A friend recently mentioned that getting old is inevitable, but growing up is optional. He and I share the desire to keep our minds as young and as flexible as possible to belie our aging bodies. We are not alone among those with this wish, but we do work at it.

London researchers studied the responses of 6,500 men and women to the question “How old do you feel you are?” The respondents were over 52 with an average age of 65.  

• 70 percent felt three or more years younger than their age, 
• 25 percent felt close to their actual age 
• and 5 percent felt more than a year older.

Eight years later, when examining the same group to determine how many were still living.

• 75 percent of those who felt older than their age were among the living.
• 82 percent of those who felt their actual age were alive.
• and 96 percent of those feeling younger than their actual age were still walking about. 

After getting these results, they wanted to know why feeling youthful kept people alive longer and found a relationship between self-perceived age and cardiovascular strength. Feeling younger tends to lead to maintaining better health habits and a sense of resiliency. The advice of many physicians to use it or lose it holds true.  

To maintain a youthful spirit you have to challenge yourself with new activities, continue to learn, and develop new skills. That is how you behaved in your youth, and there’s no reason not to continue the practice through old age.

For those who have fallen off the path, a way to catch up is through mindfulness meditation to help focus you on the here and now. Then, throw away regrets about the past and delete thoughts of future deterioration. Instead, find meaning in what you have, for as long as you are breathing you are alive with possibilities

Focusing on something larger than yourself, connecting with friends and family, and helping to improve the lives of others will give meaning to your days. Participating in pleasurable activities, whether it be gardening, bike riding, or designing birdhouses are energizing pursuits. Exercising, caring for your skin, getting a new haircut, and preparing to dance at ninety will give you something to look forward to and make you happy.

I like Julie Anderson singing in the Sound of Music;

Raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens

Bright copper kettles and warm woolen mittens

Brown paper packages tied up with strings

These are a few of my favorite things

Cream colored ponies and crisp apple strudels

Door bells and sleigh bells and schnitzel with noodles

Wild geese that fly with the moon on their wings

These are a few of my favorite things…

You are never too old to ingrain positive thinking in your psyche. It was Albert Einstein who advised, “Do not grow old, no matter how long you live.” Though we can’t be against aging, it will happen to us all, we can keep our minds quick and energetic. It’s an attitude that will let you engage in philosophical conversations that rekindle your idealism so you feel excited and make you realize it’s never too late to try, try again.

And for those of you who are under fifty, be careful not to let your spirit age. When you start setting a rigid time to be home so you can see your favorite TV series and have a good night’s sleep, watch out. If you save weekends for errands and chores instead of visiting friends and partying, take care. When you speak to people slightly younger than you and start with, “Back in my day,” warning bells should ring in your ears. If you feel entitled to a seat on the subway because you deserve it, or if everyone and I mean everyone, including babies annoys you-beware of becoming a fuddy-duddy, old grouch! If the thought of traveling or shopping is exhausting, or if you find collecting coupons intriguing and delightful, be cautious. And, if you decide discussing dinner options with your pet is normal-think twice, your youthful spirit is fading away. 

Lastly, if you’re thinking of retiring early, consider your options carefully. Many long-lived professionals work (at least part-time) well after retirement. Work gives a sense of purpose and provides movement to your day that helps keep you healthy. So when you do retire, plan to engage in meaningful volunteer work. 

Many of my friends talk of travel as a way to fill a vacuum, and that may be fun for a while. But travel is increasingly expensive and not as easy as it used to be. And though travel without purpose may occupy your time, it doesn’t necessarily lead to feeling fulfilled.

As Socrates said, “An unexamined life is not worth living.” With that in mind, examine yours and make it count. 

Do share your thoughts about maintaining spirit below.

References:

Lam, D. (2020) How to Stay Young When You Feel Old AF. WOOK:PLAY. retrieved from https://www.wonderwall.sg/workplay/how-to-stay-young-at-heart-when-you-feel-old-af-/

Godman, H. (2014)Feeling young at heart may help you live longer. Havard Health Letter. retrieved from https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/feeling-young-heart-may-help-live-longer-201412177598

Main,Sami.(2013) 22 Signs You’re an Old Person Trapped in a Young Person’s Body. BuzzFeed. retrieved from https://www.buzzfeed.com/samimain/signs-youre-an-old-person-trapped-in-a-young-persons-body

Art is always for sale. ALIVE is a 24” by 20” acrylic painting on canvas/ available for $339. For information call marilynne@eichingerfineart.com.