“Plot positivity, not negativity.” That is now my morning mantra.
Following that sage advice, I can craft a positive plan for today, as at our age, no one can take anything for granted with health and mobility. Some my age, or even older, are true inspirations, being so motivated. They are joining in their own format and choices for harmless senior fun.
For example, when I went to my beloved local library the other day, I was returning to my car. In front of the U3A centre, on a lovely lawn area in brilliant mild sunshine, there was the Tai Chi group. Their actions were flowing, smoothly feeling their energy floating slowly. Harmless fun, the group was 99 per cent female, one lone male was keeping his end up, focusing on his personal zen. The ladies were all sleek and wearing stylish suburban yoga pants or tracksuits, snow white tops were on display. Long-sleeved, of course. Here in Melbourne, even mornings in late Spring can be nippy noodles.
Personally, I cannot stand in one place for such a time to join in that restoring fun group. Due to my health, I do seated online classes. If we boomers all keep going, our spines will be supple, our bodies will be trimmer, and we can build core strength, as we focus on harmless fun. That is the aim, to be ageing our way.
I dare say I would not look as stylish if I was wearing serene yoga pants. It is almost summer, comfortable light weight tracksuit pants do the job for daily couture.
Some people do retire a bit too late, maybe they are hesitant about what their purpose is in their senior years. On the flip side, there is much to do, to expand social engagement, or if being a grey nomad is on the ageing bucket list. Gal pals of mine have founded their own dynasty, and enjoy creating happy legacies as each much loved grandchild arrives.
But, due to the modern trend to gender equity, some yummy grandmas are finding their sprogs are back at work, and the babes and their toddler siblings are in daycare. That is reality, and there should be no judgement on how any couple choose to parent, compared to what were once traditional and accepted norms.
So, ageing our way is a flowing process. Despite being fully retired now I am in my seventies, I can still mentor some of my past students, who currently stay in touch, anywhere in the planet. Some of them are getting older themselves, and are facing different life issues.
Lots of boomers can be full of good advice, based on past experiences, and can cast a fresh perspective for younger generations. We must all keep going, and be glad we do. Some of our ageing generation are floundering on, as anyone can, due to financial or domestic situations, it can be hard to see what each individual can do to stay afloat. We are not the powers that be, to sort the rising costs of being here.
Harmless fun for this ageing grey means writing and submitting contributions to the online websites I have joined, in different genres. Each to their own, all creative souls hope to craft a living legacy, to leave our impact on the future. Most of us have some gift. There are lots of ways to look forward and be creative, to make each day we wake up a winner. Boomers are doing us beautifully, what a bunch of seniors we all are, enjoying any format of our choice of harmless fun. So, if you’re reading this right now, plot some positivity, not negativity, for ageing our way.
Julie Grenness is one of Starts at 60’s community bloggers. If you would like to contribute a story please send it to [email protected]
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