Val’s View:
How to appreciate your golden years
Enjoying Life After 60
Aging has often been viewed with apprehension and a fear of losing one's vitality. Thankfully, people are starting to reframe their mindset and view these golden years as an opportunity to have fulfilling and enriching experiences.
When your priorities shift and your free time opens up, you may find yourself seeking interests that can inspire both yourself and others. The grind of work does not consume your thoughts, and you can start to tap into your creative thinking, as you did when you were a child, except now you have the wisdom of an adult.
I started working when I was 15 years old, and I'm reaching the point at 60 where I know I have earned relaxation. Today, I have a greater sense of honoring connections with others rather than seeking validation through possessions or status.
Savoring Relationships
I'm investing time in people I respect and can relate to. We all vent, but instead of fixating on the fact that my memory shrinks and my hearing stinks, I look for bursts of gratitude. When I get a chance to celebrate others, I take it. Heartfelt conversations and a newfound appreciation for how time passes quickly give me humility and inspire me to seek peace and contentment.
Getting to Know Yourself (And Others!) Better
Being present with your emotions and recognizing patterns in yourself and others helps you meet people where they are. Give yourself the space to stay curious and not hit the snooze button on life!
Solitude is necessary at times, but I derive true enjoyment from sharing an activity with others. As we age, people often feel more vulnerable and tend to isolate, but social connection remains a vital aspect of a well-balanced life.
Appreciating the Simple Pleasures
I was recently at a friend's house, and we spent the morning tying orchids to her trees with twine. It was such a simple activity, and yet as we worked and chatted, I found it a remarkably relaxing and productive way to spend quality time together. The reward was a dip in the pool and candid exchanges about life that strengthened our bond.
At 65, my friend has a fabulous outlook and a huge appreciation for food, fashion, and the arts, which I admire. We both love bright colors and clothing that sparks joy in us, and hopefully, in others. As our minds and bodies change, finding things that suit our way of expressing ourselves is important. My tastes have evolved, and I gravitate to what makes me feel good. My taste in music isn't modern, but I do try to keep up with current fashion trends.
Redefining Identity While Preserving Tradition
My experiences have led me to consider my expectations around how others in my life are changing as well. I must admit I find a lot of happiness in tradition. My neighbors have been having us over for breakfast to watch Wimbledon for 20 years, and I've won the bet three times already. Having things in common and sharing time together is a great way to make lasting memories.
Virtue. Peace. Prosperity.
These three words can describe our golden years. Pursuing interests, whether they be intellectual or simply trying new hobbies, is an important part of this stage of life. Time marches on regardless of how we feel, and we all have aspects of ourselves we can improve. Sometimes we have to learn lessons repeatedly, and stumbling blocks are an inevitable part of life. But still, I've learned never to underestimate my ability to change for the better.
An Engaged and Meaningful Life
There are many facets to my personality and life, from running my notary business to babysitting and socializing with friends, and I love making others feel special because I believe everyone should feel that way – myself included. Don't get me wrong: I have my moments of doubt, just like everyone else, but now I choose to try and spread my light.
I'll never forget how my second-grade teacher wrote in my report card, "Valentina has a sunny disposition." That comment has stuck with me for life, and I hope to pass my sunshine to everyone, from my 2-year-old grandniece to my 91-year-old father-in-law, who is still driving, playing tennis every day, and practicing law.
As I tell my 24-year-old son, you don't have to feel great all of the time, but when you do, try to pass it along. Hope is contagious at any age!
XOXO,
Val
