AGE SHOULD BE MORE THAN JUST A NUMBER, DAMMIT !

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Shattering Stereotypes and Embracing Life’s Full Potential

There’s a phrase whispered like a mantra throughout our lives: “Age is just a number.” Age should be more than just a number dammit, and the choice is ours. But how often do we genuinely internalize its meaning? We watch time march on, counting birthdays like milestones on a dusty road. We insist on associating them with limitations and decline. But is it true?

What if age, that seemingly linear progression, is instead a mosaic? A vibrant collage of experiences, wisdom, and potential, far richer and more dynamic than a single number can represent.

In truth, the statistics paint an interesting picture. Stop picturing the forgetful grandparent struggling with technology. Consider Johannes Mallow, the 48-year-old world memory champion, or the countless older adults mastering new languages with impressive fluency. Studies show our brains keep their remarkable plasticity, the ability to adapt and form new connections, throughout our lifespan.

Our physical ability can also defy expectations. Marathon legends like Fauja Singh, who tackled the London Marathon at 100, are testaments to the human spirit’s enduring strength. And Ernestine Shepherd, who became the world’s oldest competitive bodybuilder at 86, proves that physical peak performance can blossom even in life’s later chapters.

The world of innovation and achievement follows suit. While we often glorify youthful entrepreneurship, the average age of successful startup founders sits closer to 40 than 25. Experience, it seems, trumps youthful energy when building high-impact companies. And let’s not forget the late bloomers, individuals who find their creative voice or professional calling later in life. Helen Frankenthaler, who redefined abstract expressionism at 50, is a powerful example.

People assume that happiness, that elusive butterfly, seems to take flight with age. A study in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences revealed that people over 85 reported higher levels of life satisfaction than their younger counterparts did. Perhaps wisdom’s gentle hand helps us understand what truly matters and appreciate the richness of each passing moment.

But these statistics are merely stepping stones to embracing the “Age is Just a Number” philosophy. It’s about dismantling the ageist narratives that infiltrate our society, from hiring practices based on arbitrary dates to the limiting expectations we place on ourselves and others.

How about recognizing that a 25-year-old can be a seasoned artist, a 60-year-old can still be an agile athlete, and an 80-year-old a tech-savvy entrepreneur? Potential knows no age, and limitations are often self-imposed.

So, how do we genuinely internalize this transformative message? It starts with a shift in perspective. View age as a spectrum, not a rigid ladder. Celebrate the wisdom gained with each passing year while nurturing the curiosity and spirit of adventure within us all. Let’s champion lifelong learning, embrace new challenges, and redefine what it means to “age gracefully.”

Most importantly, let’s replace the tired figure of decline with the vibrant narrative of continuous growth, boundless potential, and a life that explodes in color and possibility, regardless of the number on the calendar.

Because, my friends, age is just a number. It’s time we started living like it.

Beyond the Number: Practical Steps to Embrace an Age-Positive Life

“Age is just a number.” How do we translate that sentiment into everyday life? How do we dismantle ageist stereotypes and cultivate a genuinely inclusive mindset for ourselves and those around us?

The good news is, it’s not magic; it’s action. Here are some practical steps you can take to embrace an age-positive life:

Challenge your own biases:

  • Awareness is key. Reflect on your own subconscious biases about aging. Do you associate youth with energy and potential while linking older age with decline and limitations? Recognize these thoughts as internalized stereotypes and actively work to challenge them.
  • Flip the script. Instead of focusing on perceived limitations, consider the strengths and wisdom that come with experience. Consider older adults as mentors, resource pools, and valuable societal contributors.

Embrace lifelong learning:

  • Curiosity is ageless. Never stop learning, growing, and exploring new interests. Whether taking a class, picking up a new hobby, or simply engaging in stimulating conversations, keep your mind active and receptive to new ideas.
  • Become a mentor. Share your knowledge and experience with younger generations. Volunteering as a tutor, coach, or community leader can be mutually rewarding, fostering connections and breaking down age barriers.

