down. It will steal your energy.
- Seventh, it is never too late to start something new. Age is no barrier to acquiring new skillsets or knowledge.
- Lastly, stay fit and strong. As the saying goes you are nothing without your health. This can be more challenging as we age as this is a time we can experience mental and physiological changes. We can also suffer from more chronic illness than in our younger years. The key to health and fitness as we age is fitness and strength training and the discipline to include that in your daily routine.
Embrace life and milk it for all its worth as there may not be another!!