September has been older Americans month. When we celebrate grandparents day, we see our grandchildren go off to school, to colleges and universities, and the grandparents get some perspectives on successful grandparenting and successful aging. Recently, I read about a study by Dr. George Valant from the Harvard Medical School. The study found that a lot of successful aging is how we handle ourselves through the years. It followed our lives of 824 men and women from their teens into their 80s. It divides persons between 60 and 80 into two groups. Happy well, and sad sick. It also analyzes the traits of individuals in the groups who have died.
Valant’s study came to these conclusions: Not smoking or quitting early, keeping a healthy weight, exercise, not abusing alcohol, a solid marriage, and a good education made a difference. Educated persons and those who continued to seek education were less apt to be obese and to be in control of their lives. The ability to roll with the punches and a sense of humor makes adjusting to life easier. Another study by Randy Larson, PhD University of Michigan, offered these steps to happiness. Pretending to be happy increases actual contentment. Keeping a journal helps to understand yourself, inventing certain types of games helps people to connect in positive and loving ways. Eating with awareness, paying attention to your body while eating makes eating more attractive and makes you less apt to eat things that aren't good for you. Rationally thinking your way through anger. When irritating things matter, take a few deep breaths and relax. It will help you know how to react. Assessing a situation will help you solve problems successfully. Meaningful rituals, such as resting at certain times each day or spending special time for yourself, can result in a positive, happy attitude. In other words, a positive mental attitude counts in successful aging.
And now some thoughts from a faithful reader of warm thoughts. Happy to share her warm thoughts. “Put yesterday behind you, it's gone and won't come back. And we cannot see ahead far down tomorrow's track. Enjoy the fleeting moments that come just for today. The sweet song of a bluebird, the morning sun's first ray. A warm and loving hand clasp, welcome letters in the mail, a bunch of fragrant violets, rain splashing in a pail. Each day has something special, some joy or souvenir, it might be gone tomorrow, so enjoy it while it's here.”
Enjoy successful aging, whatever your age!
Warm Thoughts from the Little Home on the Prairie Over a Cup of Tea written by Dr. Luetta G Werner.
Published in the Marion Record, September 26th, 2002.
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Till next time,
Trina