As Americans get older, aging has become a very “in” topic. People are focused on long life spans and healthy lives. But, long and healthy lives are far better when they are joyful. And, the latest term to describe that long, healthy and joyful life is “joyspan,” reports Jancee Dunn for the New York Times.
Kerry Burnight, a professor of gerontology at University of California came up with the term “joyspan” to describe the span of life that people enjoy. And, Burnight makes the case that even people with serious health conditions and other difficulties can enjoy their lives. It’s a lifestyle choice.
As Burnight sees it, people can suffer through their health conditions and difficulties or thrive. Many people can’t move forward in the face of tragedy or poor health. But, many other people manage to discover paths through it.
How do you extend your joyspan? No matter what your situation, you can:
- Remain interested in the world around you and grow.
- Adapt and give yourself permission to do things differently when the need arises.
- Engage with others in ways that respond to their needs and give.
- Connect, do not isolate yourself; talk to strangers, build relationships.
Grow means continue learning, which helps with cognition and mental health. Burnight suggests putting pen to paper over anything at all that gets your attention. Then, dig deeper. Stay engaged.
Adapt means accept what you cannot do and embrace what you can do. For example, think about how lucky you are to be able to have someone drive you where you need to go rather than have to drive yourself. And, don’t get hung up when you can’t remember someone’s name!
Give means offer your wisdom, time, generosity, ear and anything else to others. Do whatever you’re able to do and want to do for others.
Connect means engage with others, stay socially involved, build friendships. Put yourself out there. Talk to the postman and the grocer. Ask questions of those around you. Take notes so you can follow up with people.
Here’s more from Just Care:
- Who’s your health care buddy?
- People who engage in social sports found to live longer
- Be positive about aging and be healthier in old age
- Why social health is as important as physical and mental health
- Older adults are more likely to be happy than younger adults
