How to Grow Old Without Feeling Old ...

​Have you ever sat back and just wondered where the years have gone? Ever found yourself thinking “I don’t want to grow old” and thought of getting older as a negative thing? One minute you seem to be cradling your young child in your arms and the next it seems you are being asked to babysit the grandchildren?

Although the years continue to creep, or sometimes speed, by it doesn’t mean you have to feel old. Here are a few tips to help keep yourself young in mind and spirit.
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• First and foremost keep your age in perspective. It is a number and one that you can’t control. Yes, you will get older every day but so will everyone else and it’s what you do with that day that’s important.
• Look after yourself – Make sure you get plenty of exercise appropriate to your abilities. Have goals you aim for with your exercise this helps to keep it up and even increase your fitness levels. Try something new
• Keep your mind alert – Read a lot, become an expert in crossword puzzles, jigsaw puzzles or suduko. Take up a new hobby, perhaps learn a language.
• Make a list of your goals. What do you want to achieve before you are 60, 70, 80, 90 or 100. These don’t have to be outrageous goals like climb a mountain or visit the North Pole but can just be simple things you’ve always meant to get around to, play the piano, learn to quilt, read a certain novel, study a particular subject, learn to use a computer or grow a particular vegetable you enjoy.
• Keep yourself around happy and active people. Join a new club, volunteer at the local charity shop or library.
• Keep up to date with the news and world around you. Read about the new president of a country, watch the latest fashion trends, find out about the latest drug treatments or advances in alternative medicines.
• Get your affairs in order. Make sure that when a time comes and you may need to move or spend time in hospital that you don’t have people and things to worry about but don’t then dwell on when that time may be.
• Do something different every day or week or at least month. Visit a different club or local attraction, spend time interacting with different people.
• Be Optimistic. Everything has a bright side however difficult it may sometimes be to see. Celebrate your friend’s life, don’t lament their death. If you are struggling to see a bright side try smiling it always helps even if it doesn’t take the pain away.
• Above all make sure you are following your dreams and living each day to the full. Enjoy the simple things around you, the sun shining, the music on the radio, the people in the street, the flowers in the garden.

Remember you are never too old to try anything and nothing is ever too young for you to become involved in. Be happy!

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