Di Patterson, MSG, CPG
My goal as a professional Gerontologist is to bring you a greater understanding of yourself while you are approaching your older years; and all of us are, one day at a time. You must read and arm yourself with relevant research. Good information is the best defense against wrong thinking, bad planning and procrastination. We tend to deny many issues and the challenges of aging before we get there ourselves.
You can make good decisions now that will help you age successfully and in doing so, you will lead by example: teaching the younger generations to care for themselves now and how to care for YOU well in your old age.
I define “success in aging” as:
1. An active engagement in life (based on one’s preferences), which is consistent with how an individual wants to age as one grows older;
2. Aging well within one’s limitations (based on one’s realities), whatever they may be: physical, mental, emotional, spiritual and/or financial;
3. The ability to make good decisions (based on good information), which allows pro-active participation with one’s own aging process.
Here are seven strategies you can put into practice this week to help you look at your own aging in more positive ways. These easy steps will put you on the path to becoming a happier 80-year-old!
- Eat well; whole foods, savory foods. Enjoy good food! Then make sure to exercise some way everyday to help your body put that good food to good use!
- Sleep enough. Treat yourself to a new mattress and/or new bedding. Rest is a huge need when good communication is essential…and when isn’t it?
- Laugh often. If you have to, buy a laugh; rent a movie!
- Practice your friendship skills. Friendship is a universally understood language.
- Save money. Set a goal. Reward yourself with good retirement options for YOU.
- Floss your teeth. Studies have proven that people who floss stay healthier in their elder years. In fact, dental plaque and arterial plaque are directly related.
- Pray. Everyday, find that space of peace and connect with your Creator. Thank God for your life, for your elderly client, and for everything. Gratitude has been scientifically proven to reduce heart disease, high blood pressure and stroke.
©2010 Di Patterson, MSG, CPG “If good real estate is about location, location, location, then success in aging is about attitude, attitude, attitude!”