Combat ageism in everyday life:

  • Use inclusive language. Avoid ageist terms like “senior citizen” or “over the hill.” Instead, use respectful and person-centred language focusing on individual identities and contributions.
  • Challenge ageist assumptions. Stop making assumptions about what someone can or cannot do based on their age. It would help to treat everyone with respect and dignity, regardless of their years on the planet.
  • Advocate for positive change. Speak up against age discrimination in the workplace, healthcare system, and other areas of society. Support age-inclusive policies and initiatives that promote fair treatment and opportunities for all.
  • Don’t be afraid to push back against people who write off limitations based on age – even health care professionals.

Build bridges across generations:

  • Seek intergenerational connections. Spend time with people of different ages, from young children to older adults. Share stories, learn from each other, and celebrate each generation’s unique perspectives.
  • Organise intergenerational activities. Take part in events or programs that unite different age groups, such as community service projects, cultural celebrations, or intergenerational learning initiatives.
  • Embrace family connections. Cherish relationships with grandparents, parents, children, and other family members across the age spectrum. These bonds offer invaluable support, love, and a sense of belonging, regardless of age differences.

Resources for your age-positive journey:

  • Books: “Disrupt Aging” by Jo Ann Jenkins, “The Longevity Book” by Cameron Diaz
  • Websites: The National Center to Reframe Aging, The Global Coalition on Aging, The MacArthur Foundation’s Initiative on Successful Aging
  • Organizations: AARP, Eldercare Locator, The National Council on Aging

Remember, embracing an age-positive mindset is a continuous journey. There will be stumbles and challenges along the way, but every step you take towards breaking down age barriers and fostering inclusion makes a difference. Let’s celebrate the richness and diversity of human experience, regardless of the number on the calendar. Together, we can create a world where age is truly just a number, and everyone can thrive at any stage of life.

Most readers of this corner will know that I recently completed a series of books to help retirees increase their income. It is sad that over 2/3 of polled seniors say that they need extra income in order to live comfortably. So, my point is that not everyone needs more income but instead, are looking for something to add a little life to their lives.

They might just find that in the book series since there are dozens of possibilities presented for learning and connecting with other people. Of course, a few extra bucks might allow them to splurge on that really expensive bottle of wine. And, in case you are wondering, Cabernet Sauvignon and your tokens of appreciation are always welcome.

How to Stay Healthy and Happy in Your Golden Years

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In this blog post, we’ll share some tips and advice on how to stay healthy and happy in your golden years. We’ll cover topics such as.

  • The benefits of regular exercise and physical activity
  • The importance of a balanced and nutritious diet
  • The role of social interaction and hobbies in preventing loneliness and depression
  • The best ways to cope with stress and anxiety
  • The resources and support available for seniors in your community
  • If financial stress is affecting you, try looking here

As a senior, you may have some concerns about your health and well-being. You may wonder how to maintain your physical and mental fitness, how to prevent or manage chronic conditions, and how to enjoy your life to the fullest.

By following these tips, you’ll be able to improve your quality of life, boost your mood, and reduce your risk of various health problems. Let’s get started!

The Benefits of Regular Exercise and Physical Activity

One of the best things you can do for your health and happiness is to stay physically active. Exercise has many benefits for seniors, such as.

  • Strengthening your muscles, bones, and joints
  • Improving your balance, coordination, and mobility
  • Lowering your blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar levels
  • Enhancing your immune system and preventing infections
  • Reducing your risk of falls, fractures, and injuries
  • Preventing or delaying the onset of diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and dementia
  • Boosting your brain function, memory, and concentration
  • Elevating your mood, self-esteem, and confidence
  • Relieving your pain, stiffness, and inflammation

According to the World Health Organization, seniors should aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise per week, or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity exercise. You can also do some muscle-strengthening activities at least twice a week, such as lifting weights, doing resistance bands, or using your own body weight.

