What is important to you?
I have my own list of the most important things in life. I call them “ingredients” because each must be of the right measure for my happiness and well-being. Just like food, too much or too little can spoil my life in unimaginable ways.
However, my list is, by no means, representative of other seniors whose number is growing each day.
This question has piqued my interest for a long time, forcing me to refer to that bottomless repository of information – Google.
To my dismay, Google has nothing specific, either. Sure enough, the first page has a lot of sites dwelling on the topic, but they are all as fragmented as Humpty Dumpty after the fall. They are like a group of Jews in a huddle – each has a different take on the same subject.
Finally, I asked the members of the FB elderly groups I am a member of. Nothing like getting it straight from the horse’s mouth, sort of
It was a very informal survey. Nothing scientific about it, and not all answered. But the answers I got from those who did, provided an interesting profile of their most important life ingredients.
Here they are…
1. Health:
It is no surprise for “health” to be the main ingredient in the happiness and well-being of seniors. They all aspire good health, though not many are endowed with it. Old age seems to conspire with a myriad of health issues.
In fact, according to the CDC (Centers for Disease Control), 85 percent of seniors have at least one chronic disease, and 60 percent at least two.
And the answers I got range from common knee and back pains, arthritis, diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, and many others. A couple is struggling with cancer.
Health is a game-changer for seniors. It can either make them live their lives in joyful contentment or suffer constant anguish and pain.
2. Relationship with the Almighty:
For this to come next as the most important ingredient is not surprising, either. In fact, some studies support this. Faith in the Almighty gives an elderly beset with a lot of age-related issues a sense of meaning and purpose in life.
A strong relationship with the Almighty soothes fears and insecurities of their impending demise. It gives them the feeling of preparedness in “going back home.”
On the practical side, it fosters promotes good health. Though the link between faith and health has not been clearly established, there is sufficient evidence that it engenders positive emotions. And seniors with strong faith generally have a healthy social network; they handle stress better.
Elderly people who adhere to certain religious beliefs and practices are less prone to anxiety, depression and to commit suicide. They are less likely to abuse their health through alcohol, drugs or tobacco.
3. Family and Friends:
Close family and friends are God’s manifestation of His presence in us. They are invaluable, especially when they become fewer and rarer.
Family and friends are necessary for an elderly’s psychological and physical well-being. They also help reduce stress, anxiety, and depression.
Many studies have shown that close family and friends give aging hearts a boost, and can help the body’s autoimmune system resist diseases.
They make you whole; make you feel safe and secure, and may keep you from making a monkey of yourself.
Family and friends cheer you up when things are down, or pull you down back to the ground when you are way over your head.
4. Peace of Mind:
We all want to have peace of mind. But what is it and how to achieve it?
Peace of mind is “a state of mental and emotional calmness, with no worries, fears or stress. In this state, the mind is quiet, and you experience a sense of happiness and freedom.”
But for seniors constantly in a state of loneliness or suffering from health and relationship issues, to name a few, peace of mind may remain unachievable.
Is it? Try these simple exercises that have been proven to work:
- Let go of things you can’t control
- Don’t worry about what others think of you
- List 3 things you love about you
- Look out of your window, take a single deep breath and immerse your thoughts in the beauty of nature.
Do these every day until they become a habit.
5. Independence:
No, not the political kind, but of the more docile type, like being on your own; control of your life.
For one, seniors don’t want to be babied. They may need some help in a few things, but they still were ahead in the crib and know better.
Seniors love to do things their way, and they don’t like to be placed in a straitjacket of “Dos” and “Don’ts.” They need some space, too.
They want to listen to their own type of music, or movies, or clothes. They prefer to be left alone, not to be fussed over. In fact, roughly 13 million elderly people in the U.S. live alone. Majority of them cites “independence” as the reason for living that way.
Old age may bring wrinkles and illnesses, but it also switches your focus from the frivolous to the sensible things in life. From the unnecessary to the necessary.
Since two months ago, I’ve been living alone (I had a helper before that). Filling the gap left by her is tiresome and time-consuming. But I am stress-free. And I learned how to cope with my new reality (I had to).
But “independence” is not my main life ingredient but “family.” The demise of my wife left me with two wonderful and responsible children who have made me a part of their lives.
They are my treasures. I can get by without the life ingredients, but not without them. My daughter is a driving-distance away while my son is in New Zealand. But we still bond regularly through technology.
What about you? What is your most important life ingredient? Would you mind sharing it with Age with Charm and its readers? Please send us your thoughts (please refer to this blog’s About page for the guidelines).
Image: Wanderlust Worker
~oOo~
