“I think like a young person and, although I try to keep myself fit and active, I won’t be taking desperate measures like face lifts and plastic surgery. I’m a great believer in letting nature take its course and living   with what I’ve been given.”  — Sharon Tate 

“Age brings experience, and a good mind wisdom.” — Greek Proverb

When I read these words, “the denial of aging” many thoughts went through my mind. Aging is a universal law of the universe so we must accept it.  As I look in the mirror at my new changing and wrinkling features I want to deny them, but I realize that the mirror is telling the truth. Yes, once we were young babies and now we are old. Despite the changes that time brings I pray that love will be reflected in every word and every breath. May we show love to our children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, to our neighbors and to all with whom we come into contact.

We have a lifetime of joys to look back on, but we also have a lifetime of mistakes. We have lived through year of hard work, laughter, pain and sadness. Many retired from the careers that once filled so much of our lives. Those professional goals that once seemed so important have now dropped away. We can look back and see the many blessings given us through the years.

Sometimes we think aging is asking us to give up to much, our career, our health, our home and  even loved ones. It just doesn’t seem fair. No matter our age it just doesn’t seem fair. To deny ourselves is simply to say no to our desires.

But remember, associated with retiring, our lives are also rich with joys, new grandchildren, and great-grandchildren to teach and hold. A lifetime to look back and reflect on our pride in our families achievements. Happy is the grandparent who can enjoy time with a grandchild, playing games, sharing laughter, sports or teaching to read. Reaching out to grandchildren and great-grandchildren can renew us and them.

There are real physical problems that aging bring such as aches and pains, decreased mobility, psychological ones such as memory impairment, social isolation, and the loss of friends and family- but there are also strategies for managing them.   

Dr. Andrew Weil, “Healthy Aging” will protect your immune system  and aid your body in resisting and adapting to the changes that time brings. The writing of this book required a great deal of research.

One point for healthy aging includes phytonutrients: To get maximum natural protection against age-related diseases, including cardiovascular disease, cancer, neurodegenerative disease, as well as against environmental toxicity, eat a variety of fruits, vegetables and mushrooms. 

Choose fruits and vegetables from all parts of the color spectrum, especially berries, tomatoes, orange and yellow fruits, and dark leafy greens.

Choose organic produce whenever possible. Learn which conventionally grown crops are most likely to carry pesticides residue (see www.foodnews.org) and avoid them.

Eat cruciferous (cabbage-family) vegetables. Include soy foods in your diet. Drink tea instead of coffee, especially good-quality white, green or oolong tea.

If you drink alcohol, use red wine preferentially. Enjoy plain dark chocolate (with minimum cocoa content of 70 percent) in moderation.

Wishing you a healthy aging.