Age!

We live in a world in which people beyond a certain age are proud of their age and anxious to share it or when asked ‘how old are you?’ it is a question that few enjoy answering.

Who has time to get old? I don’t!

Ageing is a natural part of life and brings many changes for each of us. Many of these physical and mental changes happen gradually over time and may go unnoticed until they reach a certain point where we become aware of them and can no longer deny them. Age is just a number. Our bodies do age and our appearance can change, however, some people start ageing at a very young age. They are content to sit on a couch and not set any goals. Whereas, some older people never stop having goals. I think the older you get the more you realise how short life truly is; and how fast time flies by. We all need a purpose, a reason to get up every day, no matter what your age.

Age and ageing is a popular topic of conversation with my clients and I dearly like one of the recent comments from an 83 year old lady who said, “don’t worry about getting older worry about thinking older.” This leads me to believe you are what you think!

I often hear “but I don’t feel 50,” does this imply being 50 you have come to end of your life?

Life is challenging at any age, but at no age does it make sense to give in or give up, because life can also be thrilling, rewarding and immensely satisfying at any age.

There are many who are conditioned to fight aging and some deny it. The first is a positive thing, but the latter is not. Do we deny our age after 50 because we believe that age alone makes us less viable, less interesting, less desirable, less employable, less visible?

We have the power to redefine what it means to grow old, but before we can change society’s mind, we have to change our own. It starts with happily accepting our age and understanding that as we get older this is not the end of a meaningful, rewarding, productive life. Every day is a new beginning!

It’s never too late to achieve your dreams. It’s never too late to give back to your community and leave a meaningful and memorable legacy. It’s not about age, it’s about a positive attitude.

Some of the Secrets of Ageing with a Positive Attitude

• Liking yourself, liking what you do and liking how you do it
• Try to stay as healthy and vibrant as you can
• Eat well
• Drink plenty of water
• One thing that keeps me feeling young and connected to others is to give out plenty of hugs
• Laugh more
• Step outside your comfort zone
• Enjoy your senior moments
• Surround yourself with wonderful, supportive and fun friends of all ages
• Learn a new skill
• Be active
• Smile
• Don't loose your sense of humour
• Look in the mirror and say to yourself ‘I look fabulous and feel great’
• Carve out some ‘me time’
• Make time for Pilates 😀