Jul 06 2009
The Fountain of Youth – It’s In Your Head
Last night, like most Sunday nights, my 84-year-old father came over for dinner. And as is usually the case, he was accompanied by his girlfriend Ginny, an amazing 90-year-old woman who lives in his continuing care retirement community. We all have different ideas of what constitutes “old age” or “elderly”. Ask my young children, and they would probably tell you old age starts in your 50s. Most of my 30- and 40-something friends would probably say anyone 75+ falls in that category. But there would be little debate that a woman of age 90, like Ginny, is elderly. After spending nearly every Sunday evening with her for the past eight months, I am here to tell you otherwise.
Ginny is a vibrant, fit, sharp-minded woman who exemplifies everything I hope to be if I am fortunate enough to live that long. And I’ve finally figured out her secret. Ginny has discovered the Fountain of Youth. It’s not a place, and it’s not in a cream or an injection or a surgical procedure. The Fountain of Youth is in her head – and in all of our heads if we allow it to be.
Ginny is always “up.” Everything is wonderful in her world. Every week when she comes over, she gushes about how the meal is the best she’s ever had (even when I opt not to cook and order take-out), my children are amazing (as she listens to my three girls argue over the Wii), the weather is beautiful (not the word I’d use on a sticky hot Florida summer night), etc. Her favorite phrase is, “This is such a treat” – and she uses it often. Last night as she was saying good-night, she touched my arm and said, “This is really heaven in this home. Your kids, your family, it’s just heaven.” She verbalizes positive thoughts and she says them with sincerity. I believe her optimism is the secret to her youthfulness, and it’s starting to rub off on the rest of us as well. When we first started hosting my father and her for dinner, I think we thought of it more as a favor to them, to give them a chance to get out of their continuing care retirement community and have a change of scenery and food. Now I realize that my husband and I are the ones reaping the benefits.
What Ginny has taught us – or at least reminded us – is that there really is power in focusing on the positive. She has had her share of heartache, outliving three husbands, her first who died fairly young. Through it all, though, she has never lost her love of life and living. She has held interesting jobs, traveled the world, and continues to seek out new experiences (she is currently trying to convince my father that they should take a trip to Key West). Until recently, Ginny was an avid swimmer; now she stays fit by using the equipment in her senior facility’s exercise room. According to this article from WebMD, exercise is a key to staying sharp in old age.
Thanks to Ginny, I have clear evidence that I don’t need to buy into the fancy creams and procedures to retain my youth. Those are only superficial treatments (and one way or another – by 90, the wrinkles are there). The real secret to a vibrant, youthful life comes from within, from fostering a positive attitude and mental acuity. The Fountain of Youth is much closer than I ever thought!
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For a comprehensive online database of senior living facilities in Florida, visit Florida Senior Living Advisor.
Great story! Ginny reminds me of my friend Mary who also lives in a retirement community in Florida. She’s 91 and has a boyfriend 20 years younger because that’s closer to the age she feels. She loves bowling, telling racy jokes, and isn’t afraid of anything. She lives life to the fullest and doesn’t act anywhere near her age, which is what she says keeps her young and healthy. I think Ginny and Mary are really on to something!
Ironically your blog goes hand in hand with the message Stevie gave at the church yesterday. He spoke about Christians being full of encouragement instead of discouragement. And working towards passing encouragement along to those you encounter daily.