optimism: a bold kind of wonderful
aging is something, if we're fortunate, that we all have in common. to do it well, i embarked on a quest to ask those at least twice my current age what were the bravest things they've done, how do they keep moving forward and what is the secret to their resilience?
here are my findings...
at 91, "R" lives in his own house, tends his flower garden and makes sure to stick to a routine. three times a week he has lunch with young people and focuses on helping others find the opportunities amid challenges. in his own words, "you tend to become like the people you spend time with, i feel that spending a lot of time with young people has kept me from aging as much as i might have otherwise."
"L", 83, volunteers at a large-scale museum. the bravest thing she has ever done? "my husband likes to stay home and i like to travel, so bravest thing? going to china without him, in a group...that was the bravest thing i've ever done." she still drives in LA traffic. at one point she lost what she calls her "car confidence". "i just told myself, 'you will keep driving' and not stopping to think about my fears keeps my confidence going behind the wheel."
a three-time breast cancer survivor, "J", age 80, said that her resilience comes from just continuing to move forward. she doesn't dwell on the negative but embraces challenges with a smile. "always just keep smiling, no matter what", she shared, "my last surgery? i went in smiling and i was back to work the next day."
of at least four others i talked with, i noticed that it's good habits, built up over the years, that come back to reward them. the list includes, but is by no means limited to: eating raw foods, meditation, yoga/zumba/gym, reading & book clubs, travel, and keeping up with the latest movies and music...all of which have most helped them to stay interested and curious.
dwelling on the positive has been shown to have these results at any age:
1) you're likely to feel optimistic
2) you could live longer
3) you may feel less physical pain
4) your relationships may feel more meaningful
5) you'll possibly catch fewer colds
6) you may even exercise more
7) your heart could grow stronger
so happy new year, everyone, and may you feel the bold kind of wonderful that comes with looking for good in 2016.
here are my findings...
at 91, "R" lives in his own house, tends his flower garden and makes sure to stick to a routine. three times a week he has lunch with young people and focuses on helping others find the opportunities amid challenges. in his own words, "you tend to become like the people you spend time with, i feel that spending a lot of time with young people has kept me from aging as much as i might have otherwise."
"L", 83, volunteers at a large-scale museum. the bravest thing she has ever done? "my husband likes to stay home and i like to travel, so bravest thing? going to china without him, in a group...that was the bravest thing i've ever done." she still drives in LA traffic. at one point she lost what she calls her "car confidence". "i just told myself, 'you will keep driving' and not stopping to think about my fears keeps my confidence going behind the wheel."
a three-time breast cancer survivor, "J", age 80, said that her resilience comes from just continuing to move forward. she doesn't dwell on the negative but embraces challenges with a smile. "always just keep smiling, no matter what", she shared, "my last surgery? i went in smiling and i was back to work the next day."
of at least four others i talked with, i noticed that it's good habits, built up over the years, that come back to reward them. the list includes, but is by no means limited to: eating raw foods, meditation, yoga/zumba/gym, reading & book clubs, travel, and keeping up with the latest movies and music...all of which have most helped them to stay interested and curious.
dwelling on the positive has been shown to have these results at any age:
1) you're likely to feel optimistic
2) you could live longer
3) you may feel less physical pain
4) your relationships may feel more meaningful
5) you'll possibly catch fewer colds
6) you may even exercise more
7) your heart could grow stronger
so happy new year, everyone, and may you feel the bold kind of wonderful that comes with looking for good in 2016.
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