Let ’ s replace the “ now what ?” attitude with a
“ what else ?” attitude as we face our 50 ’ s and beyond .
VOLUNTEER
Gilroy is a hub for volunteerism . Opportunities abound . Just about every non-profit , local hospital and community organization needs volunteers . A couple great places to start : the local Chamber of Commerce has a list of nonprofit organizations and the Leadership Gilroy program affords individuals an opportunity to learn more about the community and to identify their desired level and direction of involvement .
“ RADICALIZE ” YOUR LIFESTYLE
OK , so I made up that word . But truly , it ’ s time for us to get radical about aging ! I recently attended a dance class and was very impressed to see people from their 30 ’ s up to their 70 ’ s in the class . They were there to get fit , not to “ dance with the stars ”. So , join a dance class , get a personal trainer , take golf lessons , or check out Yoga . Gentle Yoga is like giving your mind and body a mini vacation from stress . Movement should be your new best friend !
Ladies , change your wardrobe to express your new self — take risks with new colors , new styles — drag a friend to the mall for a free makeover to update your look . Gentlemen , try a new haircut – age in style , at the least you will have fun and get your spouse ’ s attention .
NEVER STOP LEARNING
One of the best ways to ward off aging is to keep your mind active . More and more people in their 50s are going back to college . What a smart move ! By the way — keeping your mind sharp will help ward off Alzheimer ’ s . Gavilan College provides classes to suit a multitude of interests and it ’ s right in our own backyard .
EXPLORE AND DEFINE WHO YOU ARE
It ’ s OK to feel unsure about who you are outside of work or be unsure about what your purpose is after the kids leave the nest . Our new downtown library and Garlic City Books , as well as Barnes & Noble are full of books on “ self-help ” and “ finding one ’ s passion .” If reading isn ’ t your thing , perhaps a counselor can help — it ’ s like talking with a highly trained , objective friend ! Bottom Line : Do some soul searching .
RENEW YOUR PURPOSE
In his book A Purpose-Driven Life , Rick Warren provides a roadmap that is quite thought-provoking . Now that you are a 50 plus – what is your purpose ? Asking yourself what legacy you wish to leave is one way to identify your purpose . As you raised your children , your purpose may have been to be the best parent you could be . Now that they are grown , a new purpose may be in order .
TAKE OVER YOUR SPACE
Have a space that is yours — not for the parent or the grandparent in you , but the person that you are inside . No matter how large or small your home — find a place that you can call your own . Having your own small piece of your world to yourself will do wonders in giving you a better sense of self .
GET SERIOUS ABOUT YOUR FUTURE
This is “ the time ” to get serious about planning for your golden years . If you haven ’ t done so , talk to your financial planner , talk to your insurance broker ( especially about long term care ), get a DNR or an Advanced Directive , and look into a Living Trust or a Will . And don ’ t forget let your family know where important documents are kept .
Let ’ s replace the “ now what ?” attitude with a
“ what else ?” attitude as we face our 50 ’ s and beyond .
Sources : Jane Pauley , Dateline NBC , www . AARP . com
S P R I N G 2 0 1 0 G I L R O Y T O D A Y 35