Some examples of aerobic exercises that are suitable for seniors are:

  • Walking, jogging, or running
  • Cycling, swimming, or rowing
  • Dancing, aerobics, or Zumba
  • Tennis, golf, Pickle Ball, or badminton
  • Hiking, skiing, or snowshoeing

You can choose any activity that you enjoy and that suits your fitness level. You can also vary your routine to keep it fun and interesting. The key is to be consistent and to challenge yourself gradually.

If you have any health conditions or limitations, consult your doctor before starting any exercise program. They can advise you on the best type, intensity, and duration of exercise for your situation. They can also help you set realistic and achievable goals and monitor your progress.

The Importance of a Balanced and Nutritious Diet

Another essential factor for your health and happiness is your diet. What you eat and drink can have a significant impact on your body and mind. A balanced and nutritious diet can help you:

  • Maintain your weight and prevent obesity
  • Provide your body with the energy and nutrients it needs
  • Support your digestion and prevent constipation
  • Protect your teeth and gums from decay and infection
  • Prevent or manage conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and osteoporosis
  • Enhance your immune system and fight off diseases
  • Improve your mood, sleep, and mental clarity

To achieve a balanced and nutritious diet, follow these general guidelines:

  • Eat a variety of foods from different food groups, such as fruits, vegetables, grains, protein, and dairy
  • Choose whole foods over processed foods, such as whole grains, fresh fruits, and lean meats
  • Limit your intake of salt, sugar, saturated fat, and trans fat, which can harm your health
  • Drink plenty of water and stay hydrated, especially in hot weather or when exercising
  • Avoid or limit your consumption of alcohol, caffeine, and tobacco, which can affect your health and well-being

You can also use the Canada Food Guide as a reference for planning your meals and snacks. It provides you with practical tips and examples on how to eat healthy and balanced. It also offers tools and resources to help you track your food intake and make better choices.

If you have any dietary restrictions or allergies, consult your doctor or a registered dietitian. They can help you create a personalized eating plan that meets your needs and preferences. They can also recommend supplements or medications if needed.

The Role of Social Interaction and Hobbies in Preventing Loneliness and Depression

One of the common challenges that seniors face is loneliness and depression. As you age, you may lose some of your social connections, such as your spouse, friends, family, or coworkers. You may also experience some changes in your lifestyle, such as retirement, relocation, or reduced mobility. These factors can make you feel isolated, bored, or sad.

However, you don’t have to let loneliness and depression affect your health and happiness. You can still enjoy a fulfilling and meaningful life by staying socially active. Social interaction and hobbies can help you:

  • Connect with others who share your interests, values, and experiences
  • Build new friendships and relationships that provide you with support, companionship, and fun
  • Learn new skills and knowledge that stimulate your brain and keep you mentally sharp
  • Express your creativity and personality through various forms of art, music, or writing
  • Contribute to your community and society through volunteering, mentoring, or activism
  • Boost your mood, self-esteem, and confidence by feeling valued and appreciated

There are many ways to stay socially active and engaged, such as,

  • Joining a club, group, or organization that matches your interests, like a book club, a gardening club, or a seniors’ center
  • Taking a class, course, or workshop that teaches you something new, such as a language, a craft, or a computer skill
  • Taking part in events, activities, or outings that are enjoyable, such as a movie night, a picnic, or a museum visit
  • Volunteering for a cause that you care about, like a charity, a school, or a hospital
  • Reaching out to your existing friends and family and staying in touch with them regularly, by phone, email, or social media
  • Making new friends and acquaintances by being friendly, open, and curious, such as chatting with your neighbors, your grocery clerk, or your bus driver
  • Helping others by mentoring, tutoring and consulting

If you feel lonely or depressed, you should not hesitate to seek help. You can talk to your doctor, a counselor, or a therapist who can help you cope with your feelings and emotions. You can also call a help line like the Canadian Mental Health Organization which offers confidential and non-judgmental support and resources.

