Happy Days

Modern society is replete with ageist messages, from incessant advertisements for antiaging creams to the normalization of telling someone that they “look good for their age.”

Although there’s increasing recognition of the issue of ageism, these messages, says Nollert, work to keep older folks down, making them feel as if they have no business in engaging in activities traditionally associated with a younger crowd. But by accepting these narratives, we limit ourselves and miss out on opportunities for personal growth, strengthening our bodies, and connecting with others.

“Say you want to go for a hike,” says Nollert, “but you think—oh, I’m 70 years old, so I can’t! Well, that hike would have allowed you to work on your sense of balance, mobility, and endurance, as well as immerse yourself in nature. By skipping out, you’re missing all of that.”

Set long-term goals

Setting and working toward long-term goals is one way to hold yourself accountable and ensure you don’t miss out on opportunities for joy and growth.

If a particular goal feels inaccessible, says Nollert, who is in the process of writing a book about a solo canoe trip she undertook after four years spent putting it off out of fear, try breaking it down into smaller steps.

For example, maybe you’ve always wanted to run a half-marathon but now find running a challenge. Can you start strength training to make running a possibility again? If not, can you walk the half-marathon, or try out a 10 km route?

“Options are opportunities,” says Nollert. “The most important thing is to stay in the game in terms of achieving our goals and dreams.”

The golden years 

Canadian seniors report being more satisfied with their lives than any other age group.

Seize the day 

Along with long-term goal planning, we can work to enjoy daily moments to their fullest. Nollert lives by a simple motto to help make the most of the mundane: “Every day is a vacation day.” This motto can apply to anyone, whether you’re working full time or already enjoying retirement. What it means is to take the time to do something, no matter how small, that makes each day feel special.

“Make a date with the sunrise,” suggests Nollert. “Even if it’s overcast, take the opportunity to look out to the horizon and be in that moment. [If] it’s the wintertime and it’s hard to get up, light a candle while you’re having breakfast.”

If you’re not an early riser, Nollert has tons of other tips; here are just a few:

·         Try taking your coffee in a travel mug to a park before work or stopping to admire a house with a beautiful garden.

·         Read just one page of a book before leaving the house.

·         Take a different route home or sit at a different place at the dinner table to freshen your perspectives and shake up your routine.

·         Spend two minutes in your room in silence after work before heading out to cook dinner for the kids.

Even an activity like walking the dog can bring joy, says Nollert, if we allow it to. “Instead of thinking of it as a chore, try to take it all in—the colours of the trees, the breeze, the sounds of the birds. Feel the earth under your feet. Enjoy.”

Joy therapy

For your next holiday, consider indulging in some joy therapy, or the practice of intentionally seeking out joy through activities and connections.

Along with practising mindfulness or getting out into nature, another option is to seek out one of the increasing numbers of wellness retreats geared toward helping guests find joy.

At Rancho La Puerta in Mexico, for example, Barry Shingle, director of guest relations and programming, says that they aim to provide opportunities for guests to let go of external distractions and reconnect with their joyful selves. Ways to achieve this include avoiding the use of cellphones, spending time in the garden, taking a movement class, or going to a music concert.