Quality of Life
How would you rate yours?
Before we get started, I want to welcome all the new subscribers. The newsletter is now five years old. It started with two subscribers, my daughter and son. Today, there are over 4,000, far beyond my wildest imagination. So, thanks to each and every one who takes the time to read my articles and participate.
Now then, pop-up discussions take place about every four weeks and offer us an opportunity to explore aging well in greater depth. As we grow older, sharing ideas and information with others becomes increasingly important. We have an opportunity to voice our ideas and concerns.
If you read the newsletter, I assume that, like me, you’re interested in staying healthy and enjoying the rest of your life to the fullest. However, experience tells me it’s sometimes easier said than done.
Research shows that as we get older, our quality of life - the subjective perception of our well-being, happiness, and contentment with life circumstances - affects how much we enjoy it.
So, the questions we’re pondering this time are:
How do we rate our quality of life - that overall sense of well-being?
What gets in the way of it being better?
What would we recommend for others who wish to improve theirs?
My answer would be: on the surface, life is as good as it can be. What gets in the way is a lack of compassion and the worries I hold on to. Experts say awareness is the first step. Then, they suggest being grateful, mindful, and looking for little glimmers of joy. My great-granddaughters and my cats bring that glimmer very easily.
Your turn.
A few guidelines
Comments are friendly and supportive.
I reserve the right to delete posts if necessary.
I’m no longer a licensed counselor nor am I a medical professional, so I offer no advice, only thoughts based on my experience.
Let’s get started, and welcome! Ready?
Research shows that as we get older, our quality of life - the subjective perception of our well-being, happiness, and contentment with life circumstances - affects how much we enjoy it. How would you rate yours?
I am experiencing a new kind of life. It feels great some days.
I have been a caretaker of elderly people for 28 years. I maybe caring for them a couple of years before they pass away. It is always hard. In February, I lost 3 in 4 days. After that I said no more full time care. I can’t do this ever again. Now when I wake up I am on my own doing what I want to do. If I only knew what to do it would be helpful.
I am learning how to live MY best life. I have never traveled so maybe a few short trips. I love the beach and that could be my first adventure. Short over night trip.
I do not believe I have really considered my life mine. So for others, I think you really do need to care for yourself NOW. Whatever that means. Figure out the most important items on your bucket list and start checking them off.