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Inspiring Opportunities Free E-Newsletter |
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For most of his adult life Jack Yampolsky has been a numbers guy, but his life took a different turn when he started writing, and at the age of 81 he published his first book, a novel called Boardwalk Story.
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Topic: Connection
You are Never Too Old for Closeness
The need for intimacy is ageless, and as this article in Philadelphia's Gay News points out, people never outgrow thier need for affection and emotional closeness --sometimes referred to as “skin hunger.” Aging changes perspectives on sex and sexuality, but our need for caring and comforting touch is as strong as ever, even if a partner is ill or there are physical disabilities. This message really resonates for older gay men and lesbian women who have dealt with so many false beliefs about their relationships, especially as they age.
Fight the "Blahs" of Getting Older
This article could be the official "call to action" that defines Coming of Age. The author bemoans the fact that many of her friends in their 50s and 60s faced with physical changes, family issues, retirement concerns, or often fear of what's next, have ditched their "joie de vivre" for the tried and true... and a boring lifestyle. Her message is to fight off the ageist ideas of what you can and should do and embrace the passions that excite you, stay involved and connected to family and friends, challenge yourself, and live, live, live! Included are 25 ideas for doing just that...
Learning the Power of Compassion
Award-winning author, Gail Sheehy, wrote an article in USA Today about Lee Kravitz, a 54-year-old "master of the magazine publishing universe," who unexpectedly, ""brutally," lost his job, but managed to find a silver lining...and discover an invaluable life lesson. Following the initial shock, the realization that he had lost contact with his family...and himself...while totally immersed in his work, hit home. Lee began a journey into the next phase of his life that included a true understanding of the word, "compassion," a focus on connecting in many different ways, and a book chronicling his transition.
Storytelling and Health
The Annals of Internal Medicine just published the results of a new trial that provides evidence that storytelling is not only an enjoyable pastime, but shows promise as way to decrease high blood pressure. And for at least one group of patients, listening to personal narratives worked as effectively as additional medications. The researchers studied 300 African-American patients who lived in urban areas, had hypertension, and viewed videos every three months of other patients telling their personal stories. This is a story with a happy ending!
Cami Walker who has multiple sclerosis was told by a health educator to give gifts to friends and family for 29 days as a way to deal with her pain and sadness. An interesting prescription! The gifts were simple -- making supportive phone calls or saving a piece of chocolate cake for her husband. And the effects were life-changing! Her new book, 29 Gifts: How a Month of Giving Can Change Your Life, is about how giving to others can improve health, increase happiness, and create meaning and purpose. Read more.
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/12/01/health...
Why do women who spend time "dishing" with friends seem more content and in good spirits? A research study at the University of Michigan has identified a likely reason: feeling emotionally close to a friend increases levels of the hormone progesterone that helps to boost well-being and reduce anxiety. So, hanging out with friends is not wasting time... it's increasing your happiness and lifespan.
http://www.ns.umich.edu/htdocs/releases/...
A new research study gives you a powerful reason to "connect and contribute" (and keep up with Coming of Age to find opportunities!). This recent study of 1,238 older adults shows that if you have a purpose in life, you'll probably live longer. The study measured the participants' ability to derive meaning from life and feel that they were working toward goals.
http://www.healthday.com/Article.asp?AID...
If you were asked what the most powerful weapons are to help fight illness and depression, speed recovery, slow aging and prolong life, you might include drugs, self-help books or herbal supplements on your list. Would you believe that it is actually our connection with friends? Researchers are starting to pay attention to the importance of friendship and social networks in overall health and psychological well-being. So, how do friends improve your life?
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