Aging Well

“We don’t stop playing because we grow old; we grow old because we stop playing.”

George Bernard Shaw

Happy Monday! 

Don’t be alarmed, those of you who are in SoCA. That bright light you’ve seen is called sunshine! It happens during the day, and you’ll probably see other lights known as stars at night. I know it’s hard to believe, but the phenomenon is a natural result of not having storm clouds in the sky!

Yes, I jest, but how lovely was the sunshine around you this weekend? I spent as much time as I could outside soaking up the vitamin D and basking in the clean, clear air. I hope you did the same and turned the adventure into some excellent self-care time.

I had the chance to meet with several friends and enjoy time together in fellowship over the weekend, and I found it so refreshing. Even though many of us are technically categorized as older adults, we collectively felt that aging well is a matter of choice. Of course, there are challenges with growing older, not the least of which are concerns about physical wellbeing and mental, emotional, and social health. But, it seems, we just need to dialog about our mindset and how we choose to define aging.

For example, one of the people I met with will be 92 years old next month. The stories he tells about his life can keep me mesmerized for hours. And the best part is that he goes to the gym several times a week and plays golf three times a week because he enjoys it. He worked hard all his life, and now he’s grateful for every day that he can enjoy himself and those important to him.  

Being with my friend and others who similarly love life and are grateful for each day reminded me of a quote I heard once authored by George Bernard Shaw. Allow me to share these thoughts with you now:

The words ring so true to me. It takes the concept of wellbeing and balance to a new level. If we stop doing the things we love that are healthy, uplifting, and affirming for us, of course, we’ll be down and experience life in a sad and limiting way.

Suppose we embrace all the possibilities in life and find ways to adapt our abilities to our desires. In that case, we can live positively, enriching our lives with every imaginable pleasure that’s not illegal, immoral, or fattening, as the saying goes. Moreover, we can exercise good judgment and gratitude, so we can remain young at heart with a heart full enough to love others freely and with abandon. I can only imagine what that world would look like.

Scripture references men like Methuselah, who lived hundreds of years, but the passage that stands out to me is in Psalms:

“[Growing in grace] they will still thrive and bear fruit and prosper in old age; They will flourish and be vital and fresh [rich in trust and love and contentment];”  Psalm 92:14 (AMP)

This Psalm talks about how being rooted in the Lord brings graceful aging. We find a balance when we address the various aspects of wellbeing. It sounds like aging well involves a serious look at the intentionality by which we live. As we live longer, living with grace, mercy, and careful consideration of one another will help us flourish as we age. I think many of us can relate to and even improve upon already-established behaviors and mindsets.

Let’s work on aging well together. Please talk with a spouse or friend and determine ways to add years to your lives gracefully. Include all the facets of your wellbeing – don’t miss anything.

I look forward to conversing with you well into our latter years and, maybe, even playing a round of golf or tennis or taking a nice, long walk together. Who knows what we’ll be able to do by holding each other accountable!

Be Well & Be Blessed!

Lucinda