Experts say that the way we think about ourselves and the world around us has a profound impact on our happiness, health, the rate at which we age, and even our lifespan. People with a positive mindset about aging live, on average, 7.5 years longer than those who do not.
I must start some sort of meditation practice... qi gong looks interesting, it says the practice purges negative energy. Right now that sounds like a blessing.
I remember when I used to go to San Fran there was a morning group who practiced Tai Chi... I'd sit and admire them while I drank my morning coffee.
Anyway, great suggestions... I don't have FOGO, but im certainly having problems finding a way to navigate through current uncharted territory. One day at a time.
Some additional information about QiGong. It focuses on mindfulness, breathing, and releasing blocked energy. I'm exercising parts of my body that I hadn't paid attention to for years, such as my toes.
The theory suggests that emotions stored in the body over time are released. I've noticed that aspect for myself - surprising times of genuine sadness, for example.
Numerous QiGong teachers are offering free YouTube videos. I looked at several and thought her approach was the best for me and my age.
Fogo. Not heard of that before. It is something I worry about as both my parents have had awful health since their early 70s. And I won't have the support that they had.
On the other hand, I'm doing pretty good on those 5 factors which help except the one about a dog. I don't have any pets.
Janice - completely agree! I cite that mindset study (from the Yale School of Public Health) in my latest book, The New Old, and other similar studies. It’s such compelling data.
And though a positive, hopeful mindset about aging is sometimes hard to maintain (to your point about FOGO, one of the chapters in The New Old is called “This Is a Little Terrifying” 😏) - but fortunately for all of us, it’s a learnable skill.
I think what helps me maintain a positive outlook on aging is concentrating on those things I think I do well and enjoy doing. I like challenges too but mostly those in line with who I am in this elder life. I especially like those things I do well which are rare to see an older person doing, like riding my horse. I am 87. I find I am not only admired by younger horse riders but I inspire them to continue doing what they love with their horses. I belong to a FB group for horse riders over 70. I am 17 years older than the youngest ones in this group. I guess my posts there are my happiest contribution under the "Be Giving" heading. I would love to find a group of over 85s still riding. I fear that many older people so underestimate what they are capable of.
Hi Sylvia, Your point about older people and underestimating their capabilities is so well taken - it is certainly true for me. I surprised myself last week and was able to walk 7 miles. It was a slow, flat walk, but with grades, and all in all, it was relatively easy.
Hi Janice ~ I'm doing find in a lot of those areas, but I'm struggling with something else. I'm a pretty active community member. Quite visible. I've been thinking about hiding for a while though. Ha! I've never had so many youngish people (40s) speak to me with so much disrespect as this year. It could be my teacher background that gets the hairs up on the back of my neck. But when they disagree with me or don't like one of my decisions, they have attacked my character. Having a hard time fitting into this decade. Maybe a dog is the answer. Ha! {{ Hugs }}
Hi Jan, I know what you mean about having a hard time fitting into this decade. It's a very different time, and the values I was raised with don't seem to apply.
WHEN I glanced at this post, I saw FOOD not FOGO. No, eyesight is good, brain may need re-programmed as I had just finished lunch- beef tacos with lots of sauce,, cheese and jalapeňos and avocado. Must have been the sauce which was not up to scale. capsaicn scale that is. No, I do not struggle with FOGO, FOOD, FOMO, FOTO, FOF or any of the ''feara of___________" that I can identify. Besides, what do experts know and what qualifies someone to be expert?
That's a great list Janice. I'll be checking the link you shared in an early comment, thank you! As I'm on the younger side of older (early 60s), I can already notice FOGO creeping into my thoughts as minor occasional aches begin. My mom had lots of physical issues so I worry. But as you point out, mindset is so important! I'm very active with hiking and plan to keep at it. In fact I chatted with someone on the trail the other day who is 76 and will be doing a full marathon hiking next weekend. I told him he was the inspiration I needed! I'm now signed up for the half marathon there.😉So yes, we can always be inspiring to someone else! I do need to pursue the meditation aspect though.
Hi Nancy, a half marathon - how very cool. Seeing physical issues in family members certainly heightens our awareness of the importance of health. Both my husband and I were very healthy until his dementia entered the picture. After he died, aging well became my top priority.
Experts say that the way we think about ourselves and the world around us has a profound impact on our happiness, health, the rate at which we age, and even our lifespan. People with a positive mindset about aging live, on average, 7.5 years longer than those who do not.
I must start some sort of meditation practice... qi gong looks interesting, it says the practice purges negative energy. Right now that sounds like a blessing.
