I'm Too Young to be Old (tips for happy aging)

It's not the years in your life but the life in your years that counts!
- Adlai Stevenson 

++ I've been reading and hearing a lot lately about aging well. I'm sure you've heard about these factors, and in some detail:

• eat a well-balanced diet
• get enough exercise - regularly
• smoking not only increases risk of lung cancer, but also leads to other health issues and to wrinkled skin 
• see your doctor for regular check-ups;   etc.!! 

You've probably also heard that you can age gracefully (dye your hair and act your age); and that good health habits should start young.  

 The newer advice goes a step further - to highlight research and observations about attitude, and how it affects the life in your years and can impact the years in your life. Here are some gems for you to consider:

*Getting enough physical activity, eating well, and all the rest of it shouldn't be torture.  Find an activity you love and can do often.  Make changes gradually and let them become a part of your "business as usual."  I admit it - telling me to avoid chocolate would be like condemning me to solitary confinement.  Besides, wouldn't that kind of deprivation make you crave the stuff?  But, I'm willing to substitute a really good dessert item occasionally for having so-so candy daily.  Makes it more special. 

*Even in our youth-oriented culture, the "senior citizens" who cope best don't pay much attention to gray hair or count their wrinkles.  They're too busy enjoying the present and looking forward to the future.  Ironic, huh?

*Attitude counts for a lot.  You may have to work at enthusiasm and a positive outlook at first, but the results are worth it.  The following tips are proven winners. (I have it on good authority from more than one person who has worked at retirement centers and nursing homes.)

• Be optimistic that you can cope, and thankful for those who ease the way; rather than being a sour, lonely grump.  Make no mistake - sour old grumps do tend to be lonely; no one want to live in a poison atmosphere.
• Don't dwell on insults and stressors.  The people who did that to you may not even realize it.  And, if they did, why do you want to give them that much control over your brain? A grudge can be a pretty heavy load.
• Take time to sit down and enjoy your meals.  Good food nourishes you far beyond the intake of vitamins and fiber.
• Take a little quiet time regularly to cultivate your creativity, deepen your spirituality, and examine your purpose in life. A sense of purpose lasts longer than a career.  An example:  A teacher can just impart facts while working in a classroom.  Or, a teacher can also bring out the best in people throughout a lifetime. 
• Be open to learning and to new experiences.  This strengthens your memory and it makes you a more interesting companion.  In other words, it helps you ward off two of the things people fear most about aging - dementia and loneliness.

*Take time to sharpen your saw.  This expression is based on a story about an hours-long competition between loggers.  One contestant worked hard and steadily without any kind of break (and made a few unkind comments to the other).  The other quit sawing and walked away 2-3 times during the competition.  He was taking a few minutes to sharpen his saw (and, coincidentally, use a different group of muscles for a moment).  He won the competition - and was less sore the next day.  Enjoying a stress-buster every so often is good for you. 

*Life-style choices produce results that are cumulative.  The sooner you start taking good care of yourself, the better; but, even starting after you retire is better than nothing.

Age is a matter of mind.  If you don't mind, it doesn't matter,
-Mark Twain