I think the Japanese term Ikigai sums it all up for me. I first heard the term used on the Blue Zone series on Netflix on longevity and health. The Okinawans use it as a benchmark to living longer and better - a reason to get up every day. To me, that encompasses healthy life (eating, socialising and exercise) and intellectual life (mind exercise, practical interests and philosophical practices) and I guess that's what I try to do on a daily basis.
I try to fill my life with what matters, not to cram it but to enjoy it. So I have a loving family, a small cohort of friends I love and trust, an adored dog, gardens, interests that keep me engaged, and exercise. I cook, clean and garden and would never employ anyone to do those for me as that's part of my engagement with my way of living.
In a nutshell aging well means enjoying my life to my best ability. I wish it were always easy. I am finding it is not. Still moving forward... Thanks for this Janice!
A plan is only a plan, a design for creating and building. Time will tell how solid. Being flexible and adaptable are important. A plan is like a map for where you want to go and how best to get there. Some journeys don't need a map. You can wander with no destination in mind. Just enjoy the experience and see what you can make of that.
All of the above! These are perfect, Janice! And from commenters too! The best thing for me was being active and engaged through for decades…it keeps me better fit now. Two things I might add…don’t over look pleasure; whether it be romance or girlfriend getaways! And be aware of overdoing…stress and anxiety can harm us in many ways. I aim for stress free and no worries… not always easy! Thanks for asking this…making us think about well being. 😊❤️
I appreciate your reminder, Janice, that there is not one right way to age well. We choose our own comfort and pleasures. ( Although, I suppose to much gin, ice cream, and sloth, might not be the best way...)
Hi Sharron - So true, we have choices about what is important to each of us - and whatever it is - that we take steps in that direction. Ice cream sounds good - anytime, though.
Hi Elyse, True! What comes to mind is that we are aging in place wherever we are at the moment, but it also could mean staying home rather than moving to a facility or retirement community.
For me aging well means being happy in whatever circumstances I find myself. This is easier when I have more control vs less control … and best accomplished when I accept control is an illusion. Keep a strong core, live my values, be of service to others, be generous with my self, stay connected to my footprint, fill my hours with work that is meaningful, find enjoyment and satisfaction in the small as well as big things and above all do not stress.
"There is no right or wrong answer, but it’s an important question to be asking." This week I witnessed four older women on a dance floor amid many other people. They were just dancing their hearts out, laughing, shaking their hips, holding hands, urging each other along. I could see the spirit of the young women they were ( in 1975?) still living inside them. It was so touching to see that they were not finished experiencing JOY and were finding it wherever they could. It inspired me. I a m seeking Joy with a capital J.
Staying in motion, keeping a sharp mind, having a zest for life, and never stop seeking adventure, are my goals for life, generally speaking... and of course aging gracefully, my definition.
What is your definition of aging well? It makes a difference!
I think the Japanese term Ikigai sums it all up for me. I first heard the term used on the Blue Zone series on Netflix on longevity and health. The Okinawans use it as a benchmark to living longer and better - a reason to get up every day. To me, that encompasses healthy life (eating, socialising and exercise) and intellectual life (mind exercise, practical interests and philosophical practices) and I guess that's what I try to do on a daily basis.
I try to fill my life with what matters, not to cram it but to enjoy it. So I have a loving family, a small cohort of friends I love and trust, an adored dog, gardens, interests that keep me engaged, and exercise. I cook, clean and garden and would never employ anyone to do those for me as that's part of my engagement with my way of living.
Thus far its working well...
Prue, And that's what counts, I think - filling your life with what matters and enjoying it.
Thank everyone for the responses and wisdom.
As I tell my granddaughter, “learn something new everyday.”
And, for me, keep that sense of humor- it’s critical. I’m grateful that my god has a sense of humor.. just look around you!!
In a nutshell aging well means enjoying my life to my best ability. I wish it were always easy. I am finding it is not. Still moving forward... Thanks for this Janice!
Hi Pamela, No, it isn't always easy, but then again, it seems to be something worth working towards.
Absolutely Janice. Definitely worth working towards.
What aging well means to me are these:
- self care by attending to physical, mental, emotional, social, and spiritual resources
- care about and for others who may benefit from what I can offer in the way of help and support
- be
active in a community of common concerns
- continue adventures in traveling as long as I am able
- spend time in nature, walk, read, write, eat and sleep well
- be grateful for every day where I have the freedom to choose how I will invest or spend it
Hi Gary, It would seen you have a solid plan in mind.
A plan is only a plan, a design for creating and building. Time will tell how solid. Being flexible and adaptable are important. A plan is like a map for where you want to go and how best to get there. Some journeys don't need a map. You can wander with no destination in mind. Just enjoy the experience and see what you can make of that.
Gary, You sum it up well - a flexible and adaptable plan - one that may be just that :wandering with no destination in mind.
awesome words
Thanks!
All of the above! These are perfect, Janice! And from commenters too! The best thing for me was being active and engaged through for decades…it keeps me better fit now. Two things I might add…don’t over look pleasure; whether it be romance or girlfriend getaways! And be aware of overdoing…stress and anxiety can harm us in many ways. I aim for stress free and no worries… not always easy! Thanks for asking this…making us think about well being. 😊❤️
Hi Joan, I so agree - about not overlooking pleasure - it is such an important piece of the whole.
I keep it simple: Aging well is being physically, mentally, and financially able to spend my time in the way I want to spend it.
Hi Joe, To me, that's the key being able to spend your time in the way you want to spend it.
I appreciate your reminder, Janice, that there is not one right way to age well. We choose our own comfort and pleasures. ( Although, I suppose to much gin, ice cream, and sloth, might not be the best way...)
Hi Sharron - So true, we have choices about what is important to each of us - and whatever it is - that we take steps in that direction. Ice cream sounds good - anytime, though.
Thank you! It got me thinking of a really annoying phrase we hear when seniors are “relocated”: aging in place.
Aren’t we all aging in place?
Hi Elyse, True! What comes to mind is that we are aging in place wherever we are at the moment, but it also could mean staying home rather than moving to a facility or retirement community.
For me aging well means being happy in whatever circumstances I find myself. This is easier when I have more control vs less control … and best accomplished when I accept control is an illusion. Keep a strong core, live my values, be of service to others, be generous with my self, stay connected to my footprint, fill my hours with work that is meaningful, find enjoyment and satisfaction in the small as well as big things and above all do not stress.
Hi Sandra, Sounds like you have a healthy vision in mind.
brilliant answer.......
"There is no right or wrong answer, but it’s an important question to be asking." This week I witnessed four older women on a dance floor amid many other people. They were just dancing their hearts out, laughing, shaking their hips, holding hands, urging each other along. I could see the spirit of the young women they were ( in 1975?) still living inside them. It was so touching to see that they were not finished experiencing JOY and were finding it wherever they could. It inspired me. I a m seeking Joy with a capital J.
Hi Sharron, What a great story. Joy is such an important aspect of aging well, I think!!!
Staying in motion, keeping a sharp mind, having a zest for life, and never stop seeking adventure, are my goals for life, generally speaking... and of course aging gracefully, my definition.
Hi Patti, And I know from reading your posts that you are taking steps on fulfilling them.
Janice, love your consistent positivity. Its a choice and I'm happy to know you 🌹
Me, too.
Thank you Paolo. Sometimes that positive choice is more difficult than others but that is the goal.
Non-sequitor: is that Thor’s Well On the Oregon Coast? I think it is 😁
Sure looks like it!