Who is this generation of us?
There’s something to be asked when we get older- will we be identified as ‘crotchety’ or ‘angry’ or bothered by minutia? Have we as baby boomers become a generation now that is grumpy, cantankerous or easily annoyed with the younger generations? Are we jealous? As the older generation; are we getting a bad rap?
The answer is: NO. DID YOU HEAR—NO!
The majority of us as we have aged, are living in different environments than previous generations before us. George Jetson regardless of his cartoon stature, certainly gave us a good look into interesting little details that we now see in our lives. We are a generation that has definitely been open to the possibilities of life.
Thank-you internet, thank-you Google, thank-you Apple and thank-you Amazon, thank-you Netflix. And, we are not a generation of overly particular people- we love food, food loves us, and we don’t sit around talking about ‘Titralic” for our sensitive stomachs. Oh, you don’t know what that is(?) – well generations before us took just that (!)- it’s the answer to Tums or Pepto.
Being very social and socialized, we are definitely not stuck in our ways; willing to explore new options and opportunities. Who knows, we end up at a spin studio for a session just as regularly as the younger generations we sit next to or weight training. We love life, we love the company of the people and information, we are apt to be driving carpools, after school pick-ups and the such with no restraints. We are looking to eat healthy and take note of our wellness. We are definitely not sitting around collecting dust, and we definitely are not sitting still.
So, how do you get with the program now? Here’s some good suggestions:
Diversify your friends
Having friends from multiple generations can help head off the loneliness that can come when others move, die, get sick or are no longer mobile.
Look for the silver lining. As the saying goes, “What doesn’t kill us makes us stronger.” When facing major challenges, try to look at them as opportunities for personal growth. If your own poor choices contributed to a stressful situation, reflect on them and learn from your mistakes.
You are never too old to learn something new.
Take daily action to deal with life’s challenges. When a challenge seems too big to handle, sweeping it under the rug ften appears the easiest option. Ignoring the problem doesn’t make it go away; it allows both the problem and your anxiety to build. Instead, take things one small step at a time. Even a small step can go a long way to boosting your confidence and reminding you that you are not powerless.
Get ready.
Many of the problems that adults face as they get older are unrelated to the normal part of aging. The quality of your later life is partly under your control. Choices about lifestyles and behaviors can influence the effects of so-called secondary aging.
Stay healthy through humor, laughter, and play
Laughter is strong medicine for both the body and the mind. It helps you stay balanced, energetic, joyful, and healthy at any age. A sense of humor helps you get through tough times, look outside yourself, laugh at the absurdities of life, and transcend difficulties. Laughter is truly the best medicine.
Get involved in your community. Try attending a local event or volunteering for a cause that’s important to you. The meaning and purpose you find in helping others will enrich and expand your life. Community work can also be a great way of utilizing and passing on the skills you maybe held as your career—without the commitment or stress of regular employment. Yes, you have lots to bring to the table.
Keep your mind sharp.
There are many good reasons for keeping your brain as active as your body. Exercising, keeping your brain active, and maintaining creativity can actually help to prevent cognitive decline and memory problems. The more active and social you are and the more you use and sharpen your brain, the more benefits you will get. This is especially true if your career no longer challenges you, or if you’ve retired from work altogether.
Challenge your brain. For some people, challenging your brain could involve playing new games or sports (like pickleball). Other people may enjoy puzzles or cooking a new recipe. Find something that you enjoy and challenge your brain with new variations. If you like crosswords, move to a more challenging crossword series or try your hand at a new word game. If you like to cook, try a completely different type of food, or if you’re a golfer, aim to lower your handicap.
Vary your habits. You don’t have to work elaborate crosswords or puzzles to keep your memory sharp. Work on something new each day, whether it is taking a different route or experiencing a new grocery store or brushing your teeth with a different hand. Varying your habits can help to create new pathways in the brain.
As you age, your body changes, but that doesn’t mean you have to change as a person. Instead of freaking out about getting older, find ways to embrace aging and live a happy and healthy life. Keep feeling young and powerful by enjoying every moment of your existence and take good care of your physical and mental health.