I have spent a lot of time thinking about how we can stay vibrant and relevant as we age into our “golden years.” As with anything, it takes effort. But effort repeated enough times can turn into a habit. Here are my thoughts:
Make self-care a non-negotiable part of your routine. Schedule a facial or a massage, get your hair cut, and always keep up with your mammograms and doctor’s appointments.
Take time to nurture your emotional well-being. I love to listen to podcasts, and my favorite one is The Hidden Brain hosted by Shankar Vedantam.
Engage in activities that bring you joy. I love to read because the stories always open my world and transport me to different locations, centuries, and characters.
Get enough sleep. Work on your sleep hygiene. Tune out the world one-half hour before you go to bed and let yourself relax.
It’s important to remain active. Keep your body moving! Regular exercise helps maintain strength and flexibility and boosts your mood and overall health. Find activities you enjoy, such as walking, dancing, or swimming, and make them a regular part of your life.
Nurture relationships. Cultivate meaningful connections with loved ones. Spend quality time with family and friends, engage in social activities, and participate in community events. Strong relationships provide a sense of belonging and support throughout the aging process.
Embrace new experiences and learn something new each day. For instance, go to the free classes at Apple and learn how to manage your electronics.
Stay curious and open-minded. Life is full of opportunities, no matter your age! The days are so much more interesting if you are busy.
Stay positive. Smile and always put your best foot forward. You will have no idea how you can affect someone’s life by having a sunny disposition.
Please avoid toxic people who want you to feel as bad as they do. These folks will bring unnecessary drama into your life, leaving you unsettled and depressed.
(add on) Stay hydrated. You have to work at drinking as much water as you need daily. Proper hydration helps you stay energized and minimizes muscle cramps. My go-to in the morning is a 16 ounce glass of water with a lemon and 2 ounces of Collagen powder. It is a great start to my day.
9 Comments
Dear Ann,
Love your info. I was at the mall with my daughter on Saturday and it made me realize how much I miss having you “Dress Me”. There are plenty of clothes at NPR but not the caliber you chose! Have a wonderful time traveling and enjoy your retirement!!
Hi sweet Gwen, Thank you for reaching out. I sure miss seeing you. Dressing you was sooo fun! Enjoy this special time in your life.
What collagen do you use? There is so much out there I saw do
Liquid at Costco!’
What collagen do you use? There is so much out there I saw do
Liquid at Costco!’ I have never read your posts before.
I use Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides
Wonderful advice. I concur with each and every item. I just turned 81 and am loving life. I truly do miss the reflection of your buying choices for NPR. It is not the same without you. Thank goodness for the wonderful staff who remains faithful to all of us and to NPR. I wish you all the best.
Thank you Julie. I really miss seeing you. We really had some fun. Enjoy everything!
Thanks so much Anne for continuing to pass on your thoughts and recommendations to us. It elevates my day to see an email with your address. Glad you can do international travel but assume you must have had an encounter with bed bugs to give such specific advice on how to avoid issues upon your return to home. Love all the coats except the blue and white fuzzy big checks; not flattering but surely an attention getter. Glad we have a plethora of choices out there including the long ones.
Thank you- take good care of yourself!