The old adage was to grow old gracefully. I think that means take pleasure in where you are now. Ignore feeling of regret about what you have lost or missed. Go forward positively. That can be quite difficult at first if you are down. They say you are never too old - try something new. Years give you knowledge and they say knowledge is power. It's what we do with it that's interesting. Use age as an advantage.

Enjoy what you have to do. Every day there are jobs which don't always appeal. Change how you see them and find something pleasurable about each task. See cleaning the bathroom as a way of making your environment pleasurable, putting out the garbage as cleansing your home.

Laughter is a great way to help you sleep and the world always seems brighter after a good night's sleep. See people who bug you in a silly situation in your mind, a position that makes you smile inwardly. Don't lose a valuable tool of imagination.

Pamper yourself a little each day. It is not indulgence to have a treat that makes you feel good. It could be a walk in a favorite place, a manicure, something you like to eat, a smelly bath, listen to music or talking with people whose company you enjoy.

Communicate with others. Family and friends are sometimes difficult but interact with people who make you feel good and, most important, respect you.

Keep your mind active. Read, do crosswords, sodukos, learn something that appeals to you, like the history of your home area, find your family tree, go out and find something new in your environment, Be curious.

Exercise your body. Join a group who go for walks. Exercise doesn't have to mean going to the gym. Learn to dance., dance to music at home - it isn't anyone else's business,

Eat foods you like but ensure they are wholesome. Eat only when your are hungry. Stop when you are full even if your plate isn't empty. Try to eat foods in season, they are usually cheaper and taste better. Even if you don't like cooking, find some simple recipes which please you. Above all enjoy what you eat.

Refuse to look at things in a negative way. Getting older can be scarey but there are always two ways to consider anything. You can make it worse by thinking of the worst or you can look for the positive. Look at what you are confident about and enjoy it. If you look there are always many options. Try to find them.

To sum up - take pleasure in all aspects of your life, keep active, enjoy people, if there is a problem look for alternatives. If none can be found try to look at what benefits you can gain from your situation.

Learn more about this author, Rosemary Redfern.
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