Hi Everyone!
Last time we looked at why sense of purpose in older age is so important. In today’s world, the pursuit of happiness is an ingrained concept. We’re often taught to expect our lives to be fairly happy, and we’re encouraged to do whatever it takes to achieve that. Also, we want to live long and well forever. I’m no exception. As we saw in the previous post the Okinawans know a thing or two about achieving satisfaction, happiness and meaning in life.As a people who live long, they would broadly recognise the following principles or beliefs.So without being ‘preachy’, this is my take from online sources on what we should be doing as we get older:
- Keep doing what you love to do and do well. For many in Japan retirement is not considered an option.
- Slow down purposefully and look to age slower
- Eat a little less than you need at all times .The Japanese practice : hara hachi bu, aims for the individual to stop eating at mealtimes when appetite is satisfied at around 80%.This takes some practice.Experts say it takes 15-20 meals to trigger the feeling of being full i.e. at 80%.An important note however according to the British Nutrition Foundation is that malnutrition and obesity are both prevalent in the older population ,so good nutrition is vital.Although energy levels required reduce as age advances good nutrition and regular physical activity is essential to help reduce age-related conditions including cardiovascular issues and cognitive decline.
- Keep your friends and family as close as possible
- Exercise to keep the body going. Regular physical movement during the day is essential.Researchers at The University of Utah believe regular activity including light walking throughout the day can add-up to enough total movement to help reduce mortality risk.The take here is that a severe exercise regime is not essential.
- Try to be of a cheerful nature and disposition
- Let curiosity be a guide in daily life Ask Questions.Opportunities don’t come out of nowhere, a lot of the time it will be a subtle opportunity. That’s why it’s vital that you ask questions of everything and force yourself to think creatively and look at life from every angle. Your curiosity could be the key to unlocking opportunity, health and happiness.
- Be grateful for what you have (this for me is a difficult one !)Gratitude is important. This tends to ‘tie-in’ with having a cheerful disposition and a happier view, leading to psychological well being.This is said in Greater Good Magazine to be backed by 15 years of research.An important point maybe is that content or happier people may do more healthy things like exercise regularly,eat well,and not smoke.
- Fear not what might be and embrace the day and use it well
- Find and follow your own sense of purpose. For more on this see :IKIGAI The Japanese Secret to a Long and Happy LIfe
Wow! I didn’t say it was easy to achieve a happier life, and for most of us it will probably require regular work ongoing.
Let me know what you think.