Active Aging. Many of us may have heard of this term and may be asking ourselves – what is it, does it refer to me, and how would I get started?
A recent article, in clarifying what’s behind Active Aging, challenges us to view aging from this perspective: accept the inevitable, embrace it, and make it work for you. Aging, of course, is a privilege – as one of my favorite octogenarians has said with each passing birthday, “It’s better than the alternative!” With this privilege comes the opportunity of seizing each moment and treating it as a gift – not just letting life happen.
How would we go about doing this? Start with the following four concepts, and see how it goes:
- Use it or lose it: exercise your body, mind or spirit. At communities like The Atrium at The Cedars, residents choose from multiple exercise options, lectures and discussion groups, as well as excursions to theaters, museums and more in Portland with friends. Don’t see what you like on the list of options – then we’ll start a new group.
- Accommodate, don’t abdicate: allow yourself to use that walker or cane, or take needed breaks – if that provides you with the energy and ability to enjoy your day and the people around you.
- Be a beginner: have you always wanted to paint, learn a new language, play bridge – but never had the time or opportunity? Senior centers and communities provide the opportunity and support to get started. Resident artists, poker players, and music aficionados have all enjoyed sharing their passions with their fellow residents.
- Don’t just recreate, create: the life experiences we amass through our lives are of such value to the world around us. Volunteer, give back – we all need a sense of purpose.
For more information on life at The Cedars, independent living at The Atrium, call Angela D’Amours today at 207.221.7100.