Aging and Life Enhancement
By Kathryn Kilpatrick, M.A.
Age is an issue of mind over matter.
If you don’t mind, it doesn’t matter.
~Mark Twain
While there are more than 56 million Americans over the age of 65, Thrive after Fifty-Five supports how we look at those years ahead. What is your mindset now and how can you be proactive, especially if there may be some limitations down the road? What keeps you young, gives you a purpose and a reason to get up tomorrow, next week and beyond?
The Welderly folks who, as they continue to age, do not feel or act their age. ~Karen Salmonsohn
Develop a mindset that encourages exploring; it is one of the many keys to being able to flip the script, as we are called to do in May during Older Americans Month.
My license plate is 2Wonder and I chose it because my mindset for decades has been if you wonder you’ll never grow old. Curiosity fuels the spirit, can nurture a sense of purpose, and increases the options for conversation and engagement, supporting new ways to FLIP YOUR SCRIPT!
Don’t watch the clock; do what it does. Keep going. ~Sam Levenson
For brain health (and physical health), research now encourages us to be more proactive with our choices.
If there are health, physical or mobility issues limiting participation, it may be advisable to seek some professional input regarding the safest way to maximize engagement on some level.
One son attended his dad’s physical therapy so he could get more comfortable taking him places in the car. He was literally trying to FLIP THE SCRIPT for his dad but the benefits to him became obvious as time went along because his dad’s hobby became something he continued on a decade later.
Be proactive. Focus more on staying physically fit, even when there are some limitations. Exercise, even with modifications and professional input when needed, will hopefully mean that you are able to engage in those things that matter years later. Challenge those stereotypes.
Do not ignore your hearing or vision challenges. There are options to explore; otherwise, you may limit the ways you participate at gatherings or events.
Pay attention to the pillars of brain health NOW. Looking ahead matters. Since there is an abundance of recent research recommending ways to better support brain health, a person’s positive attitude towards making some healthier choices could support more options as we age for staying engaged.
Rethink your diet, starting with your consumption of processed foods and sugar. If your sleep patterns are an issue, start to address them now since they are an important component of your brain health.
Aging in years is inevitable BUT here is a thought to consider: Whenever your mind starts visiting those negative thoughts—FLIP YOUR SCRIPT— think of three positive thoughts instead. Remember, you are in charge! Make your choices more intentional so they support your well-being now and for the years ahead.
You are in control of your thoughts, so find a “go to” when that happens. Maybe it is reading something positive or watching a funny or uplifting movie.
And look beyond yourself. Maybe your positive attitude on aging can help others become more aware of ways to reframe their perspective on changing things up.
Aging is not a lost youth but a new stage of opportunity and strength. ~Betty Frieden
Consider reaching out to someone who might benefit from a positive and friendly conversation. Maybe it is facilitating a favorite activity they cannot do on their own. Maybe you play a game with modified rules or learn something new together.
Make intentional adjustments in what they used to enjoy that might serve their well-being now. With the support of family/caregiver or friend, possibilities to increase engagement in a positive way may be possible.
During my 35 years as a speech-language pathologist visiting homebound patients, I often found the opportunity to brighten someone’s day, not only for them, but also for myself. Families and caregivers can be an excellent resource to facilitate a person’s ability to attend or participate in activities of interest that they can no longer do easily on their own. Think of the expression, who is going to be me for ME?
There is a fountain of youth: it is your mind, your talents, the creativity you bring to your life and the lives of people you love. When you learn to tap this source, you will truly have defeated age. ~Sophia Loren
