By Carl A. Trapani, MA, MS, LPC, Chippewa Manor Campus Chaplain
Welcome, all you experienced life-warriors, to a friendly guide on how to age like a champ! Whether you're already past the fabulous fifty mark, nearing it, or if that’s well in the rearview mirror, don’t fret! You are on a journey that becomes ever more interesting with each passing day. Back in 1978-1981, the actor Orson Welles, did a series of commercials for Paul Masson wine. Each ad ended with the tagline, “We will sell no wine before its time.” This implied that quality wine only comes by aging. The same could be said about life, “the process of time brings out the best in us.” Here are some ideas on how you can age like the finest of wines.
Laugh Often, Laugh Loudly
Laughter, the Best Anti-Aging Medicine (besides your prescriptions). Laughter truly is the best medicine, and luckily, it's in abundant supply! Make humor your daily vitamin. Surround yourself with people who make you giggle until your sides ache or your dentures nearly fall out. Watch funny movies, read witty books, and find joy in life's little absurdities. Look for them, laugh, and move on. Find humor in the little things, like forgetting where you put your glasses (they're probably on your head) or mistaking the TV remote for your phone. Life's too short not to laugh at all the funny things you see, including yourself. Gossip columnist Elsa Maxwell gave this advice, “Laugh at yourself first, before anyone else can.” Never underestimate the power of a well-timed joke. Laughter not only makes you feel good, but it also can-do wonders for the soul. Here is a good example:
Immediately after brain surgery, the doctor was checking the patient’s reflexes, “Mr. Smith, show me your teeth.” He shook his head. “I can’t, the nurse has them.”
Stay Active, But Don't Run Too Fast
Ah, yes, the joys of aging—where every ache and pain comes with its own ominous soundtrack. Let's get real – those joints aren't getting any younger. But fear not! While we know that exercise is the key to staying spry, don’t get carried away. Regular exercise doesn't have to involve running marathons or bench pressing your weight (unless you're into that sort of thing). Maybe it's a leisurely stroll, a gentle yoga class, or chasing your grandkids around. Find something you enjoy and stick to it. Whatever it is, just keep moving—it's nature's WD-40 for creaky joints. Your body will thank you, and you'll be strutting your stuff well into your golden years.
Eat Well, Sleep Well
Sure, a slice of pizza and a pint of ice cream may seem like the ultimate comfort food, but your body deserves better. Load up on fruits, veggies, whole grains, and lean proteins. And don't forget to hydrate – water is your best friend (sorry, wine).
Sleep is your key to superpower. Remember when you were younger, and you could pull an all-nighter and bounce back the next day? Yeah, those days are over. Your body needs sleep now more than ever to recharge and repair itself. So, put down the remote, turn off Netflix, and hit the hay at a reasonable hour. Your future self will thank you.
Nourish Your Body and Soul
Last but certainly not least, let's talk faith and spirituality. Whether you find solace in organized religion, the wonders of the universe, or the magical healing powers of chocolate, having faith can be a guiding light through life's darkest tunnels. So, keep the faith and trust in something bigger than yourself—it's the ultimate GPS for the soul. Sure, getting proper food and rest are important, but so is feeding your soul. Whether it's through prayer, meditation, music, art or communing with nature, take time to nourish your spirit. It's like fertilizer for the soul garden—you'll bloom beautifully.
So there you have it, folks – the secrets to aging well-your guide to aging like fine wine. Life may throw a few curveballs your way, but with humor, wit, wisdom, and a dose of faith and spirituality, you'll navigate the journey with style and grace. As we say goodbye to our youth and embrace the wisdom of age, let us remember that getting older is a privilege denied to many. So let's savor each moment, cherish each memory, and embrace the adventure of aging with grace, humor, and a twinkle in our eyes. Here's to aging like fine wine—complex, nuanced, and utterly delightful. Here's to growing older, but never growing old! Cheers!
Carl Trapani, MA, MS, LPC serves as campus Chaplain at Chippewa Manor. He has more than 50 years of pastoral service and professional counseling experience. For more information please call (715) 723-4437 or email him at carl.trapani@chippewamanor.com.
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