But what about the millions of baby boomers who have discovered the riches and rewards of healthy living post retirement or after a health scare? Should we not encourage and applaud their efforts and accomplishments with comparable zeal? In truth, I am quite certain there are more aging athletes in this category than the former.
The truth is, wisdom is part of healthy aging, too. Initially, I began to practice yoga in hopes of soothing my lower back pain and easing the tightness in my neck. But it was the wisdom of yoga; learning how to effectively integrate mind, body, spirit and breath that taught me how to be more present in my life and in the world.
Healthy aging is a concept we can all enthusiastically embrace but the reality is that none of us will progress through life's stages unscathed. Some of us will defy the aging process with body and soul. Some of us will accept age spots and wrinkles with humor and grace. Still others will succumb to chronic anxiety and/or depression resulting from the stressors of aging such as illness, disease, pain, and loss.
None of us really knows how we will face the challenges of aging when confronted with the vagaries of life. Predicting the future is generally considered unreliable and worrying about the unknown is certain to create unnecessary physical and emotional damage. But we can live wisely and make healthy choices. We can show up for our own lives and be emotionally present for our family and friends in good times and bad. We can live each day with purpose and awareness and establish challenges and goals that excite and motivate. We can hike mountains, swim oceans, race for the cure, and walk scenic trails. We can pursue our baby boomer bucket lists with excitement and enthusiasm.
We may indeed be the healthiest aging generation yet. Donna, a mindful baby boomer is a RYT with Yoga Alliance with advanced training in therapeutic yoga. She is the creator and founder of unique, custom designed eco-friendly eye pillows in a variety of fabric and scent options and a website to help guide those of the baby boomer generation through the practices of mindful awareness as we encounter the privileges, challenges, fears and anxieties of living longer seo link building than any generation before.