The Best Ways to Cope with Stress and Anxiety

Another common challenge that seniors face is stress and anxiety. As you age, you may encounter some stressful situations, such as health issues, financial problems, or family conflicts. You may also worry about the future, things like your independence, your security, or your legacy. These factors can make you feel anxious, nervous, or overwhelmed.

However, you don’t have to let stress and anxiety affect your health and happiness. You can still cope with them effectively and positively by using some relaxation techniques and coping strategies. Stress and anxiety management can help you:

  • Calm your mind and body and reduce your physical and mental tension
  • Regain your control and perspective and focus on the things you can change
  • Release your negative emotions and thoughts and replace them with positive ones
  • Improve your resilience and adaptability and overcome challenges and difficulties
  • Enhance your well-being and satisfaction and enjoy your life more

There are many relaxation techniques and coping strategies you can use, such as:

  • Breathing exercises – taking slow, deep, and rhythmic breaths that help you relax and lower your heart rate and blood pressure
  • Meditation – focusing your attention on a word, a sound, or your breath that helps you clear your mind and reduce your stress
  • Yoga – performing a series of physical poses, movements, and stretches that help you improve your flexibility, strength, and balance
  • Tai chi – performing a series of gentle, flowing, and graceful motions that help you enhance your coordination, posture, and circulation
  • Massage – applying pressure, rubbing, or kneading your muscles and tissues that help you relieve your pain, stiffness, and inflammation
  • Aromatherapy – inhaling or applying natural oils, such as lavender, chamomile, or peppermint, that help you soothe your senses and mood
  • Music – listening to or playing soothing, calming, or uplifting sounds that help you express your feelings and emotions
  • Humor – watching, reading, or telling jokes, stories, or cartoons that help you laugh and lighten your mood

You can choose any relaxation technique or coping strategy that works for you and that suits your situation. You can also combine them or try different ones to see what helps you the most. The key is to practice them regularly and to make them part of your routine.

If you feel stressed or anxious, you should not ignore or suppress your feelings. You can talk to someone you trust, such as a friend, a family member, or a professional, who can listen to you and offer you support, advice, or guidance. You can also seek help from a doctor, a counselor, or a therapist who can help you treat your condition and improve your symptoms.

The Resources and Support Available for Seniors in Your Community

One of the best ways to stay healthy and happy in your golden years is to take advantage of the resources and support available for seniors in your community. There are many programs and services that can help you with your needs and challenges, such as:

  • Health care and wellness, which include medical, dental, and vision care, as well as preventive screenings, vaccinations, and counseling
  • Home care and personal support, which include assistance with daily activities, such as bathing, dressing, cooking, and cleaning, as well as respite care, hospice care, and palliative care
  • Transportation and mobility, which include accessible and affordable options, such as buses, taxis, shuttles, and ridesharing, as well as special equipment, such as walkers, wheelchairs, and scooters
  • Housing and living arrangements, which include various options, such as independent living, assisted living, long-term care, and co-housing, as well as home modifications, such as ramps, grab bars, and alarms
  • Financial and legal assistance, which include benefits, subsidies, and discounts, such as Old Age Security, Guaranteed Income Supplement, and Seniors’ Property Tax Deferral, as well as advice and representation, such as wills, estates, and powers of attorney
  • Recreation and leisure, which include opportunities for fun and enjoyment, such as sports, games, arts, crafts, and music, as well as trips and tours, such as local, national, and international destinations
  • Education and learning, which include opportunities for lifelong learning and personal growth, such as courses, workshops, seminars, and lectures, as well as online, in-person, and hybrid formats
  • Social and community involvement, which include opportunities for connection and contribution, such as clubs, groups, organizations, and networks, as well as volunteering, mentoring, and activism

To find out more about the resources and support available for seniors in your community, you can use the following sources:

  • The Government of Canada’s website, or your own federal government, which provides information and links to various federal, provincial, and territorial programs and services for seniors
  • Your provincial or state Seniors and Housing website, which provides information and links to various provincial and local programs and services for seniors
  • Your City’s website, which provides information and links to various municipal and community programs and services for seniors
  • You may have a searchable database and a toll-free phone number for finding and accessing various non-governmental and non-profit programs and services for seniors in your province
  • Look for a Seniors’ Resource Directory, which might provide a comprehensive and updated guide to various programs and services for seniors in your community and surrounding areas

By using these sources, you can discover and access the resources and support that suit your needs and preferences. You can also ask for help from your friends, family, or professionals, who can assist you with finding and applying for the resources and support that you need.

