You just turned 50. Or 60. Or 70. How is it you got this old so fast, you might wonder. It’s a question we all ask ourselves, and I hear it from 25 year olds and 95 year olds. The one thing we all agree on is life moves fast.
The problem for the over 50 set is that cultural bias tells us that we can’t do things. It suggests that after 50 it is normal to have weakening eyesight, bones and memory, low or non-existent libido, and aching joints. To that I say NO WAY! It is not about the AGE you are. It is about the LIFESTYLE you engage in.
Think about Your Thinking
The average adult has about 65000 thoughts every day. What do yours look like? Are they positive, reaffirming you are blessed with many opportunities, or do they simmer on low, reminding you the clock is ticking and you’ are old? Are you talking about your aching knees, or are you out for a walk, appreciating the natural world? Are you talking about your low energy and your next nap, or are you eating high quality food and building fitness into your day? Your thinking is a great influencer in how you feel and what you do.
Turn Off the Media
It’s hard to hear anything positive in the media about growing older. Instead you will hear about the latest anti-aging cream, or medication for any number of things, or life-alert systems to get you off the floor. They promote not only fear of growing older but they suggest that this is the way growing older looks.
My solution? Reject conventional thinking about growing older. Every one who is alive is a little bit older very day of our lives. But the degree to which we decline is not because of the number of days we are here; it is because of looking too far in the past and forgetting to rejoice in the many unexpected delights the future may bring.
5 Must-have Habits for Growing Bolder
1. Consider What You Put in Your Body
Children have so much energy they can get along with little or no food some days. You were like that once. After 50 your body and mind rely more and more on what you put into it. You need nutrient rich foods, just enough but not too much. You need some wiggle room to indulge every now and then, and you can when most of your food is nourishing and energizing. You likely need a limited amount of supplements, but don’t use them as a replacement for healthy eating.
2. Keep Moving
The worst profession for anyone over 50 is one that calls for sitting all day. If you find yourself in that situation, make a point of getting up and moving at least twice every hour. Recreational moving should be like breathing - you do it every day. Choose what you like — long walks with the dog, dancing, gym workouts, tennis. — whatever keeps you active.
3. Connect
Isolation and loneliness is a public health crisis. Studies show it increases the risk of illness. Find ways to connect with people who lift you up. And while you’re there, lift them up as well. The give and take in connection benefits you.
4. Have Purpose
Older years are filled with transitions, some of which we have no control over. What was once your major focus may have changed or may no longer be relevant. But we know having purpose is the energy that wakes us in the morning, that gets us out of bed, ready to start the day. With former priorities no longer taking your time, fire up your creative juices and seek out what might drive you in this phase of life and make it happen.
5. Rise and Shine - EARLY!
It turns out the world’s most successful people do just that. If you want to grow bolder, get a good night’s sleep and start your day early. Jack Canfield, author of Chicken Soup for the Soul says “You don’t have to get it perfect, you just have to get it started.” When you start your day early, you will amaze yourself with what you get done.
Now back to Habit #1, the food part. Do you know what to eat? Are you feeling good when you eat it? Is your weight stable? How about your overall health? Food changes everything, and that’s why I make it the #1 habit you need to grow bolder, not just older. If you need help with this, visit my program page to see how I can help you, or just skip right over that and contact me for a complimentary consultation.