I remember when I used to go to San Fran there was a morning group who practiced Tai Chi... I'd sit and admire them while I drank my morning coffee.
Anyway, great suggestions... I don't have FOGO, but im certainly having problems finding a way to navigate through current uncharted territory. One day at a time.
Hi Patti, For what it's worth, the QiGong person I follow is Kseny Gray. This is a link to one of her videos: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=txGkBe_LnOM.
I didn't want to intrude and ask who you followed. This is worth its weight in gold. Thank you.
You've steered me down the right path with your shared experience in the past, so I value your suggestions and opinions greatly.
Hi, let me know what you think.
Some additional information about QiGong. It focuses on mindfulness, breathing, and releasing blocked energy. I'm exercising parts of my body that I hadn't paid attention to for years, such as my toes.
The theory suggests that emotions stored in the body over time are released. I've noticed that aspect for myself - surprising times of genuine sadness, for example.
Numerous QiGong teachers are offering free YouTube videos. I looked at several and thought her approach was the best for me and my age.
Fogo. Not heard of that before. It is something I worry about as both my parents have had awful health since their early 70s. And I won't have the support that they had.
On the other hand, I'm doing pretty good on those 5 factors which help except the one about a dog. I don't have any pets.
confidence is a key, as is positivity.
I have a plan that is VERY adaptable.
Will I be able to stay with it?
Who knows? I'm adaptable--and I'm only 77.
Janice - completely agree! I cite that mindset study (from the Yale School of Public Health) in my latest book, The New Old, and other similar studies. It’s such compelling data.
And though a positive, hopeful mindset about aging is sometimes hard to maintain (to your point about FOGO, one of the chapters in The New Old is called “This Is a Little Terrifying” 😏) - but fortunately for all of us, it’s a learnable skill.
I think what helps me maintain a positive outlook on aging is concentrating on those things I think I do well and enjoy doing. I like challenges too but mostly those in line with who I am in this elder life. I especially like those things I do well which are rare to see an older person doing, like riding my horse. I am 87. I find I am not only admired by younger horse riders but I inspire them to continue doing what they love with their horses. I belong to a FB group for horse riders over 70. I am 17 years older than the youngest ones in this group. I guess my posts there are my happiest contribution under the "Be Giving" heading. I would love to find a group of over 85s still riding. I fear that many older people so underestimate what they are capable of.
Hi Sylvia, Your point about older people and underestimating their capabilities is so well taken - it is certainly true for me. I surprised myself last week and was able to walk 7 miles. It was a slow, flat walk, but with grades, and all in all, it was relatively easy.
Hi Janice ~ I'm doing find in a lot of those areas, but I'm struggling with something else. I'm a pretty active community member. Quite visible. I've been thinking about hiding for a while though. Ha! I've never had so many youngish people (40s) speak to me with so much disrespect as this year. It could be my teacher background that gets the hairs up on the back of my neck. But when they disagree with me or don't like one of my decisions, they have attacked my character. Having a hard time fitting into this decade. Maybe a dog is the answer. Ha! {{ Hugs }}
Hi Jan, I know what you mean about having a hard time fitting into this decade. It's a very different time, and the values I was raised with don't seem to apply.
WHEN I glanced at this post, I saw FOOD not FOGO. No, eyesight is good, brain may need re-programmed as I had just finished lunch- beef tacos with lots of sauce,, cheese and jalapeňos and avocado. Must have been the sauce which was not up to scale. capsaicn scale that is. No, I do not struggle with FOGO, FOOD, FOMO, FOTO, FOF or any of the ''feara of___________" that I can identify. Besides, what do experts know and what qualifies someone to be expert?
Hi Gary, Very true, I have learned to take what experts say with a grain of salt.
FOGO! That is a good one, Janice. I never heard it before. Seems right, sort of like "Fog. Oh!"
Hi Sharron, It was a new term for me as well.
That's a great list Janice. I'll be checking the link you shared in an early comment, thank you! As I'm on the younger side of older (early 60s), I can already notice FOGO creeping into my thoughts as minor occasional aches begin. My mom had lots of physical issues so I worry. But as you point out, mindset is so important! I'm very active with hiking and plan to keep at it. In fact I chatted with someone on the trail the other day who is 76 and will be doing a full marathon hiking next weekend. I told him he was the inspiration I needed! I'm now signed up for the half marathon there.😉So yes, we can always be inspiring to someone else! I do need to pursue the meditation aspect though.
Hi Nancy, a half marathon - how very cool. Seeing physical issues in family members certainly heightens our awareness of the importance of health. Both my husband and I were very healthy until his dementia entered the picture. After he died, aging well became my top priority.