"The past is but the beginning of a beginning,
And all that is and has been is but the twilight of the dawn."
- H.G.WellsThe cares and responsibilities of bringing up children are over for you. The
pressures of work, having to be productive and to achieve are behind you.Now you can slacken up and have the time to enjoy the fruit of many years of labor and do the things you have always desired to do. Without stress and anxiety you can savor life to the full.
Researchers have found that those who can cope with stress well live longer.
Adopting an optimistic attitude, a relaxing lifestyle and not dwelling too much on things that normally bring us pain and sorrow helps in making life less stressful. Those who cope well with failures, losses, mistakes and disappointments have a long life. Extreme sorrow and unrestrained stress affects health and shortens life.
Mental health is as important as physical health. It is being free of guilt, worry, anxiety, stress and depression. This state can be achieved by occupying yourself with creative activities interesting hobbies.
Performing challenging tasks improves short term memories and reaction times. Healthy memory as opposed to dementia is necessary for our quality of life. Poor memory and forgetfulness test the patience of those we interact with closely.
The mind deteriorates faster if it is not stimulated by challenging experiences, new skills and gaining new knowledge.
Mental stimulation and warm relationship with friends and neighbours promotes physical ability. Physical closeness is a need throughout a person's life.
If you are somewhat frail and a little forgetful you need to make your home safer and more friendly. See that there is good lighting in places you need to go to e.g. over sinks, on staircases, in the toilet. Floors should be covered with non-slip materials and be clear of hazards like loose wire, toys, shoes, boxes. Have a bed that is low for ease of getting in and out of it. The bath in particular should have a non-slip surface and a handrail installed near it.
Wear comfortable, fitting shoes. Avoid climbing ladders or stand on chairs to get something. Medicine that has long passed its expiring date should be thrown away. Put your daily doses of medicine in pill boxes so that you will not forget to take them.
Rather than live from day to day, have a five-year plan for "growing" but not growing old.
People who are cheerful and are able to sustain an optimistic outlook live longer and are happy.