Today is the first anniversary of the birth of this blog. I chose to celebrate an anniversary instead of a birthday because if my parents, Mark and Dorothy Murakami, were still living, it would’ve been their 66th wedding anniversary. I’ve had so much fun in the past year writing this blog and I appreciate everyone who has paused to read my blog. I’ve met some wonderful people and even met two of my California readers in person! How awesome is that?!
Through this experience, I’ve found a special passion for Alzheimer’s and now run two blogs. You will see more guest bloggers in this blog, amazing seniors I’ve met through a networking group that I co-founded, Women’s Network of Springfield. I know you’ll enjoy their blog posts.
This is the time of year when we think about the many things we are grateful for. Did you know that there’s a science to happiness? Research suggests that gratitude makes us happier and is the key to a longer and more successful life. Robert A. Emmons, PhD, professor of psychology, University of California, Davis, has written a book on the science of gratitude: Thanks! How the New Science of Gratitude Can Make You Happier.
So from the bottom of my heart, I extend my deepest gratitude to all of you and a very special and Happy Thanksgiving!
The following 12 Steps to Healthy Aging comes from the George Washington University Hospital in Washington, DC. Are you on your way to healthy aging?
Enjoy a diet low in fats and rich in fruits and vegetables.
Get regular physical activity, at least 30 minutes a day.
Have medical tests and screenings on schedule.
Don’t smoke! Avoid secondhand smoke as well.
Keep cholesterol, blood sugar and blood pressure under control.
Watch your weight. Lose weight if needed.
Get enough sleep and rest each day.
Strengthen bones with the calcium, vitamin D and exercise you need.
Always apply sunscreen before going out.
Stimulate your mind with mental games and social contacts.
Take your medications as needed and stay informed about your health.
Think positively and find at least one thing to be grateful for each day.
The last one is my favorite. Recently, I started a gratitude journal. Keeping a gratitude journal changes your attitude in life. Keeping a gratitude journal encourages you to be on the lookout for what you’re grateful for and not for the negativity in life. Some people like to blame external factors (such as other people) for their attitude. But only you can choose your attitude. No one can choose to be happy or grumpy for you.
If you’ve not read FISH! by Stephen Lundin, Harry Paul, and John Christensen, it’s a short parable based on the Pike Place Fish Market in Seattle, Washington. Applicable to everyone, one of the points talked about is that you can choose your attitude. Written for the workplace, it is applicable at home as well. As a senior, you might want to take the lead in your workplace, even if it just starts with you. For more information on the FISH! philosophy, see http://fishphilosophy.com.
Everything happens for a reason and looking for something to be thankful for even in the darkest moment, can help you get through it. And why just one thing to be grateful for? Why not at least five? Do you keep a gratitude journal? How has that changed your life? I invite you to share.
Today is the first anniversary of the birth of this blog. I chose to celebrate an anniversary instead of a birthday because if my parents, Mark and Dorothy Murakami, were still living, it would’ve been their 66th wedding anniversary. I’ve had so much fun in the past year writing this blog and I appreciate everyone who has paused to read my blog. I’ve met some wonderful people and even met two of my California readers in person! How awesome is that?!
The following 12 Steps to Healthy Aging comes from the George Washington University Hospital in Washington, DC. Are you on your way to healthy aging?
