Aging can be fun. Seriously.
As our nation gets grayer, there is an increasing emphasis on the process of aging. Western culture has a youth-focused mindset, that labels aging as something bad, like a disease that one should be ashamed of rather than being part of an inevitable life cycle. Older people can find themselves marginalized and dealt with in tones of indifference, which is ironic considering if we are lucky, we all - yes, even the young! - will have a turn at aging.
We are so programed to think of aging as a negative, that it is hard to flip it and find fun in the process. Hard, but not impossible. The first step is to get out of our own way.
What is stopping you from feeling happy about where you are in life? Step one is to recognize and remove the barriers that stand between you and joy.
Here are a few ideas to try:
Stop trying to find your ‘purpose’ in life. You are life’s purpose and attempting to find that which is already there is futile, and maybe a bit comical. Like a cat chasing its tail, rarely catching it, and when it is caught, not recognizing what it is.
Stop making lists of every body part that no longer works like it once did. Focus instead on what does work, perhaps starting with the muscles that control your smile. A good attitude can overcome a lot of aches and pains.
Stop talking about the good old days. Feeling nostalgic is a nice place to visit, but dwelling there keeps you from experiencing all the good that is currently happening. And remember those good old days had their own forms of stress and worries.
Stop listening to self-help advice on how to age with grace or how to stay young. Aging is not an affront to nature. It is an individual process with no right or wrong.
Stop comparing yourself to others. You are sufficient for this time and this day.
Once you get rid of the barriers, you can start looking for the joy in getting older which could include finding activities that keep you active and engaged:
Travel. Look for tours designed specifically for seniors, which allow for travel at a comfortable pace with like-minded people.
Attend concerts or events. There are many options that appeal to an older crowd, whether music or plays or sporting contests. There are no age limits on any of these so pick what interests you.
Volunteer. Giving back to the community is the best way to feel good and there are endless opportunities for you.
Take up a new hobby. It is never too late to try something new, from painting to woodworking, to swimming or learning a musical instrument.
Exercise. Staying active is important at any stage but even more so as we age.
Join a social club or group. Find a book club or card group geared toward seniors. And if you can’t find one, start one and invite your friends.
Learn. Find something new to learn each day. It can be a skill, a word, a fact. Large or small.
A final thought. We can’t stop others from treating us differently, or indifferently, as we age. But we can stop ourselves from reacting negatively to that behavior. Approach each day, each encounter, with a sense of humor. Life, and aging, which is part of life, can be fun if you choose to make it that way.