Ageing Well in August # 1

August is all about ageing well and I like to think I’m ageing OK. How about you?

I found this photo from our engagement party in 1979, which is 40 years ago. I was only 18 at the time!

I shared it on Facebook with the caption below. I happen to think it sets the scene for the Ageing Well in August theme!

It’s interesting looking back at this photo from our engagement party 40 years ago and wondering for a moment if we’ve changed much.

Of course we’ve changed, it was 40 years ago and a lot has happened in those years!! It doesn’t mean we can’t still see ‘ourselves’ in the photo, it just means we’ve aged – and that is absolutely to be expected! We’re still us💕

Debbie 40 years on
Our engagement party 40 years ago
Our engagement party 40 years ago

Some nice people commented that we haven’t changed much at all, but I know we have and it’s to be expected! In some ways I would hope we’ve changed, as a lot has happened in those years – but just look at those plump cheeks and that healthy glow – ahhhh!

A month of tips to help us age and live well

I’ve joined Sue from Sizzling Towards 60 and Beyond for another month of prompts – this time to help us recognise how to age well and live well. There’s also a weekly linkup for those joining in, starting on Saturday 10 August. I’ll be sharing the week’s prompts in a wrap-up post each Saturday.

Ageing Well in August list of prompts
Ageing Well in August list of prompts

1. My thoughts on attitude as we age is covered in this great quote. It sums it up perfectly!

We don’t stop playing because we grow old, we grow old because we stop playing.

George Bernard Shaw
Playing in the park - Debbie
Playing in the park – Debbie

2. Keep moving – motion is lotion! This saying was a new one for me but when you think about it, it’s very true!

Movement improves all body functions, promoting improved physical and mental health by stimulating fluid exchanges, not only in the joints, but in all the inner organs such as the brain, heart, liver and kidneys.

Source

3. Eat to nourish your body – Over a year ago I had some rocky blood test results after having a bad virus, so I decided to talk with a nutritionist and dietician and I have now modified my diet, cut down sugar and I’m happy to say I’m feeling really good. I also haven’t had an alcoholic drink in over a year, although to be fair, I was never a big drinker in the first place. Each to their own and asking for help is always a good idea!

4. Mind games – My husband and mother-in-law are great at doing mind games and puzzles. I tend to use my blog as a mind game – it certainly keeps me on my toes.

5. Be graceful in body and soul – I must admit I didn’t think I was very graceful, until I looked up the actual meaning of the word and also some synonyms – elegant, stylish, tasteful, dignified, discerning. I think I’m a work in progress on this one!

6. Stand tall – maintain good posture

This image says it much better than I can, and I’m happy to share it with you 🙂

pineapple quote
pineapple quote

7. Let it go – move on from regret

I am guilty of this. After being made redundant over 2 years ago, at age 56, I was stuck in a bad place. I was negative, I made myself sick, I was sad, I was miserable and only I could get myself out of it and move on. It was hard but now I see it as a blessing in disguise.

It just so happens that I’m meeting up with past work colleagues this weekend in Sydney and I won’t be the sad and sorry one there – I’m now the poster girl for living life and moving on from regret!!

8. Get connected with technology

Now this is one of my favourites! I’ve managed to learn so much about technology since starting to blog all those years ago. I’m not good on some technology but I tend to liken the learning that takes place as similar to learning a new language. The research shows that extending your brain capacity helps as you age. I’m proud of my mother and mother-in-law for embracing technology and maintaining contact with their children and grandchildren all over the world.

9. Take time to breathe – be mindful

Breathing is essential to life and taking time to be mindful is also important. So many people walk around with their heads down looking at screens and not experiencing life around them fully. Take a big breath and get outside is my advice!

10. Hang out with people of all ages

Living in a small town, it’s hard to go anywhere without a range of ages being present – as well as tending to know most people! We are lucky to mix with a range of ages and just recently we went to a birthday party for a one year old and the next weekend we were at a friend’s 60th! It’s great to hang out with all age groups.

How about you?

Do you have any thoughts on any of these tips? Do you feel like you’re ageing well?

I’ve enjoyed jotting down my thoughts for the prompts and maybe I’ve made you think about the various aspects of ageing. Let me know what you’re thinking by leaving me a comment. If you’ve written a post about Ageing Well in August, feel free to link up here with us.

See you next week 🙂

Deb xx

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68 Replies to “Ageing Well in August # 1”

  1. First of all, I love the photo! How fun to have a glimpse at that young girl. I definitely see her in you. I also enjoyed reading your thoughts on each of the prompts. I admit when I read the pineapple quote, I instantly sat up taller. I need to continue working on my posture. I tend to slump a little. It’s surprising how many of these areas blogging can help with. Yet another reason to keep on blogging! #MLSTL

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Hi Christie, thanks for the comment on my photo, it was a real blast from the past seeing that girls again, I can tell you! I’m with you on the slumping, as I’m at the computer for various lengths of time I find it can be very easy to get into bad habits. I love learning from others through our blogging and you are always up there with good ideas and thoughts. Thanks 🙂

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    1. Thanks Candi, I loved it too and it does make sense!! That pineapple quote is always a favourite of mine so I’m glad to share it. I enjoy these challenges and it gets me thinking outside the square a bit.

