GRACEFUL AGING

“Our hearts grow tender with childhood memories and love of kindred, and we are better throughout the year for having, in spirit, become a child again at Christmas-time.” –Laura Ingalls Wilder

PHYSICAL HEALTH

BLUE ZONES

What I hear constantly from active octegenarians are they stay active. Whether it be going to the gym, walking daily, tending to their gardens or whatever they enjoy doing. I absolutely prescribe to that concept but if you are not eating healthy… is also something they mention often.

I’m sure you have heard of the Blue Zone where evidence based solutions help people live better and longer. The five original blue zones–the places in the world with the healthiest, longest-living populations, including Okinawa, Japan; Sardinia, Italy; Nicoya, Costa Rica; Ikaria, Greece; and Loma Linda, California.

My father was a career U.S. military man so I had the opportunity to explore different culinary delights and regions for better or worse. He was a meat and potatoes guy and always struggled with weight but my mother on the other hand did not. Little did I know she was born and raised in “The Blue Zone” so my habits were shaped by watching them. Unbeknownst to me I subconsciously followed my mother’s diet and not my father as I watched him struggle.

I invite you to try the various recipes from Okinawa, Sardinia, Costa Rica, Ikaria and Yorba Linda to see what suits your taste bud the best.

i am not a runner

I am the first to say, I love to walk but do not enjoy running, I never have. I enjoyed aerobics and zumba but running on a treadmill or even on a beautiful was never my cup of tea. Pilates on the other hand is my new go to.

There are so many different ways to enjoy this workout with gentle movements you can practice to help keep your spine and core healthy. You don’t need any special equipment, just some floor space and a yoga mat if you start with mat pilates. I have been using this video for close to a decade and just love it as I can do all three (core, buns and thighs) or just one video if I am short on time as it is only 10 minutes each .

Another way to start is and the newest trend is the wall pilates. I love this because you can print this out and see your achievements instead of having to log in to a digital device.

These two examples are accessible and no cost to you. So get started and see, feel and enjoy the stronger you !

 “In 10 sessions you’ll feel the difference, in 20 sessions you’ll see a difference, and in 30 sessions you’ll have a whole new body”

-Joseph Pilates , inventor of Pilates

COMING SOON… DAILY RITUALS, WEEKLY RECIPES AND MONTHLY PRODUCTS RECOMENDED BY YOUR FRIENDS AND NEIGHBORS

MENTAL HEALTH

“No magic fairy or superhero is going to arrive at your door with a kit to make you healthy now and forever. We have to be proactive in taking care of our biology and our psychology. People are now actively foraging for this scientific and health information.” Dr. Andrew Huberman, Neuroscientist/Tenured Professor st Stanford University, Department of Neurobiology.

Dr. Huberman has various podcasts that will help you understand his research and notable guest speakers who will add to his already intriguing views that is backed by science. His website www.hubermandlab.com is a wealth of knowledge which not to be missed.

Try this podcast https://www.hubermanlab.com/episode/dr-peter-attia-exercise-nutrition-hormones-for-vitality-and-longevity . You will learn so much about yourself!

COMING SOON - MORE RESOURCES AND WEEKLY TIPS

SOCIAL HEALTH

Social Wellness Toolkit

From the time you are born, your relationships help you learn to navigate the world. You learn how to interact with others, express yourself, conduct everyday healthy habits and be a part of a different communities from those around you. Positive social habits can help you build support systems and stay healthier mentally and physically. - National Institute of Health ( NIH ) has a Social Wellness Toolkit with 6 strategies for improving your social health.

Join a Village

As the saying goes, it takes a village to have a safe and vibrant community in order for us to survive. There are many organizations/networks available for people who need support and services if you look in the right places.

Village to Village Network (www.vtnetwork.org) is a community based non-profit grassroots organization formed through caring neighbors (volunteers) who want to change the paradigm of aging. Your local village will connect members to an array of practical support services and social connections that enable older adults to enjoy a rich, independent and healthy quality of life when they choose to age in their homes or communities. Find a village near you (https://villagemovementcalifornia.org) and join as a member or a volunteer!

Postcards of KindnessCOM

I was researching for ideas on how to include the less mobile to be more social and i came across this wonderful idea to send postcards to people who are also less mobile. I didn’t have to look far as I searched the internet and this campaign of sending postcards came across. We are located here in the United States and the location I found is in the United Kingdom. I thought how exciting to receive a card from us and them to you. Please join me and send a post card to :

HICKTHRIFT HOUSE, 217 SMEETH ROAD, WISBECH, CAMBRIDGESHIRE UK PE148JB

Please let me know if you would like to join the “Postcard of Kindness” and let us hear from you!!

COMING SOON … MORE RECOMENDED SOURCES FROM OUR GRACEFUL VIEWERS