I recently read about this study that said the way you think about aging and retirement can affect your mortality by 7 1/2 years. That is a lot.
I know that what you think about impacts your life but that statistic brought it home vividly.
Are you thinking about all the fun you can have or all the doctor appointments you have?
I have a friend who is part of Sisters on the Fly and she travels all over the US in her Motor Home. You should visit their website, https://www.sistersonthefly.com, and see how they decorate their trailers. Talk about having fun, brightening their world, having new adventures and engaging in sisterhood.
Recently I shared about Bo wanting to get a motorhome when he retired and we did. That post has been the most fun reading. People I never imagined have been out on the road for years. The energy is high. So fun to watch and see.
These people are taking charge of the way they want their life to go.
I hear too many people saying they just don’t have the energy or desire to get out. And, then begin a dialogue about their ailments. I get that our bodies talk to us more as we age but it doesn’t have to be the major focus.
Yes, you have to deal with the ailments but get on with it. Just this week, I hurt my hamstring playing pickleball and could hardly walk for days. I had a colonoscopy and had reactions from anesthesia. Stuff happens. But instead of complaining being your focus, take charge and focus on what you want. I’ve been doing exercises to loosen my leg. My legs are key to my play. It’s given me more compassion and understanding of how easily something can throw you off track. But, I feel blessed to have the skills and knowledge to know how to get back on track. Focus on what I want and be grateful for all I have.
What are you doing to thrive, stay focused on improving your health as you age?
Statistics can wake you up:
“In 2017 alone, an average US consumer spent 238 minutes (3h 58min) daily watching TV. According to a Nielsen report, United States adults are watching five hours and four minutes of television per day on average (35.5 h/week, slightly more than 77 days per year).”
“The average American spends 5.4 hours a day on their phone.”
That’s a crazy amount of wasted time not pursuing something meaningful for your life.
Let these statistics wake you up to how easy it is to waste away your days and your life.
What does your day look like? Your calendar? Are they full of active, fun things for your life? Or, are you being more passive just letting life take you down?
Don’t add to these negative statistics. Be willing to have fun with life and push yourself beyond what you thought was possible.
You have a choice.
Find groups like Road Scholars: Educational Travel for Adults.
Life has amazing things to offer when you are open and willing.
I have a free ebook with lots of ideas for retirement.
Take time to decide what you want to do for fun and meaning in this last chapter of life. It matters to your well-being.
Share with me what fun things you are doing to live life fully at dottie@dottiehager.com. I’m always looking for ways to live healthy, vibrant and fulfilled.