First, let me say thank you for allowing us to share this journey. I strongly believe in the concept of empowerment through knowledge “Having more information helps to make better decisions or achieve better results”. I hope that this forum offers hope, insight, and community.
I started this aging journey clueless. The only advice I’d been given pre-60s was to save; IRA, retirement fund, 401K. I had no clue about best health practices: nutrition, weight, chronic medical conditions, or alternative medicine. I had no clue about mental struggles: depression, forgetfulness, focus, confusion, and self-esteem. I had no clue about lifestyle changes: empty nesting, downsizing, fixed income, finances, sleep, diet, and exercise. I had no clue about spirituality, whether that be a belief in a higher power, a school of philosophy, or a specific religious practice. I had no clue about the changes in love, intimacy, dating, relationships, friendships, and family growth from son-in-law to grandchildren.
According to researchers (Kim and Park from the National Library of Medicine), there are 4 factors to successful aging. The first is to avoid disease and disability. Second, is to have high cognitive, mental, and physical function. The third is to be actively engaged in life. The fourth is to be psychologically well-adapted to life. Other sources say it is retaining health, a sense of community, cognitive function, and spiritual connection in other words having a holistic approach to aging.
I have been navigating my journey for almost 10 years. Through experience, research, and observation, I have embraced and flourished through holistic aging. I have learned what best health practices have worked for reducing my weight, improving my eating habits, managing a chronic medical condition, and the importance of both Western and alternative medicine. I have found healthy ways to overcome depression, forgetfulness, a lack of focus and direction, confusion about life, and poor self-esteem. I have learned to find joy after struggling with a purpose after my children all moved out. I tackled downsizing 3 times and designed a program for financial freedom. I sleep soundly and incorporate regular exercise that fits my love of nature. I joined a spiritual community of like-minded individuals who bring me peace and happiness. My love of family grew exponentially each time a child married, going from a family of 4 to a family of 12. Lastly, after 15 years of being alone, I started dating and found love.
Holistic aging has changed everything for me. It has provided me with the balance of health and wellness, mental well-being, spiritual meaning, endless love, and a purposeful lifestyle.
Silver Chats can offer advice, tips, reference materials, and expert guests on all topics related to growing older. It will also provide you with specific steps, services, and products to help create the balance that is holistic aging. I hope to inspire, motivate, and encourage positive changes that will lead to a well-rounded and healthy life for each of us. This time of our lives can be exciting, full of positive changes, and offer a new beginning. It can also be filled with trepidation, fear, and uncertainty. Silver Chats can help each of you flourish through holistic aging practices. We will walk with you. We will share what we have learned and discovered and grow alongside each other as we navigate the last one-third of our lives.
My name is KB and I host Silver Chats. Join us. Let’s talk!