What do you take for granted? I used to take for granted that my looks would continue to turn heads for a lot longer than they have. It’s like I woke up one morning and didn’t know who was staring back at me from the mirror! That ageless beauty took a trip and didn’t invite me!
Have you ever met someone who absolutely does not look their age? Let’s be honest here. Comparing ourselves to others is a common occurrence. Each time I go to my hair stylist I bring a picture of the style I’d like. I always tell her to concentrate on the face of the model more than the hairstyle. She always tells me I’m more beautiful than the model and wouldn’t change my face one bit. (I’m certain my generous tipping is not her motivation!) My Asian friends, who carry their age beautifully, are surprised to learn I’m as old as I am. I must say I come away from those exchanges with a lighter bounce to my step.
I believe the desire to stay youthful must be ingrained in our DNA. I’ve read in the Bible that Adam and Eve lived to be in their 900s! Oh! for the good old days . . . .
Joan Rivers – You know why I feel older? I went to buy sexy underwear and they automatically gift wrapped it.
It surprised me to learn that the global human lifespan has increased to 72 years in 2019. Just 60 years ago the global human lifespan was 52. I’ve noticed that there are times our biology does not always match our chronological age. My good friend is in her early 80s. She walks over a mile a day, visits her children daily, lunches with her longtime boyfriend, plays piano for her church and has been the head nurse of our local nursing home for over 30 years. And she looks great! Many of us know vibrant and healthy octogenarians whose biological age differs noticeably from the date on their birth certificate. Literature and theories abound about why some folks maintain youthful vigor throughout their later years while others fall victim to the myriad of common age-related distresses.
Ever wonder why some people seem to defy aging and stay youthful no matter how many birthdays they celebrate? The secret can lie with our daily routines. Life choices we
make regarding stress, trauma, diet, exercise, and sleep habits may be contributing factors to thriving even decades after retirement. It’s not about trying to look like the model with your hairstyle or denying the passage of time. Rather, it’s a state of mind that is grateful for another day to look into the eyes of your loved ones, listen to the concerns of friends, or share an encouraging word because that’s what’s needed. It’s not always easy to keep a positive outlook, especially in challenging situations. But, those who do manage to keep their spark alive as they age.
Youthful aging IS about a positive mindset. It’s about positively deciding to keep being that handsome/ beautiful person God made you to be from the moment you were born to this very day.
Arthritis and wrinkles be damned! My lamp is still lit. I’m going to live life to the fullest!
Need some help with that? For more information, contact Youthful Aging Home Healthcare.
Lani Kelly is a research writer for Youthful Aging Home Healthcare.
