Embracing You!

By Annette Gerdes, General Manager, Goderich Place Retirement Residence

Happy March everyone, the end of winter is near.  For me, this time of year is the best part of winter in Canada.  It’s a reminder that no matter how cold, or long the season may feel, there’s always renewal in the new season on the horizon.  For seniors, it’s the perfect metaphor for aging and embracing new beginnings.  Finding warmth in connections, and celebrating the beauty of life’s seasons is what we all strive for.

Let’s not forget that March in Canada brings Maple Syrup Season! Just like the sap rising in the trees, we can find sweetness in life no matter our age. Whether it’s a trip to a sugar bush, or a pancake breakfast with friends, this month invites us to savor the small joys that come with experience and age.

Aging is a fact of life, but somehow, myths about aging refuse to retire. Let’s bust some of those myths, tackle ageism, and celebrate who we are and how we got to be.  Whether its having good genes or living a healthy lifestyle, or just plain luck we are all living longer.

Aging Means Becoming Frail: While some physical changes are normal, frailty is not inevitable.  Strength training, even at 80, keeps muscles strong. Any physical activity helps to maintain and increase bone density and keep you walking straight, and able to get up and down with ease.

Memory Loss:  Forgetting where your keys are is normal, but forgetting what daily keys you use, and what you use them for, may not be.  Brain health thrives on learning.  Puzzles, crosswords, wordle, cards, even dancing increases and stimulates brain function and memory.

Physical Changes:  Are common as we age, such as grey hair, laugh lines, and the need to wear reading glasses.  Weight loss, confusion or sudden changes in mood are what needs to be looked into, and might warrant a visit to the doctor.

Embracing Your Age: They say age is just a number, but genes do play a part. Do you have a 95-year-old aunt who still knits sweaters and solves crosswords?  You might owe her a thank-you card for the longevity genes. But good habits like eating well, staying active, maintaining friendships, and keeping stress to a minimum are key factors to improving longevity.

The Perks of Aging Nobody Talks About:  No more being asked to help friends move heavy furniture.  No longer trying to prove oneself and being comfortable in one’s own skin.  Discount days at your favourite stores, strong lifelong friendships, clear priorities by learning to say no, enjoying your free time are just a few perks.   Enjoying your free time with fewer work obligations, being able to enjoy your financial savings, time to travel, bake or enjoy your favorite hobbies as well as being able to see your grandchildren grow up are a few more things to enjoy at this stage of life.

Live Well & Age Proudly: Wrinkles aren’t something to hide, they’re badges of honor from years of laughter, love and life’s adventures, proof of a life well-lived. Wisdom, kindness and the best life stories are what makes us unique individuals with so much richness in experience to offer.

  So, lets celebrate our age, this can be the most fulfilling chapter yet!