It was an ordinary day. The kind of day that makes you want to go for a walk, wash your car or even mow the grass. Luckily I no longer have to mow the grass, but I do have to wash the car if I want it to look great. As far as the walk goes, I get enough while walking around my new home and environment at Woodcrest Villa in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. I've often wondered how well I would be able to operate when and if I would turn 80. Not quite to that number yet...but it is fast approaching! Faster than I want to admit. Recently read a story that was in my local newspaper that had a bold headline that read..."How to keep a positive mindset about getting older." The sub-head read...People who think positively about aging often live longer, healthier lives; find role models and challenge your own concerns. I've often wondered what I would feel like when I was 80 or even 70. Well, I've passed 70 quite some time ago and will get a chance to see how I can operate at the age of 80 in another couple of xxxxxxx. I'm trying to stay as enthusiastic as I can about aging, but at times it's a real chore. I have been told, and have read, that having enthusiasm for getting older is one of the reasons I may live a long, rich life. I know that everyone's experience in aging is different, and having a positive mindset about aging could allow me to live another 10 years or longer. So, I plan to beat the curve and make it to 100! When I get there, you will be one of the first to know it when I write my story about my 100th birthday. I know, no one can stop the march of time, but I should still give it a good shot in trying to reach my goal. Seems I need to have a positive attitude if I want to reach my goal, and I also read that people can strengthen their positive age beliefs at any age. You too can set a lifetime goal at anytime in your life. Seems that people who are exposed to positive images of aging showed both improved perceptions of aging and improved physical function. If I associate aging with only loss or limitation, I'm never going to make it to 100. I also read I should strive to find a good role model. Now....that might be tough! Perhaps I could be that model for others! I read that I should try a week of "age belief journaling" in which I write down every portrayal of an older person...whether in a movie, on social media or in conversation. Then question if that portrayal was negative of positive, and whether the person could have been preened differently. By being exposed to positive images of aging, I have a much better chance of reaching my goal. Both my mom and dad lived into their late 80s, so my goal it to top both of them. No reason I can't! Right! We have better medicines and well-trained doctors than in years past. Keep reading my daily stories and you'll see how far I can go! It was another extraordinary day in the life of an ordinary guy.
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