Reflections on Aging: Embracing Life at Every Stage
Reflections on Aging: Embracing Life at Every Stage
Having worked with retirees since the 1980s, I've come to deeply appreciate the idea that feeling old is more a state of mind than a physical reality. This perspective has profoundly influenced how I approach each prospective and active client, day, and engagement, especially as I turn another daily page of life. I share my thoughts and experiences to teach and inspire others to embrace life with vigor rather than vinegar.
The fact of the matter is this: aging is an inevitable part of life. Every day, we encounter signs that we're getting older, but I've realized that how we perceive and respond to these signs makes all the difference. For me, refusing to feel old means actively choosing to focus on the positives: the wisdom gained, the experiences collected, and the deepened appreciation for the simple joys in life. Having a gun to my head in 1984, while brawling with a felon on the north, then into, and eventually rolling to the south side of Oak, midway between Nebraska and Mitchell in the City of Tampa, was more than an Orwellian-bureaucratic event with lots of paperwork, it clarified and instilled pure Stoicism and the need to embrace it on a daily basis. As I write this, I've raised a brow, tipped my head, and released a slight sigh. It is and was what it is and was.
Moving on, one of the most effective ways I've found to keep the mind young is through continuous learning. Over the years, I've taken up new hobbies, delved into different subjects, and stayed curious about the world around me. Whether it's learning a new software language, building a structure, structuring a business, or diving into a new book (of which I have nearly a thousand on my various devices, these activities keep my mind sharp and my enthusiasm for life remains in high gear.
Physical health plays a significant role in this mindset as well. Regular exercise, a balanced diet, and sufficient rest have become cornerstones of my routine. I've seen firsthand how staying active not only improves physical health but also boosts mental well-being. Those who know me know that I have said a thousand times: "Physical Wealth: On a daily basis, engage in strength, endurance, and flexibility training, with natural nutrition and hydration, and everything in moderation." You DO NOT need a drug to become physically fit. Regardless of what fat or thin, sane or insane, Oprah or the pharmaceutical industry has to say, "If it ain't natural, it ain't natural."
Maintaining social connections is also crucial. The satisfaction I get from engaging with family, friends, neighbors, relatives, co-workers, clients, and others is profound. Engaging in worthwhile activities, volunteering, and simply spending time with those who appreciate and reciprocate respect, contribute, and reinforce a sense of belonging and purpose. In other words, I am not a Rodney Dangerfield as I will not tolerate the role of "I get no respect."
A positive outlook on aging is another vital aspect I've long discussed and have now embraced as the mirror tells no lies. You see, society often painted growing old in a negative light, but that has somewhat changed with the bulge of boomers now in retirement. I've found that viewing life as a journey filled with opportunities for growth and enjoyment will transform the "Debbie Downers" into experience appreciators, and if gratitude eludes, then eluding Debbie is a necessary course of action.
Ultimately, the refusal to feel old is rooted in a conscious choice to live with purpose, stay curious, and embrace every moment. It's a journey that extends beyond the date and time of death.
Think About It