Aging is Awesome
Make the Days Count.
Aging is happening whether you like it or not. Given this truth, it seems logical that adopting a positive mindset about aging would be beneficial to our health. Instead of being at war with the aging process, let's shift our focus into finding our sense of purpose and joy in life. After all, a sense of purpose is one of the key factors in living a long and fulfilling life.
Research shows that people who have a clear understanding of their purpose—who know why they wake up in the morning—tend to live longer lives. Having defined goals and an awareness of what brings joy and fulfillment leads to engaging in activities and communities that offer rewarding experiences.
Did you know there are regions of the world called “Blue Zones” where people live significantly longer, healthier, and happier lives compared to the global average? These areas are studied to understand the factors that contribute to longevity and happiness, but why do they stand apart?
Most Blue Zone cultures embrace the idea of having a 'why'—a purpose that gets them out of bed each morning. In Okinawa, Japan, it’s called ikigai. In Nicoya, Costa Rica, it’s known as plan de vida. In Ikaria, Greece, purpose is deeply tied to the pride of being Ikarian. In Loma Linda, California, there is a strong focus on community and giving back.
People with a strong sense of purpose are more likely to take their medications regularly, stay physically active, keep their minds engaged, choose healthier foods, and make an effort to connect with others socially. It’s such a fundamental aspect of wellbeing that research shows those with a strong sense of purpose live about eight years longer than those without it.
If you don’t feel you have a clear purpose, you might be wondering—how do you find one?
The good news is that curiosity and the drive to learn are innate human traits, deeply rooted in our biology, psychology, and evolution. With each passing year, we gain more knowledge through our personal experiences. Just another reason why aging is awesome! With that knowledge, we have the incredible opportunity to apply it in ways that align with our values and goals. It’s never too late to continuously discover and refine our personal identities, uncover what inspires us, and decide how we choose to engage with our life.
Explore.
Asking yourself meaningful questions and reflecting on the answers is a great way to begin discovering what inspires you. It's okay to not have well-thought-out answers to these questions. In fact, many people don’t. But we can use free writing as a tool to explore and understand ourselves better.
For at least 20 minutes, write continuously, without stopping, exploring the following questions. You can focus on just one question, or answer each. There is no wrong way to do this activity. Just let your ideas, dreams, and hopes pour out.
1. Take Inventory:
What are the core values, beliefs, and principles that guide your life?
Identify the unique talents, strengths, and abilities you possess—physically, emotionally, and mentally.
2. Make a Statement:
Write a personal purpose statement that reflects your vision, including what you aspire to do and how you can use your talents to contribute.
3. Take Action:
Every big dream begins with a small step. Identify any small actionable steps you can take today, tomorrow, and so forth that moves you closer to living out your purpose.
When you're done writing, take a moment to reflect on what you've uncovered. Do your thoughts and words provide you with greater clarity and purpose? Is there more to explore? If so, what is it? Remember, this is just the beginning—each step forward, no matter how small, brings you closer to living a life aligned with your values and dreams.
