Choosing a lifestyle that reflects holistic aging takes mindful choosing and intentional planning. As we grow older, life experience illustrates our successes and failures. It defines our likes and dislikes. It sets our limits and boundaries. Entering retirement years, we find ourselves in the unique position to throw off self-limiting beliefs and embrace change. Designing a lifestyle around holistic aging practices is a healthy, positive path to follow into our golden years.
When I retired, I remember thinking about how I wanted to spend the last third of my life. I wanted a lifestyle that was different than the first two-thirds. I wanted less stress, less responsibility, and more free time. I wanted to travel both domestically and internationally. I wanted to be mobile and live simplistically. I wanted to give back and make a difference. I wanted to spend more time in self-reflection and self-improvement. I wanted to spend time in nature and hike. I wanted to meet like-minded people and spend quality time with family and friends. I wanted to learn new things and grow. I wanted to make self-care a priority. I wanted to design a life based on holistic aging practices. I wanted to share my experience and knowledge with others. I wanted to write a blog. Keeping all these things in mind, I spent the last 7 years designing a lifestyle that fits my needs.
Creating a lifestyle that met all the criteria took time. I started with purging. I downsized 3 times over 5 years. First, from a three-bedroom house to a one-bedroom cottage. Then from a full-sized garage storage unit to a van. Instead of leaving my family to sort through my lifetime of belongings and memories, we did it together. I remember having to go through my parents’ stuff while grieving, it prolonged the process of healing. I kept things for them and not myself. I lacked the emotional clarity to make decisions due to the grieving process. I didn’t want my children to be left with the same burden. Sifting through 50 years of pictures, family memorabilia and things with my children gave us valuable time to share stories and be an inclusive part of the process. It was a rewarding experience for all of us. My children got to choose which family items to keep and I feel lighter knowing we all shared in the process. It was a lesson in detaching and letting go of things.
In my 20’s I dreamed of living in a van and traveling around the country. It was the “hippie era” and a psychedelic VW bus was the ultimate living situation. At the time, my parents wouldn’t hear of such a decision. Throughout my adulthood, however, I spoke with my children about it. I saw retirement as a way to live out all my early life fantasies, including van life. I bought a van, renovated it myself, and made plans to hit the road during the pandemic.
Once I transitioned to the van life, I mapped all the places I wanted to visit. I spent 4 years traveling to parks and areas of the United States I’d always wanted to see. I spend time in Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Montana, South Dakota, Wyoming, Utah, Colorado, Nevada, California, Arizona, and New Mexico. I spend time in state parks, national parks, BLM lands, and national forests. I met some wonderful people along the way, many of whom I still call friends. I chased the warmth and ran from the cold weather. I learned to live simply and without many comforts and amenities. It opened up the door to gratitude and acceptance. Communing with nature brings me peace and serenity. Quiet and solitude give me the time and space for clarity of thought. I discovered what was important to me and how to achieve balance.
Volunteering meets my desire to give back and make a difference. I have volunteered for different charities throughout my lifetime. I was a CASA volunteer, I donated my time to Susan B Komen’s activities, Relay for Life, and at a Veteran’s Center. While traveling I became acquainted with camp hosting and the roles of volunteers in our park systems. Post-COVID visitorship at our parks has never been higher. Without volunteers, neither the national parks nor forests could fulfill their mission statements. I matched my love for the outdoors, nature, hiking, and volunteering and found my purpose. I spend 3 years volunteering as a camp host for the National Forest Service. I traveled abroad and volunteered for 2 six month periods in Indonesia. This past year, I donated my time to the National Park Service. I have found immense joy and fulfillment in being part of an interpretive team. My passion for history, teaching, and learning has blossomed in this setting. This opportunity is what I make of it and limited only by my boundaries. It has exceeded my expectations and brought a different meaning to my life. It is a lesson in change, accepting new challenges, and being open to new experiences.
I now live in an RV, volunteer full-time, write a blog, and spend time with like-minded individuals. I contribute daily to the success of a national park and feel like I’m making a difference to visitors and staff. I watch what I eat, track my exercise, take supplements, and try to get enough sleep. I tell those I love, how much they mean to me. I try to live in the moment, as the past is an illusion that can’t be changed and the future “what ifs” a waste of valuable time. I find huge benefits in downtime, engaging in meditation, and self-reflection. I share my life with family and friends and find comfort in their support. I have everything I need and don’t spend much time writing “want” lists. My life is a design of balance, physically, mentally, spiritually, and in love.
The last third of our lives is our final do-over. It is the last chance to become a better member of society, a better human for mankind, and to fulfill lifelong dreams. The only thing holding us back is our own limiting beliefs. We are our thoughts. We are our actions. We control both of them. Life has always been a result of our choices. What limits us, is us. Change is part of holistic aging. Living mindfully based on healthy choices and habits is a lifestyle we should all desire. When we find the courage to make those changes, we discover the endless possibilities of aging.