Introducing My ProACTIVE Aging™ Philosophy
Recently, I was interviewed on CBS2 NY about my ProACTIVE Aging™ Campaign. It was a wonderful opportunity for me to change the pervasive conversation labelling the aging process as "Anti-Aging." The term is unfortunately negative and sets us up for a losing battle. “Anti” literally means “opposed” or “against,” and perpetuates the myth that aging is something to be feared and avoided, as opposed to what it is actually: a powerful, meaningful, lifelong process that unites us all. My use of the language, “ProACTIVE Aging,” is a positive step towards creating a new movement and experience around this privilege denied to many.
In a world that glorifies and rewards perpetual youth, it can be challenging to truly embrace aging and the wisdom and wonders that come with it. Today, I invite you to recognize and celebrate the gifts aging brings including wisdom, experience, more confidence, clarity, and courage. You can thus empower yourself to age on your own terms. You will discover you can make choices you want to make, improve and strengthen relationships, and continue to feel your best!
Tips to be a ProACTIVE Ager:
STAY PHYSICALLY ACTIVE: Regular exercise helps maintain physical health and mobility and reduces the risk of age-related health issues such as heart disease and diabetes.
PRACTICE SELF-CARE: Take the time to care for your physical, emotional, and mental well-being. Get enough sleep, eat a healthy diet, and engage in activities that bring you joy.
STAY SOCIALLY CONNECTED: Maintain social connections with friends, family, and community to help combat feelings of loneliness and isolation that may come with aging.
LEARN NEW THINGS: Continue to learn and engage in new activities to keep your mind sharp and ward off cognitive decline.
SEEK SUPPORT: It is always okay to ask for help when needed. It is reasonable and human for those close to us to want to be supportive. Reach out to friends and family, join support groups, or seek professional counseling.
STAY POSITIVE: Focus on the positive aspects of aging. Recognize opportunities that come with getting older. Adopt a positive outlook and attitude towards the aging process.
MAINTAIN A SENSE OF PURPOSE: Volunteer, pursue hobbies, or continue to work in some capacity to combat feelings of boredom or worthlessness, and find meaning and purpose in life.
Aging is not a problem to be fixed or a disease to be cured. It is an opportunity to create the life we want to live, to choose how we want to feel, how we want to show up, and how we want to express ourselves.
ProACTIVE aging celebrates and embraces aging. It is a powerful tool of self-acceptance and discovery. It focuses on what we have more of rather than what we have less of, namely, more wisdom, experience, courage, clarity, and confidence.
Click here to watch the full interview.