Excerpt from Daily Cures, Wisdom for Healthy Aging by Connie Mason Michaelis
Recently I was visiting with a group of seniors about successful aging. I asked them for their input on what it takes to navigate aging in a healthy, positive way. The first topic that came up was attitude and the importance of looking on the bright side. Although everyone has challenges in life, some people can keep a smile on their face and an optimistic outlook no matter what. Even those with dramatic limitations can be cheerful and upbeat. Another suggestion was that people who kept learning seem to embrace the aging process more easily. John Dewey, an American philosopher and educational reformer said, “Education is not preparation for life; education is life itself.” He lived to be 93 and was working actively until his death. Another suggestion for successful aging was exercise and activity. George Bernard Shaw at 95 said, “We don’t stop playing because we grow old; we grow old because we stop playing.”
One of the seniors said it was essential to “make yourself attractive.” I was so intrigued by the response, and I asked for more explanation. She noted that it was important to continue to do all the things that make others want to be around you. Her concept included getting up in the morning and getting ready for the day with proper grooming and attractive attire. She felt it was essential to be up to date with news and current events. Beyond that, she felt that reading good books and taking time for daily prayer and introspection created an appealing spiritual life. She said it was important to ask others about their lives and not monopolize conversations. The law of attraction says, “You don’t attract what you want in life, you attract who you are!” I think she is right!