Shabby Chic Boho It’s fair to say that if they had a choice, most people would choose being young, or at least “having youth” for as long as they possibly could. It’s why we eat healthy when we know the junk food choice might taste better in the moment, it’s why we exercise, it’s even why we try to keep on top of good sleep habits. That’s because we know longevity is often the name of the game, and we can’t just expect ourselves to be healthy, we ave to work for it.
However, it’s also true that getting old can sometimes feel like a scary prospect. Our culture tends to value youth, beauty, novelty, and only really celebrates the old on a personal level, that is those in our families. However, in some cultures the opposite is true, where the elderly are given the respect they’re due and deferred to in some appropriate matters.
It’s important to use this latter example as an inspiration, especially if you’ve been fearing getting old or elderly living as you hit certain milestones in age. Let’s consider some optimistic reasons why not to worry:
Life Becomes Simpler
Your world often streamlines a lot as you get older. It’s strange to feel, but many of the daily pressures you felt in your younger years just seem to fade away. For example, you’re not worrying so much about climbing the career ladder, staying perfectly fashionable at all times, or trying to look cool or be the most magnetic person in the room.
It’s quite freeing to learn what matters to you in that context, and so it’s easier to focus on your own happiness. You can spend your days enjoying simple pleasures and your own hobbies but never feeling like you should be doing something else all the time. It’s a very liberating way to live your life.
You Know The Value Of Time
When we get older, we gain a powerful perspective on how precious time is, so you’re less likely to waste it on things that aren’t important or that cause you stress. You understand that every day is a gift and you try to make the most of it in meaningful ways, which isn’t a sad feeling at all, it’s clarifying if anything.
If you can hold that, it makes you very intentional with how you spend your energy and who you spend it with, which is a great skill. You’ll find yourself caring most for the deeper connections with family and friends and enjoying activities that bring you joy no matter the productive utility of it. Again, that’s comforting.
You Take Nothing For Granted
At a certain age, you’ve seen enough of life to know that you can’t take your health or your loved ones for granted. It also means you’ve developed a deep appreciation for the world around you, even just a sunny morning to a good conversation with a friend, and you’re just more present in the moment, which is a lovely feeling. It also applies no matter your circumstances, such as living with relatives, managing your household and daily life as you always had, or Independent Living at Maple Brook. This means you become less fearful of change, too.
With this advice, we believe you’ll find it easier to enjoy elderly living, and even the dignities of age.
Photo by cottonbro studio
