in the future - u will be able to do some more stuff here,,,!! like pat catgirl- i mean um yeah... for now u can only see others's posts :c
As we journey through life, there comes a time when the pace slows, and the demands of the world gently recede. In this stage, often called old age, society may suggest that we step away from the spotlight, as if we’ve played our part and now it’s time for others to take the stage. But what a profound gift this phase of life can be. Imagine not just stepping aside, but being invited to the best seat in the house, where the view is unparalleled and the wisdom of a lifetime enriches every moment.
Old age is not about fading into the background; it’s about embracing a new perspective. It’s a time when we can watch the world with a deep understanding, savoring the joys that were once fleeting and finding peace in the rhythm of days. We are not merely spectators, but honored guests who have the privilege of seeing life with clarity and appreciation that only comes with experience.
So let us cherish this stage, not with regret for what has passed, but with gratitude for the rich tapestry of memories and the quiet, profound joys that still await us. Our journey continues, and there is beauty in every moment we choose to see.
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“He who is of a calm and happy nature will hardly feel the pressure of age, but to him who is of an opposite disposition, youth and age are equally a burden.” – Cephalus
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“Aging is an extraordinary process where you become the person you always should have been.” – David Bowie
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“To keep the heart unwrinkled — to be hopeful, kindly, cheerful, reverent — that is to triumph over old age.” – Thomas Bailey Aldrich
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Glass half full – you will probably live longer
As we think about retirement, we also think about getting older. Whilst it would be nice to live to a ‘ripe old age’ most of us want to remain in good health. Alas, although people are living longer it is not always in good health and the number of years lost to disability has increased.
I’ve been researching personality factors that can help in adjusting to retirement and optimism is one factor that can help us to live longer. It’s referred to as ‘dispositional optimism’, the generalised expectation that good things will happen.
Longitudinal research by Lee and colleagues (2019), with follow up after 10 years with one group and 30 years with the other found that optimism is associated with a number of health benefits including reduced risk of cardiovascular events, lung function decline, and reduced risk of mortality.
Research by Kim and colleagues (2019) found that after adjusting for sociodemographic factors and depression, the most (top quartile) versus least (bottom quartile) optimistic participants had a 24% increased likelihood of maintaining healthy ageing. Healthy ageing was defined as having good cognitive and physical function with no major chronic diseases.
Optimistic people recover faster from stressful situations and are more likely to reframe difficulties as challenges rather than threats. They are more likely to have goals and the confidence to reach them.
Optimists are also more likely to demonstrate healthier behaviours and to be more proactive in taking care of their health such as being more physically active, eating a healthy diet, not smoking, and taking their medication, although the evidence for the impact of these healthy behaviours was only modest.
I’m the person who was told I was just like Pollyanna, and took it as a complement, so optimism comes easy to me. It is partly down to our family and upbringing, and 23-32% can be seen of as heritable. But if it doesn’t come easy to you, you can learn strategies to help. This can be cognitive behavioural techniques, keeping a gratitude journal, writing a list of things that you are grateful for, practice positive affirmations.
You can also visualise your best possible self – in all aspects of your life. Imagining your ideal future can increase levels of optimism.
So, what about you? To what extent do you class yourself as an optimist? If you think of yourself as more pessimistic then why not try out one of these ideas.
Dr Denise Taylor is a Chartered Psychologist and Vision Quest Guide, specialising in retirement transitions and elderhood. Regularly featured in the media, she is the author of 8 books including Find Work at 50+ and How to get a Job in a Recession.
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20 benefits to getting older:
- Reduced fear of failure: With age, we often become more resilient and less afraid of taking risks or trying new things, as we have learned from past experiences and can handle setbacks with greater maturity.
- Enhanced creativity: As we age, our accumulated knowledge and life experiences can fuel our creativity, leading to new ideas and innovative solutions to challenges.
- Greater emotional intelligence: With time, we may develop better emotional regulation and empathy, leading to healthier and more meaningful relationships with others.
- Deeper connections with nature: As we get older, we may find ourselves seeking solace and connection with nature, appreciating its beauty and finding peace in outdoor activities.
- Wisdom sharing: Older individuals have the opportunity to share their life experiences and wisdom with younger generations, leaving a positive impact on society.
- Reduced peer pressure: As we age, societal expectations and peer pressure may become less influential, allowing us to make choices that align more closely with our values.
- Enhanced problem-solving skills: With age, we can become better at analyzing complex situations and finding practical solutions due to the wealth of experiences we draw upon.
- Increased patience and tolerance: As we mature, we may become more patient and accepting of others’ differences, fostering a more harmonious and understanding society.
- Freedom from societal norms: As we get older, we may feel less bound by societal norms and expectations, enabling us to live more authentically and true to ourselves.
- Lifelong learning: Age can bring a hunger for continued learning, leading to personal growth and intellectual stimulation through various educational opportunities.
A chance to explore new hobbies and interests: Getting older provides the time and opportunity to d- iscover and pursue new hobbies and passions that were not feasible earlier in life.
- Enhanced problem-solving skills: With age, we can become better at analyzing complex situations and finding practical solutions due to the wealth of experiences we draw upon.
- Increased gratitude: As we age, we may develop a deeper sense of gratitude for life’s blessings and the relationships we have, fostering a positive outlook on life.
- More leisure time for reflection: With retirement or reduced work commitments, we can dedicate more time to self-reflection and understanding ourselves better.
- Legacy building: As we age, we may become more focused on leaving a positive impact on future generations, leading to actions and decisions that contribute to a better world.
- Reduced materialism: With age, we may prioritize experiences and relationships over material possessions, leading to a more fulfilling and meaningful life.
- Ability to mentor and guide others: Older individuals can serve as mentors and role models, guiding younger individuals in their personal and professional growth.
- Inner peace and contentment: As we age, we may find a sense of inner peace and contentment that comes from a lifetime of experiences and personal growth.
- Heightened intuition: With age, we may develop a stronger sense of intuition, guiding us in making important decisions and navigating life’s challenges.
- A broader perspective on history and world events: As we age, we witness and experience historical events, providing us with a broader perspective on the world and its evolution.
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