A reader asked “What kinds of people age best and how do they do it?” I thought it was a great question so I scanned several recently read books on “positive aging,” surveyed current writers in the field of successful midlife transitions, and reviewed recent speeches on similar topics given at conferences. Here are the results. If questions emerge, send a comment and I’ll gladly provide more detail.
Ingredients For Positive Aging:
People who age best practice these habits regularly:
1. Simplify; de clutter all aspects of your life
2. Connect to what is important now
3. Continue to grow… in your own way
4. Avoid smoking and too much TV; cut back on drugs, alcohol, & snacking
5. Combat age discrimination and forms of ageism, in both how you think and behave
6. Stay optimistic and positive; no matter what
7. Stay physically active; don’t allow yourself to become sedentary /passive
8. Eat until you’re almost full and exercise daily
9. Remain connected to your friends, family and society
10. Think about legacies now and take action to make them real
11. Keep learning new areas of interest all the time
12. Exercise the brain (puzzles, games, cards, computer, reading, socializing, hobbies, etc.)
13. Manage loss with dignity and grace
14. Develop longevity habits early and make them part of your everyday living
15. Tickle your funny bone often; find humor in situations and laugh everyday
