Living well, ageing with vigour and having a good life at any age are all statements of intent but how do we make them real? Literature on healthy ageing has lots to say. Genes, nutritious food, exercise, healthy relationships, purpose, a positive attitude, and gratitude, everything in moderation, good health care, hobbies and interests are all cited in ageing literature as the key elements of living and ageing well. We know the list.
Look around you and think about those people in their later years who seem to have a good life. What do you find? When you look at the life you have, are you living well?
I had a great conversation with a friend a few nights ago. She is 72, still working 2-3 days a week, eats very healthily, walks 26 kms during the day and then comes to a party in the evening. She travels, supports her family, is a great cook and does yoga classes.
Another friend enjoys a calm, quiet existence with her long – time partner on their rural property. Exercise is 3 hours of gardening a day. They are both very connected to the community they live in and volunteer at the local school and hospital. Travel is to their caravan at the beach where they have been holidaying each year for 30 years. Family and their grandkids are a big part of their lives. They are both in their late 70’s and for the most part fit and healthy. They are content and feel that they live well.
We can have very different definitions of Living Well and shape our lives to fit our value system and what is most important to us. So here are some questions for you to think about over a cup of tea- or perhaps journal if this is what you enjoy…..
- What does Living Well mean to you?
- What would you be doing if you were living well in 5 years’ time?
- What do you need to put in place to ensure you are living well now but also in five years’ time?
- What habits, behaviours or activities would you keep the same, do more of, do less of?
- Are there any problems/ challenges things that are holding you back from living well?
- Prioritise these challenges- which are the most important/ difficult? Which are the easiest to fix? Fix these in the next week if possible.
Quotes for a quiet moment
“Even if you’re on the right track you’ll get run over if you just sit there.” Will Rogers
“Don’t waste so much time worrying about your skin or your weight. Develop what you do, what you put your hands on in the world.” Meryl Streep
“The Longer I live the more beautiful life becomes.” Frank Lloyd Wright
Some great websites of people living well