I believe aging well requires a positive attitude above all.  It means sometimes seeing the glass as one-quarter fill, rather than seeing it as three-quarters empty. It means making use of one’s good fortune to maintain and improve physical and mental health.

We should stretch beyond our comfort zone and work around our physical and sensory limitations. It also means working (at any age) to help others have the opportunity to age as well as possible.

I have been very lucky, retiring with an adequate pension in a time and at a place where I can continue to grow socially and cognitively. My co-morbidities are under control and my caregiving responsibilities are not overwhelming. I am actively working to improve my odds of living well for as long as possible by reducing my health risks.

Aging well starts at birth, but it is a fleeing goal not easily measured. It is difficult to achieve when you have limited social and physical resources, especially when the limitations are lifelong. But no matter where you are in life you can stretch toward better health rather than accepting the status quo. Age as well as you can. I know I try to.

Mary H., Ontario