 | What if you could choose your age? |
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 Imagine you had a magic wand that you could wave over head to instantly erase any memory of your date of birth. Well, now you could have your birthday party on any day you choose; but the real benefit is that you no longer know your chronological age! Now that you have the freedom to choose, what age do you want to be from now on? You can be any age or you can be ageless! Imagining that freedom, what if anything is different in how you want to live your life? As an "open-aged person", what do you notice about what age means to others? Does a self-perception around chronological age tend to limit people's choices and their interests? I am lucky enough to have some close friends and relatives who seem to already have this magic wand! These are folks who get up into their 70s, 80s, or even 90s and, in spite of health issues, don't seem to know they are "old". These folks are my role models as I move along on my journey - and they are the ones inspiring this "ageless" edition of your monthly Tune-Up. Enjoy! |
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What has informed your views on aging?
Certainly our culture has told us a lot about what it means to get older in America. The media for one has a strong influence. TV shows and even commercials still show older adults as cranky curmudgeons or sedentary white-haired grandparents on the front porch in rocking chairs.
Also, certain societal ideas or myths about aging get passed along as common knowledge. I was chatting with a friend who told me her recent trip to Spain was exhausting for her as an American in her 40s because people there of all ages are up socializing late at night. So, apparently it is not a forgone conclusion that older people must have early bedtimes!
Our personal experiences also influence our ideas about age. For those who've gone through the loving and bittersweet process of caring for an ill older relative, you know that aging for some can be a difficult and painful struggle. Of course, the link between aging and illness is not a myth and that stark fact can get us thinking about our own mortality. All the more reason to make the most of our lives now!
Whatever your take is on getting older, you can always make choices that allow you to experience the vibrancy, richness, and beauty of life at any age - and you do not have to conform to any preconceived ideas of what someone your particular age should do! You CAN choose your age - try it out! Here are some ideas for a little extra inspiration on being fully alive at any age.
- Take care of your health. You can keep going as long as your body does! Of course, changing health habits can be tough. Try making one simple change such such as eliminating sugary beverages or increasing exercise by 10 minutes a day. And, it helps to check in with a friend or a coach for accountability and support.
- Spend more time with kids and young adults. Share activities with them that you loved as a kid and also try engaging in the activities that they love as well (even if those activities feel a little foreign). You may discover something really amazing in the process!
- Also, spend more time with those older than you! As I mentioned earlier, I learned much of what I know about staying young from those who are quite a bit older than me.
- Keep learning at any age. It could be classes, yes - but it doesn't have to be. Try the process of teaching yourself something new. Learning keeps you growing your whole life long.
- Stretch your perception of what you can and can't do at your current age. Check in with yourself on any limiting ideas you may have and then push through them. Always wanted to try out rock climbing and have the physical health to do so? Go for it!
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