Aging Gracefully & Making Wise Choices, As There Are No Do-Overs!

By Linda Penkala, Author, LMT

As I round the earth for the 70th time this beautiful month of May, there have been many reflective moments in the past 6 months. As a wellness educator, I ask myself if there’s authenticity in my teaching and writing and if I “walk my talk.” Gratefully, the answer is yes, after years of lessons learned, trips to a hospital, and studying health and wellness research for my book, The Pause to Relax, about women’s heart health and stress. Both topics are worth paying attention to, for vibrant aging, as they help people choose lifestyle choices to lessen CVD risks and enhance one’s lifespan.

7 Pillars to Support Graceful Aging ~

Connect –

Civic groups – Join or Die, the documentary by esteemed social scientist Robert Putnam, focuses on the value and benefits of building community: https://www.joinordiefilm.com/.
Regular visits and time with family and friends or collectively volunteer together.
Play games with friends like bridge or any fun card or board games.
Take up an art class or new hobby to engage with more people and make friends.

Allow Nature to Nurture –

Wellbeing while in Nature has been well documented and may include a walk with others, a run or bike, a kayak trip, or snow/water skiing. A journey to a beautiful mountain or serene sunset is healing, by offering an “awe” moment that helps lessens stress and anxiety. https://tinyurl.com/58tk3j75.

Laugh Often –

Laughter is good medicine and nourishing for the soul, as it lowers cortisol, improves oxygen, helps mental clarity and makes one feel lighter and happier: https://health.clevelandclinic.org/is-laughing-good-for-you.

Pause to Relax –

Stop to intentionally breathe throughout the day, using Box Breathing, or 3-5-8 to lessen stress and increase oxygen for better focus. Regular self-care to look forward to, like Yin Yoga, meditation or prayer, a relaxing massage, is nourishing. Get sound sleep via calming essential oils like cedarwood or lavender.

Movement for Medicine ~

Whether senior chair yoga, walking with friends, hiking, lifting weights, swimming, or biking, these activities increase circulation, help strengthen, and make you feel amazing!

Travel to See New Vistas ~

There is a strong connection between seniors’ mental health and tourism regarding their healthy aging: https://tinyurl.com/264zpfun.

Deepen Your Spirituality ~

Whether in a house of worship or on a mountaintop, the connection to God or your higher power is instrumental to health by believing in something larger than yourself. There exists a strong association between spirituality and longevity due to positive coping, social support, and stress reduction: https://tinyurl.com/swfrr587.