From the moment of our birth to the date of our death, we are aging. When we reach a certain age, however, the process becomes increasingly challenging. To help myself navigate these dangerous waters, I have enrolled in a ten week class at the Woodbridge Jewish Community Center so I can learn to swim or at least float along without drowning. The Core Curriculum is called AGING MASTERY and here are some of the tools I will be learning about as life jackets.
The first topic is making small steps for lifelong rewards in feeling GRATITUDE, learning to appreciate time and the small gifts life gives us everyday if we can be sensitive enough to recognize them. A walk in the garden, listening to bird song or a symphony, learning to new skill like making a picture out of sea glass, a call to cheer a sick friend, a special meal shared with a loved one, a new Netflix series to look forward to at the end of your day, having enough money to pay all your weekly bills, or even just being able to get out of bed with all your body parts working, are all worthy of recognition.
Working on endurance, strength, flexibility and balance come under the heading of EXERCISE. The saying goes that “motion is the lotion for our bodies” and for that to happen we need to move at least twice a week, for 20-30 minutes. Doing something you enjoy is a great key to actually scheduling it, be it water aerobics, cycling, walking, Laughter Yoga, weight lifting, gardening, even housework fits the category. Taking the stairs, caring for a pet, helping a friend, can easily turn excuses into a positive action step.
Who among us gets enough SLEEP? As you age, sleep patterns and needs change. Stress, depression, pain, lack of exercise, medications, and the environment of your room can all affect you. To improve your sleep, be socially engaged in your work, family and community, cultivate a positive attitude, talk problems over with a trusted friend, introduce some exercise into your daily routine, be outdoors part of every day, and limit stimulants like coffee, alcohol and nicotine, keep your bedroom cool and quiet and use it only for sleep and sex.
Healthy EATING and DRINKING are important for preventing disease and living well. Nutrition and hydration are keys to promoting good health. Eating a colorful variety of foods, like fruits and vegetables and whole grains, reading nutrition labels for sugar, salt and protein ingredients, drinking adequate water throughout the day, following recommended serving labels, and watching your food budget are all important. By promoting good health, you increase your energy, strengthen your body, maintain a healthy weight, reduce digestion problems, improve your appearance and feel better.
In addition to feeling fit, you also need to check your FINANCIAL FITNESS, especially as people are living longer and need monetary resources for more years than ever. Today if you reach 65, you are expected to live another 19 years, and 65% will be in good health.Your retirement savings must be adequate to support you for many years. The cost of basic expenses is rising and many seniors are at risk.You need to assess your financial situation and set goals, organizing it and seeking help to improve your situation. More than a third of older Americans have no money left or are in debt after paying their bills each month. Spend money wisely and seek professional advice when needed.
Doing ADVANCE PLANNING, both financial and medical, is a necessity. No one likes to think about end-of-life decisions but they are necessary. Do you want someone else making those important decisions for you? Your health care needs in the form of advance health directives are essential. Do you own a burial plot and have you considered what elements you might like for your funeral? A living will, a medical power of attorney, a will, a Do Not Resuscitate order, life insurance and organ and tissue donation are all decisions you must make. Doing advance planning is a gift for yourself and for your loved ones.
HEALTHY RELATIONSHIPS depend on healthy aging and creating strong friendships and family bonds with all those in our world. These social connections ensure we are not alone and have a good support system around us. As we age, our family, friends, colleagues and neighbors become increasingly important to our well being. Good friends and family improve our mood, help us reach our goals, reduce our stress and depression, support us through difficult times and keep us going as we age. We need to communicate more, by phone, email, letter or any means that keep us connected. We always need others to celebrate the good times and share our sorrows. Love the people and pets in your intimate world.
As we age, the number of medications we take grows with us. MEDICATION MANAGEMENT takes on a bigger role as the risk of forgetting to take these piils increases. Also high on the list of potential problems is FALL PREVENTION, especially as our balance and walking skills start to waver. Older Americans, one out of three, fall every year and one out of five of these falls causes a serious injury. That accounts for 2.5 million being treated in the emergency room every year, making falls the leading cause of both fatal and nonfatal injuries for people over 65. To prevent falls, exercise, manage your medications, have your vision checked and make your home safer.
Spending time in the community helping others is the tenth step in a more satisfying life. COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT is a worthwhile use of your gift of time. By giving small acts of kindness, whether to people, animals or nature, we are helping others and helping ourselves. Improving life for others is a legacy we leave behind. Connecting across generations through mentoring is a worthwhile use of your days, by sharing the knowledge and experience you have accumulated.
These core activities are excellent steps to improve your life, for all your todays and tomorrows. Happy living!
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