For many, aging brings with it anxiety and fear about what lies ahead. What happens if I lose my spouse? What will happen to my health and mind? How will I take care of myself financially? The truth is you are stronger and more resilient than you may think. Though it’s true that there’s no such thing as eternal youth, a youthful approach to aging should be a common goal for us all.

Age 60 and onward can be one of the most satisfying times in your life. Careers wind down, kids are gone personal time is finally yours. San Diego is perhaps one of THE most ideal areas to remain actively engaged in life year-round. Take a morning walk; learn a new skill or brush up on an old one; go dancing; explore parks and gardens; visit local beaches. The possibilities are endless.

The point is to ADJUST to change….EMBRACE new opportunities and ENJOY life with a purpose.

Fact: Some diseases become more common as we age. However, getting older doesn’t automatically mean poor health or that you will be confined to a walker or wheelchair. Plenty of older adults enjoy vigorous health, often better than many younger people. Preventive measures like healthy eating, exercising, home modifications and being open to receiving assistance can help reduce the risk of chronic disease or injuries later in life.

Fact: As you age, you may eventually notice you don’t remember things as easily as in the past, or memories may start to take a little longer to retrieve. However, significant memory loss is not an inevitable result of aging. Brain training and new learning can occur at any age and there are many things you can do to keep your memory sharp. The sooner you start, the sooner you’ll reap the benefits.

Fact: One of the more damaging myths of aging is that after a certain age, you won’t be able to accomplish new things or contribute anymore. The opposite is true. Set your sites on hobbies, activities or travels that you’ve kept on the “back burner.” Be realistic about your physical abilities and adjust your goals accordingly. If in your teens you dreamed of becoming a professional ball player, join a senior adult league in your community. Perhaps you once thought of becoming a teacher but you took another path out of necessity. Volunteer to tutor children or adults through libraries and senior centers.