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  2. Hi Deb – this is proving to be a great set of prompts for you and Sue to share. I completely agree about learning about technology since blogging. I’m always so proud of myself when I figure something out and I love that I’m competent enough that I don’t have to pay someone to do it for me. I also think you’re doing well on grace and graciousness – something I think we’re all developing as we seek to be more authentic and kind.
    Thanks for linking up with us at MLSTL and I’ve shared on my SM 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    1. That’s great to hear Leanne, I’m really enjoying the monthly prompts as a way of working through some of the issues of ageing. I’m glad you can relate to the technology side of things, it’s really been a big deal for me to get this far in my blogging career without help or paying anyone and I’m proud of myself for working through the issues. You should be too. Thanks for your kind words and for sharing xx

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  3. Loved the photo of you at the beginning Deb! Yes, me the same … the plump cheeks and cheeky grin have dissipated, but the spirit lives on! I agree about moving and eating to nourish your body as two fundamentals to ageing well. But I’m also going to pay more attention to the other things on your list as well! #MLSTL and Pinned

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thanks Johanna, I love those plump cheeks now, in hindsight!! Yes moving and eating well are so important aren’t they? I’m enjoying the thinking of these issues as I blog about them. I appreciate the visit and pin.

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  4. I’m pretty good at most of this – except the graceful bit. I don’t do graceful well at all – at least not physically. I certainly don’t think I’m aging gracefully, but then that doesn’t particularly worry me.

    Liked by 1 person

  5. Love that list and ;your contribution to it! Yes, we are aging well because we are doing many of the things on that list. Re #3 and #25, I also limit my daily sugar intake to never more than 6 teaspoons a day (for several years now) and do 16:8 intermittent fasting (a year and a half now)–these have made a tremendous difference, and I will never stop either of them! #SeniSal

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Hi Jean, I’m glad you have found something that works for you in regards to sugar intake and fasting. I’m still a work in progress but I’m getting better. It’s good to have some reminders as we age isn’t it? Thanks for your feedback and your visit. Hope to see you again.

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  6. I don’t know if I am aging well, actually I am so caught up taking care of my children that I barely realize that I am aging. Now that I have this list I can at least try to focus a bit on me and pay attention to small things that may help be getting old in a better way 😉! Thanks for the hints! #Senisal

    Liked by 2 people

  7. I think we do need to look after ourselves. When in our 20’s and 30’s we think we have the rest of our life and we can do anything we want. For me having chronic illness’s its so important to watch what I eat and drink. Hats off to you for not drinking. I actually did that when in my 40’s for over 2 years also no caffeine …eeek. I now do drink but only a glass or two at weekends…I have been known to make a bottle last a while to the point I have had to put it in my cooking lol. I do need to cut down on sugar though it has crept back into my life. I will be looking forward to further posts from you on what I can do to change…visiting from #SeniSal

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Thanks Laurie!! I agree being active is the key and it’s harder at some times of the years to others. At the moment it’s mid winter here and the days are cold and short so getting out for a walk/run/cycle is very hard!!! I’m not much of a gym person either. Hope to see you back!

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  8. Your tips are wise and good to follow to keep us aging well. I think doing and learning new things, joining a new group (for me it is a book discussion group), and having coffee with a new friend help to keep us aging well.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Yes I totally agree, joining new groups is always good. I go to a book club too and enjoy the different perspectives. Thanks for sharing your thoughts and I appreciate your comments. Hope you’ll be back next week for another week of tips/prompts.

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  9. Loved this Deb and we are off to a great start Ageing Well in August. I just love the term ‘motion is lotion’. I agree with Donna you are much more than ageing okay – you inspire me and motivate me everytime I read your blog or chat to you. I wonder what we will write about this coming week! Enjoy my friend. xx

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thanks so much Sue! Yes I liked finding that description and quote for motion is lotion. Thanks too for agreeing with Donna, it makes me happy to hear that I inspire others 🙂 Looking forward to the coming prompts this week xx

      Liked by 1 person

  10. HI, Deb – I completely disagree with your opening statement. I do not think that you are “ageing ok”. I think that you are a role model for positive ageing. You have helped to inspire so many of us on how to live a healthy, full and purposeful life at any age. You are not “ageing well” you are “evolving awesomely”!

    Liked by 3 people

    1. Oh Donna, now I’m blushing! Thank you for your lovely words. I am just trying to live my best life and I’m thoroughly enjoying the ride at the moment. So many of my favourite bloggers inspire me, including you, and we all have so much to offer. It’s a great community where we share ideas and tips. xx

      Liked by 1 person

  11. I like these ideas and though you mentioned it in part, I think it should definitely be stressed that being social is very important to aging. Have a strong social network around does a lot to keep us active and excited about life. Another thing that came to mind is Betty White lol. She’s so positive when you see her in interviews and by all accounts, a very nice person. Positivity is one of those things that helps as we go through life and she’s an example of that.

    Liked by 2 people

  12. Hi Deb,
    I love your interpretation of the 7 ways to age well…and the picture was absolutely perfect…how 70’s!
    I’ve been thinking about aloneness vs loneliness recently…we know having a strong support system and community contributes to health and happiness, but being along can too, I think.

    Liked by 1 person

  13. Your engagement pix is cute, but that wallpaper in the background…geesh!
    That pineapple quote is a new one for me & helps to keep my posture on the straight and narrow.
    I look forward to next Saturday’s installment on Ageing well in August.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thanks Laura, yes that wallpaper gives it a definite vintage feel!! I love the pineapple quote and I’m glad you can see it being of use. It’s great to have you joining in with us for Ageing Well in August 🙂

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  14. I love this post and a great reminder to take stock and reflect on our ageing attitude. One piece of advice I heard a few years ago and passed on to my daughter was this – when applying facial moisturiser, remember that the skin on your face ends with your nipples – that way you remember to moisturise your neck and beyond!! 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

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