Aging gracefully

"The first step toward aging gracefully is to look at the process squarely and understand it for what it is," he writes. The sooner we can stop our denial, he argues, the sooner we can focus on the important thing –- not seeming younger, or looking younger, but creating habits which will allow us to be healthy for as many of our senior years as possible. Clarify your feelings towards aging, and encourage acceptance of it with these exercises:

1. Write an ethical will.
This is "an ongoing record of the lessons you learn, the wisdom you gain, and the values you hold." It will help you focus on the positive aspects of aging.

2. Be aware that people selling turn-back-time products and cosmetic surgery are making money. Remain critical of the media's messages. Try to think about the positive connotations of aging -- Dr. Weil mentions thinking about the value of old wine, trees and antiques as starting points to thinking about being old in a different way.

3. Write a list of "people in your life in whose company you feel more alive, happy and optimistic." Make an active effort to spend more time with these people. It will provide support that will strengthen your spiritual well-being and your resistance to depression and provide the support you will need in old age.

4. Use your acceptance of aging to avoid common health pitfalls. Get appropriate screening, refrain from inappropriate physical activity and recognize that you should be slowing down. Reevaluate your workload, get appropriate physical activity and find strategies to deal with stress.

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