Monmouth County's Ask The Doctor July/August 2019

A S W E A G E

Being a “Seenager” The Secret to a Happy Life as a Senior By, Lauren Kolacki

Society considers aging an abominable life stage. We avert it with botox, face lifts and tummy tucks with the hopes of dis- tracting ourselves from the inevitable. What we fail to recognize is that that the secret to happiness is not hidden in a new car, but rather, in experiences and connectivity. After extensive research and many conversations we were able to compile a list of the components that bring the most genuine joy to our senior population. I encourage you to ask an elder about their family…and watch their face immediately light up. They have so much pride in pronouncing the accomplishments of their children and grandchildren. In fact, “41% of seniors claim that watching their children and grandchildren grow up is the most exciting prospect of living a longer life.” Unavoidably, health plays a very decisive roll in having a peace of mind. The inability to partake in certain activities not only puts a being at risk for isolation, but conjointly has a discouraging effect on their self-esteem. Physically, our bodies deteriorative over time, however, there are several habits to introduce into your daily routine to maintain your quality of life and increase life longevity.

As bone density decreases, exercise improves healing and func- tion. Exercise is also critical in increasing balance and stability. 1. Healthy eating 2. Finding a foundation to volunteer for. This ultimately leads to increased socialization and a feeling of belongingness. 3. Read a spiritual book 4. Keep in contact with good friends 5. Practice meditation 6. Have a hobby 7. Don’t fear dying

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