The Power of Mindfulness
Mindfulness is focused awareness on the present moment. Mindfulness lets us be fully conscious of a simple sensation like the warmth of sunlight or of the complex interplay between our thoughts and feelings.
By tuning in to mental processes, we are able to recognize that our thoughts are just thoughts; they don't necessarily represent reality. We can observe them rather than being subject to them.
Mindfulness lets us absorb the richness of the moment instead of going through life with half of our attention on the past or future or our own mental chatter. The self-knowledge that comes from mindfulness lets us be more intentional in choosing priorities and actions that fit our life mission.
The past is gone and we can’t change it. The future is not here yet. We only have the present. Let us enjoy the here and now.
I keep coming back to the power of mindfulness as I travel my path.
You Are Not as Old as You Think: Replacing Outdated Age Designations
I have been thinking about new age designations for some time. I am tired of reporters, and others referring to “the elderly 62 year man” , “the old 61 year old woman”, “the 81 year old senior”, “the 69 year old, old-timer” or “the oldster” There is some validity to those observations as the earlier designations were developed before people began living much longer and often in relatively good health.
Life expectancy in the United States has dramatically increased since 1900. Indications are that it will continue to increase as we learn more about food, exercise, and a host of other things. Advances in medicine are also rapidly extending our lives.
The figures below show how much life expectancy has increased:
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White males White females
1900 47 49
1920 54 66
1940 62 67
1960 67 74
1980 71 78
2000 75 80
Many factors come into play when looking at life expectancy. The above averages are only for white males and females in the United States. My only point is, that when the original age designations for young, middle age, old age, senior citizen, elderly, etc., were established, people did not live as long as they do now. Therefore it is only logical that the designations should be changed and that is what I propose.
100+ Old Ager
90 to 99 Golden Ager
80 to 89 Veteran Middle Ager
60 to 79 Middle Middle Ager*
45 to 60 Younger Middle Ager
Below 45 let someone else figure this out
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OK here are the suggested changes I have come up with now let’s get out and change the age designations.
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*This range may also be referred to as The Center Most Middle Ager, Intervening Middle Ager, or the Midmost Middle Ager. However if a person wanted to impress others she (he) could refer to it as Mezzo Middle Ager.
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AND ALWAYS REMEMBER Do not resent growing old. Many are denied the privilege.