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“As
a man thinketh in his heart, so is he,” notes the aphorist.
There are many things about aging that are beyond our control,
but a good attitude about the process goes a long way. This
may be hard to develop, particularly in our youth-focused
culture. Aging and older people are often viewed negatively.
Observe the cranky or doddering images of older adults on
television. It is not surprising that people internalize these
stereotypes and regard aging with fear and loathing. This
can become a self-fulfilling prophecy. We will decline, therefore,
we do.
Aging
does bring its share of losses, but there are compensatory
benefits—more time to pursue our passions, the opportunity
to mend relationships, the chance to play with grandchildren—especially
if we can develop ways to stay proactive and meet the toughest
challenges with equanimity and grace.
Consider
the examples of:
- Martha
Graham, who danced professionally until she was 75 and choreographed
her last work at the age of 96.
- Tony
Bennett, who won a Grammy for I Left My Heart in San
Francisco at 36 and then another for his MTV Unplugged
Album at 69.
- Ethel
Percy Andrus, who, at 72, helped create the nation’s
first health insurance plan for people over 65, and then
two years latter founded AARP.
Try
a sample exercise from The Future Me to help you “Improve
Your Attitude” and Stay Positive
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