As a relatively young (recently entered my thirties) senior in-home care professional who prides herself in helping aging clients maintain independent and healthy lives as they face the challenges that growing old brings, I often find myself thinking of what I will be like when I fall into the category of "elderly." I work with clients everyday that inspire and amaze me with their zest for life and I hope to mimic their attitude when I reach their age. So, today I found myself thinking of ways to remain YOUNG AT HEART and I wanted to share my ideas with each of you - what do you think? I look forward to learning how you have managed to maintain a youthful outlook as you have moved through life.
1. TRAVEL - Always find a way to experience different cultures and bring back stories to share about your adventures with friends and family. Whether a transcontinental journey or a road trip to your favorite getaway, keep up that spirit to get out of your everyday routine and explore!
2. GET ONLINE - Everything new and exciting these days seems to happen first on the internet. Explore topics that interest you by searching for articles, blogs and forums that will keep you current. Create a Facebook profile to reconnect with friends near and far to keep up with their lives.
3. CONNECT WITH YOUNGER GENERATIONS - Keep your grandkids or great grandkids for the afternoon and PLAY! If you don't have close family members with young children, get involved with an organization that serves children. Bring yourself down to their level and forget about all the worries that adulthood brings.
4. GO ON A DATE - plan a romantic evening with your spouse and get out of the house for dinner and a movie. If you are single or widowed, find a fun friend to spend the evening with. It will bring back that youthful energy that comes with enjoying a nice evening with someone special!
5. EXPERIENCE THE ARTS - visit the local museum, go see a musical or play, buy tickets to a concert. Keep up with your local culture.
6. GET OUTSIDE - work in your garden, have a picnic in the park or walk thru your neighborhood on a nice day. Connect with Mother Nature and feel the positive effects that a little sunshine brings.
7. LEARN - take a course online or at your local community college and learn something new. Keep your mind active and add knowledge about something you have always found interesting.
8. EXERCISE - somewhat of a no brainer, but just when you don't think your body will work like it used to, explore options like water aerobics, Tai Chi or golf to keep those muscles strong & limit the impact on your joints.
9. PARTY - find a reason to celebrate yourself or a loved one and throw a party! Getting your friends and family together creates the opportunity to plan and anticipate an exciting occasion. Keep the details simple and all will have a wonderful time.
10. PICTURE THIS - purchase a quality camera and take pictures of places that mean the most to you. Visit your alma maters, the chapel where you were married, your favorite park, the house you grew up in, the list goes on and on. Create an album of snapshots that piece together your entire life as YOU see it. It will remind you of younger days and also create a priceless keepsake for your family.