I don’t know if you have noticed, but there have been a ton of books lately on aging well. I have skimmed some, read others and took heed of some of the suggestions. But it was more of a note taking exercise, stored in my brain, rather than information put into action.

This has changed since my heartbreaking year in 2022.

Both my Dad and Father-in-law passed away, within 4 months of each other, due to complications from advanced cancer. It shook me to the core. Having time with loved ones is so precious and having your health to live well is such an important factor.

So now I am even more determined to learn, grow and live the best life possible.

As part of that goal, what I am interested in pursuing is everything to do with aging well – physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually. My thought was how can I activate myself to apply the many teachings from the books I read.

The conclusion I reached is that I need to apply what I am learning with different experiments each month. Find out, if what the experts are telling me, really works, and then share it with you. I thought by sharing it with an audience, it would hold me accountable for my actions and maybe help a few friends along the way.

So where to begin…

Well, January is almost over, so let’s make a start date of February 1st, 2023. I think where I would like to begin is with how to have more energy. In an equation I thought of when running:

Wellness = Energy = Performance

So, before I get my energy up, I need to break-down the wellness category. I would be curious to hear what you think wellness is for you???

Is it being physical fit? Eating healthy? Working in a field that is satisfying to you? Having fun?

Or all of the above.

But before we go on, lets see what the experts have to say.

What is Wellness?

The Global Wellness Institute defines wellness as the active pursuit of activities, choices and lifestyles that lead to a state of holistic health.

And then the University of Maryland’s Your Guide to Living Well, states:

Although it always includes striving for health, it’s more about living life fully, and is “a lifestyle and a personalized approach to living life in a way that… allows you to become the best kind of person that your potentials, circumstances, and fate will allow”.

I like the phrase about being the ‘best kind of person that your potentials, circumstances and fate will allow’. It is an interesting statement! I will have to reflect upon this to come up with what is my highest-level potential? Hmmm… This will take some thought.

It is along the line of Michael Bungay Stanier’s material in his book, How to Begin. He states:

Life is Short. Start Doing Something That Matters. Something Thrilling, Important and Daunting.

I tried setting a worthy goal last year, but then I was distracted with the reality of work, life and endings. This time around after all the major changes in my life, I think I will start simpler and then build towards worthy goals towards the end of 2023.

Take the Wellness Quiz

I have several areas of wellness that I would like to enhance, but if you are looking for ideas, there is a wellness quiz you can take, https://www.berkeleywellbeing.com/well-being-survey.html

I took the quiz and reviewed the findings and I appear to have scored lower on resilience and mindfulness. Since resilience includes many different attributes, I divided it into some of the different categories in the chart below. (Note: This is a tentative schedule for the year and is subject to change, 😉)

MONTH CATEGORY Description Possible

Activities

February Relationship Along with health, my relationship with my husband is my number 1 priority. TBD
March Physical Wellness Exercise – cardio, strength training, flexibility.
April Nutrition Help with my Thyroid condition, energy, weight and aging (both mental and physical)
May Mindfulness Staying in the moment, gratitude, connecting with nature
June More FUN Make room in schedule for activities I enjoy or try new things.
July Find More Meaning Treating others well, with kindness, generosity, and caring. Contributing to something bigger than myself. Challenge myself to stretch beyond my current capabilities. Go beyond the status quo.
August Giving Back Live my values, find opportunities to give back.
September Learning Pursue interests and enhance my knowledge, skills.
October Social Connections Reach out to old friends, find new friends and find ways to connect with others.
November Exploration – Following My Curiosity Travel and explore the world.
December Goals Set that big audacious goal.

I decided I will tackle different wellness categories each month and then write about what activities I did and what were the results. It really will be a trial-and-error experiment!

I invite you to join me with your comments and suggestions or try the activities yourself.

I plan to have 2 posts each month. One post at the beginning of the month for the topic outline, thoughts, and activities. And then one post at the end of the month reflecting upon the month’s activities.

Bye for now,

What Does Aging Well Mean for You? 2023 a Year to Reflect.

10 thoughts on “What Does Aging Well Mean for You? 2023 a Year to Reflect.

  • February 2, 2023 at 4:13 pm
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    Can’t wait to follow along on your journey.

    Reply
    • February 3, 2023 at 8:29 pm
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      Thanks Marcy, for your comment. It means a lot to me to have supporters, ;-)!

      Take care,

      Diana

      Reply
  • February 2, 2023 at 6:03 pm
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    Great blog Diana. I am intrigued and hooked! I will definitely continue to follow. I have set some relationship goals already… eg. making peace with (forgiving) people who have hurt me in the past; further develop new friendships by initiating an interaction – invite someone to coffee; etc.

    Reply
    • February 3, 2023 at 8:31 pm
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      That’s excellent, Laura! It is nice to have you as a follower to this blog and as a friend.

      Take care,
      Diana

      Reply
  • February 5, 2023 at 10:23 pm
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    Very cool. And ambitious! I’m looking forward to seeing your progress. Inspired:)

    Reply
    • February 6, 2023 at 4:06 am
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      Hi Kirstin,
      I am glad you like the concept of the blog. Thank you for your comment. Cheers, Diana

      Reply
  • February 6, 2023 at 5:22 pm
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    I look forward to hearing about your insights!

    Reply
    • February 6, 2023 at 8:07 pm
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      Thank you Lisa! Nice to read your comment. Take care, Diana

      Reply
  • February 7, 2023 at 3:40 am
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    I like the categories for each month. Mindfulness I find not easy to do. For me socializing is important,
    I look forward to reading your next month blog.

    Reply
    • February 7, 2023 at 7:03 pm
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      Thank you Pervin for your comments. It is nice to hear your feedback. Take care, Diana

      Reply

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