Ingredients for Joyous Aging

I am writing this blog because I am aging and because I find the process of aging in today's world fascinating. Never before have we lived this long, which means the aging process is new territory for us to explore and negotiate.

So what are the necessary ingredients for a successful journey? Right now I would think the following are vital, and on which I plan to write about in future post:

1. GOOD PHYSICAL HEALTH. I think this is self-explanatory for anyone who has experienced a bout of ill health. It is difficult to greet each day with joy when we are low in vital energy or suffering from aches and pains. There are many small things we can do to keep ourselves well.

2. A POSITIVE ATTITUDE. The aging process is filled with unavoidable losses which can only be balanced by the ability to see the cup as half full rather than half empty, the capacity to see the larger picture and count our blessings. As we will see, a positive attitude can be cultivated.

3. CAPACITY FOR SELF-CARE. As our energy wanes, we can no longer afford to take on one more thing we'd rather not do, say "yes" when we want to say "no", forego rest.....

4. SELF-ACCEPTANCE. As we lose our capacity for many things that used to be easy for us, we are forced to face the necessity of developing a sense of self-worth that is not based upon what we can do but upon who we are. This was always desireable, but now it is critical.

5. LOVING RELATIONSHIPS. Research has found that older people do better when not isolated. Even the most private person needs some sense of positive community. Our later years is a time to practice forgiveness and tolerance, make amends, even let go of relationships that do us more harm than good.

6. INTERESTS, HOBBIES, PASSIONS. For the best mental health, we need something outside of ourselves to focus our interest. Our later years are the best time to do what we didn't have time for when we're younger, whether it's art, sports or service.

No doubt I'll find more essential ingredients for graceful aging, but writing about these six should keep me busy for a while.