Are You Living Life to the Fullest?

Let me ask you

Are You Living Life to the Fullest

or

Are You Merely Existing?

 All too frequently those of us over 65 have been led to believe by what we read or hear that we are not supposed to enjoy life. After all, we are old and frail. We may get hurt.

  • We have to protect ourselves from getting hurt.
  • We are supposed to watch what we eat, watch what we do, watch where we go because something may happen to us that we will regret

That has been pounded into us so frequently some of us are afraid to leave our homes. We rely on younger people to get what we need and to care for us.

Yet There are Those Who Refuse to Live That Way

They want to live life to the fullest.  For them, age is just a number. They don’t let it hold them back. Here are a few:

  • At 80, Yuichiro Miura, a Japanese mountain climber, became the oldest man to climb Mount Everest.
  • Angela Vorobeva, an 85-year-old Russian, is the oldest woman to climb Mount Kilimanjaro.
  • Former president George H. W. Bush celebrated his 70th, 75th, 80th, 85th and 90th birthdays skydiving.

You would have to agree these are feats many people would say a person their age could not and should not do. That didn’t stop them from doing them.

Regularly we hear of many other older people blazing a trail by doing things they were told people their age could not do. Yet they have gone ahead and done them – all the while not only enjoying them but living life to the fullest.

My question for you is where are you? Are you

Defensive and Overly Cautious

or

Living Life with Gusto?

You may have no desire to climb tall mountains or sky dive. However, I am sure you have things on your bucket list that you can still do. Just imagine what immense satisfaction doing them would bring you.

Here are some you might consider that are right here in your own backyard:

Adventures

  • Go whitewater rafting. Get members of your family to man the raft with you. If they don’t have the courage, get some relatives or friends.
  • If you have no desire for whitewater rafting, check out canoeing or kayaking. There are many streams here in Tennessee where you can do this.
  • You may want to try Zip Lining. You can do that in the Smokies.
  • Go hiking. There are 900 miles of trails in the Great Smoky Mountain National Park. There are also many miles of trails in our State parks. There are even trails right here in the county. You will be surprised by the number of people your age you see on the trails.
  • Run a marathon. More and more older people are taking part in these. You may surprise yourself and even come in first in your age bracket.
  • Start bicycling. You may say that’s not an option because of all hills around here and biking would be too strenuous. There are many areas where the roads are flat.
  • Take up fishing. More and more older people are getting back into fishing. Bass fishing is great on local streams and lakes. The Smokies are noted for fly fishing for trout.

Outdoor Sports

  • There are many local golf courses. You are never too old to golf. You may not be able to drive a ball as far as a younger person but that really doesn’t matter.
  • Play softball. More and more older people are playing regularly in leagues
  • If you liked swimming when you were younger, start to swim again. There are numerous places where you can enjoy swimming locally.

Night Activities

  • Get into dancing. No one is ever too old for Ballroom, Square or Line dancing. Show younger people how well you can dance and put them to shame.
  • Try Karaoke. Don’t fret about not being a gifted singer. You’re just having fun.
  • Get together with friends for a casino night, a murder mystery, a scavenger hunt, a Super Bowl or Oscars party, even an Ugly Sweaters party.

Arts and Crafts

  • Take a ceramics class.
  • Do some water colors.
  • Join a quilting group.
  • Take up woodworking and make some items your spouse, family or friends would appreciate.

Weekend Fun

  • Check out a Renaissance Festival
  • Go Boating with your family
  • Go to a baseball, football or basketball game

Volunteer

  • You may have extra time during the day. There are many local churches and organizations that are looking for people to help with work that has to be done. Consider volunteering at one where you can best use your abilities.

What is Your Mental and Emotional State Right Now?

Are you excited about life or are you bored and just living?

If you’re bored and just living, only you can change that. Take the first step today. Do something you always wanted to do.

Don’t believe others who say you’re too old. Go ahead. Show them they’re wrong.

You’ re the only one who knows your limits. So, don’t let anyone hold you back.

 

Do you have feedback or ideas for topics of interest on Bob’s Blog? If so, contact Bob Paroski at bob.ooablog@gmail.com.