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There are but two things certain about age: it surely catches us all, if we're fortunate; and second, it isn't marked by a definite number. Still, age has something to do with the passage of time. On the other hand, getting old or staying youthful has a lot to do with a person's state of mind.
Today's society inundates with the notion of staying youthful. Magazine covers and prime-time television lineups offer a veritable gold mine of articles and reality shows filled with stories of people who will go to any length to look youthful. Sad, but true, these stories focus on little other than the external appearance. While cosmetic surgery may change the outside, it offers precious little value beyond the temporary boost to the superficial ego in most instances. Not to say there is never a time when cosmetic surgery fulfills a genuine need; however, when it comes to staying youthful, there are options far less expensive that pose no health risk. These practical options help you stay young for the duration precisely where it counts ... in your attitude about yourself and life in general. Don't let others define you The old adage, you're as young as you feel is indeed a true one. Just because you're a certain age according to your birthday doesn't mean that you should act, dress or think any particular way. Never choose your wardrobe, where you go, what you drive or anything else according to what someone says is suitable for someone your age. Whatever it is you're considering, only these thoughts should come to mind: Do I like it? Can I afford it? Is it what I want? Of course, it's not impractical to seek advice sometimes, but never ask if you're too old to wear a certain color, drive a sports car or go dancing three nights a week. Don't camp in your rocking chair The quickest way to feel old is to act old, so don't. A sedentary lifestyle can rob precious years from your life. Engage in a physical activity that you've always enjoyed or find a new one that you've never tried. Whatever activity you choose can help you maintain your current good health or even improve it overall. Begin each day with a brisk morning walk or a workout routine. Morning exercise energizes you and gets you ready to enjoy your day. Keeping active, in general, contributes to both mental alertness and physical well-being. Using a local gym or health club can add a social dimension to your workout sessions. When you do take a break to sit in your rocker or favorite recliner, use this time to work on a crossword puzzle or read a book instead of watching television. Study after study shows that using your brain keeps it functioning at a higher level. Work even if you don't need the money When the nine-to-five routine is no longer part of our lives, boredom can set in easily. We miss the challenges of facing new tasks as well as the camaraderie of people. Maybe this is the perfect time to turn your hobby into a side business where you work the hours you want to work instead of punching a clock. If starting a business at this point isn't exactly what you had in mind, consider a part-time job. What are your areas of expertise? Many companies today want to work with consultants. Offer your services on a bi-weekly or monthly basis to a company that would benefit from the advice and assistance of someone with your credentials. It will give you a sense of purpose and belonging. Give the gift of your time In addition to charities, there are hospitals, crisis centers, homeless shelters and other nonprofit organizations in dire need of volunteers. Public schools across the country have a constant need for adults to serve as mentors and to assist in simple tasks such as reading to children. If you find yourself with too much time on your hands, give some of it through service to causes and people that will appreciate your contribution. Just a few hours per week of volunteering can make an enormous difference in someone's life, and you will benefit from your contribution as well.
Stay on the cutting edge
Do you have a passion or interest that you've never had time to explore? If so, now's your chance to do it. Visit the web site of a local community college or other academic institution and view the available courses. Don't just opt for adult-only types of offerings or nighttime courses. Try to take a class that's offered during the day so that you'll be in class with students of different age groups. The exposure to new people and new ideas is stimulating and will afford you a much broader range of learning opportunities. Remember, the choice to be youthful is yours to make. Here are some other practical ways of cultivating a youthful approach to life. Enjoy all of them! * Set specific goals for yourself and reward yourself when you accomplish them. * Maintain current friendships and develop new ones. * Avoid too much sun. * Use alcohol in moderation. * Eat a healthy diet, trying new foods or new ways of cooking your favorite ones. * Join a dance group, hobby club or other social group with which you share an interest. ____________________________________________ By Angelina Jordan
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