By taking advantage of the resources and support available for seniors in your community, you can improve your health and happiness in your golden years. You can also enhance your independence, security, and dignity, and enjoy a fulfilling and meaningful life.

So, I thought I would have some fun using AI and pulled up Microsoft Co Pilot and posed the following request, “please create a blog post targeted at seniors that has excellent seo.” After a bit of editing for repetitive words, and the addition of some links and so on, this is the result. In my mind, Artificial Intelligence is going to change the world and we should get over the scary horror movie robot pictures and learn to use it. Any comments?

https://sixtyandme.com/

HOW TO LEARN THEIR SECRETS

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A couple of days ago I noticed a post on Instagram titled “Ask Your Father” and it sparked my curiosity. The author proposed that readers should consider asking their parents about their lives. This is how to learn their secrets and this is interesting for several reasons:

1. as parents, we assume that our kids know all about us – wrong! They only know about the time they spent with us and almost nothing about our life before that. So, I thought I would add a list of things that you (meaning, you crazy kids) might want to ask your parents in order to find some of the stories they are dying to share (and some they aren’t).

2. most of us assume that we know everything there is to know about the people in our lives, especially family.

3. when was the last time you sat down with someone, especially your parents, and focused your discussion on who they are, where they come from, what their experiences, hopes and dreams are?

4. how will you remember that person when you can no longer talk to them?

5. what do you know about your parent’s successes, failures, challenges, opportunities

I would strongly caution us to let our kids initiate this conversation if you want to avoid the eye rolls from people who are too busy or just not interested at this time.

How to learn their secrets

THINGS TO ASK YOUR MOM OR DAD

If you want to learn more about your parents’ history, ask open-ended questions that encourage them to share their memories and experiences. Here are some questions you might consider asking:

  1. Early Life:
    • Can you tell me about your childhood home?
    • What were your parents like when you were growing up?
    • What are some of your earliest memories?
  2. Education and Career:
    • What was school like for you?
    • Did you have any favorite subjects or teachers?
    • How did you choose your career path?
  3. Relationships and Family:
    • How did you meet Mom/Dad?
    • What were your wedding day and early married life like?
    • What was it like becoming a parent for the first time?
  4. Milestones and Challenges:
    • Can you share any significant events that happened during your lifetime?
    • What were some of the toughest challenges you faced, and how did you overcome them?
    • What are you most proud of achieving?
  5. Values and Beliefs:
    • Are there any family traditions or values that have been passed down through generations?
    • How has your worldview or beliefs changed over time?
    • What advice would you give your younger self?
  6. Life Lessons:
    • What are some important lessons you’ve learned throughout your life?
    • Are there any experiences that have profoundly impacted you?
    • What do you hope to pass on to future generations?
  7. Personal Reflections:
    • Looking back, is there anything you would have done differently?
    • What do you consider to be the happiest moments of your life?
    • How do you want to be remembered?
  8. Historical Context:
    • How did world events during your lifetime shape your experiences?
    • Can you share any memories or insights into significant historical events you witnessed?

Encourage your parents to share stories, anecdotes, and personal insights that provide a deeper understanding of their lives. Active listening and follow-up questions can also help to enrich the conversation and uncover valuable details. There is some excellent research on the importance of knowing our family history here.

Many moons ago, I did a series of blogs for people who want to create their own biography. It was a series of questions that you can answer about yourself and then hope that sometime in the future your kids might want to read it. It was very detailed and might still be of interest to you. You can always print out the sections and start at any time. Here’s the link.