To Inspire:

While expecting to face new challenges in her nineties, what has truly surprised writer Katherine Esty is the amount of new joys she’s experiencing. She has let go of past regrets and has embraced a sense of gratitude that is new to her.

When asked what we all can do – at any age – to be happy and lead a fulfilling life, Katherine shared her nine “non-negotiables.”

Be kind, and be kind to yourself – Katherine finds older people tend to be kinder than when they were younger and encourages everyone cultivate a habit of kindness. Research shows even the smallest acts of kindness can resonate deeply, creating ripples of positivity that extend far beyond the initial gesture. And remember to forgive your own shortcomings and practice self-kindness.

Practice gratitude – Practicing gratitude as a tool for grounding ourselves and fostering a positive mindset. Each morning, Katherine takes a minute to express gratitude for three things in her life. She tries to mention different things each day, but the act of gratitude itself is what nurtures our well-being.

Develop routines for routine matters – As we navigate through life, we can benefit from developing routines for our daily matters, as they provide structure and clarity. Katherine has an exercise plan, keeps up with doctor appointments, and makes general decisions about moderation in food and alcohol. She shares one significant improvement has come from deciding on just three places in her home where she places her phone. This has reduced the number of times – and resulting panic – of losing her phone.

Stay connected to family and friends – We know the importance of nurturing our relationships with family and friends, so don’t wait on others to call you. Katherine proactively reaches out, especially with those who may be facing difficulties, and prioritizes spending time with people who lift her spirits.

Live a purposeful life – What is your purpose? After retirement, Katherine discovered the importance of staying engaged in projects that ignite her passion and bring her joy. These things can be creative, such as painting, a hobby such as gardening, or dedicating time to volunteering at a hospital or soup kitchen. Katherine is currently finding fulfillment in writing articles, serving on a Strategic Planning Task Force in her retirement community, and cherishing moments with her grandchildren.

Grieve your loses – We all encounter loss, whether it’s the passing of loved ones or changes in our own abilities but not many of us have been equipped with the tools to grieve effectively. Katherine finds meaning and support through her church and finds solace walking in the woods and journaling. Allowing ourselves to fully experience our emotions helps us rediscover our sense of well-being and joy over time.

Keep Learning – Embrace the idea that we can all keep learning, no matter our age! The saying that you can’t teach an old dog new tricks has been debunked by recent studies showing that our brains remain capable of learning throughout our lives. Katherine recently started on online course learning conversational French, which she says is helping to keep her mind sharp.

Laugh often – Embrace the power of laughter! Laughter is more important than ever as we age. Katherine just finished a nine-week comedy class. While the older participants may have lost their place and sometimes couldn’t hear each other, the class brought tremendous joy to her life.

Choose a positive attitude – We know that happiness isn’t about sidestepping life’s inevitable setbacks, failures, and losses. Happiness is connected to your attitude. Katherine consciously chooses to not dwell on the past OR worry about the future. By choosing to focus on the present and making a conscious effort to enjoy the moment, we can cultivate a more positive mindset.

Do your best to live the life you want as you age. Let go of regrets. Appreciate the family and friends you have and the life you have lived. Follow Katherine’s advice and see what new joy you can find for your own great life story – whatever your age!

Written by Michelle O’Brien, Manager of Marketing & Communications

Source: Esty, Katherine. I’m a happy 90-year-old with no regrets in life: My 9 ‘non-negotiables’ for being healthier, sharper and happier – at any age. CNBC.com.