Choose to Age with Spirit
We can learn lessons about successful aging from psychological research and from the poetry and stories of the very old. Positive spirituality for the second half of life includes gratitude, vocation, optimism, connection, creativity, resilience, adventure and joy.
Choosing to Age with Vitality
We can choose to age with vitality, even if we have several chronic illnesses and have experienced serious losses. One model of aging points to 4 ingredients to Aging with Vitality: Taking care of our health, exercising mind and body regularly, being engaged with life, and positive spirituality. These components of vital aging are illustrated with stories of older adults, some famous and some not-so-famous, who live passionately into very old age. From my research, I will stress the benefits of writing in a journal, developing advocacy skills for self and loved ones, and civic engagement.
Outwit Ageism –Save Your Aging Brain
Studies of centenarians and supercentenarians (over 110) demonstrate that good mental function can often be maintained across the whole life span. Moreover, health in mind and body grow through the mental, physical, and social challenges met in everyday life. Concepts central to aging with vitality are: the Use-It-Or-Lose-It principle, lifelong learning and curiosity, creative adjustment to losses, and engagement with life. Recommended activities to outwit ageism include peer teaching, volunteerism, and writing life stories.
Related Topics
- Lifelong Learning: Outwit Ageism and Save Your Aging Brain
- Models of Successful Aging for the Spirit of Retirement
- Aging with Spirit for the Generations
