How to Feel Good after 50 in America

Most of us dread getting older in America, by and large because of the aging process, which isn’t fair to ourselves because it is inevitable. In many cultures, the elderly are revered—not so here. We have a long way to go when it comes to how we treat our senior citizens. If our culture isn’t going to revere us, then we must revere ourselves.

Here are 10 suggestions as to how we can do this:

Nothing refreshes our perspective as much as traveling. Though the more exotic destinations take us out of the mundane easily, something as simple as a short journey to a neighboring town can give us new eyes with which to see the world.

By finding an older role model, it helps us to focus on the present or future rather than the past. What do we like about a particular role model? Why do we want to be like him or her? By identifying our role model’s desirable characteristics, it will allow us to see what we want to be like when we get older, and where we want to be years from now..

Most of us know what to do to stay healthy—eat well and exercise. Nothing makes us feel worse than poor health. Eating well, however, does not simply entail watching the waistline. It also has to do with eating high-quality foods. Nothing has made me more frustrated as when I have gained weight from bad food. If we are going to gain a few pounds, then it should be from good food—including really great desserts!

Get yourself to the spa—you deserve it. We have lived a long time. We are a bit tired, and could use a boost. If we can’t afford the spa, we can ask someone who needs the money to give us a pedicure. There is always someone somewhere who has a talent who needs money. If spa treatments are not your thing, treat yourself to something special like reading a good book or buying yourself something you couldn’t afford when you were younger.

Though studies prove that cognitive function decreases with age, we can help “turn back the clock” by keeping our minds active by learning a new skill. When we learn something new, our brains “grow” in a sense by creating new, neurological pathways, plus, it never hurts to grow a little.

A measure of nostalgia is good. It helps us reflect on the good times, and be grateful for what we have had. A measure of reflecting back on the past is good—it helps us to identify mistakes so we don’t repeat them. But living in the present is even better. It helps us to experience fully that which is before us NOW. If we concentrate in the now more fully when working, driving, or whatever it is we are doing, it only increases the chance that we will do it well. A more effulgent moment of now is exquisite.

One of the nice things about being over 50 is the experience we have gained. It is something which the young lack and need. Why not mentor someone who needs mentoring? It doesn’t need to be related to our jobs. It can be hobby-related or even family/relationship-oriented. When we mentor someone, we pass on wisdom, one of our most valuable commodities.

Nothing increases self-esteem like exhibiting courage. Sometimes we think of courage as something big like risking our lives. It doesn’t have to be so grand. It can be as simple as the courage to resist eating too many cookies, or having the courage to introduce ourselves to someone we believe may reject us. Courage is the essence of a noble life.

One of the sad facts for many of us over 50 is the loss of our attractive figures, although some still sport a stunning figure. The elderly women I have admired wear tasteful, classic clothing—think beautiful linens, silks, and luscious wools in the winter. I think that most fashion designers would back me up here. There are no better customers for lush, tastefully-cut clothing than those over 50.

Setting and achieving a goal builds almost as much self-esteem as exhibiting courage. Not only is it proof that we’re growing, but it also adds to our repertoire of valuable skills and achievements.

Feedback is welcome. What do you do to feel good after 50?