Bay Shore NY
3-28-2023 11:28am

Life Starts at 60

SKYLARK'S FEATURED ARTICLE OF THE WEEK - LIFE STARTS AT 60

We're living longer these days due to advances in medicine and awareness of the importance of our mental health. For many people, life really does begin at 60. By now, you've raised your family or you've lived a good single life. Now it's time to slow down a bit and begin a new chapter. You’ve got more time for the things you’ve always wanted to do – visit new places, take up hobbies, or see more of friends and family. Or just spend more time with yourself.

However, some things can seem a bit harder. We start losing people close to us. Friends and family are often far away, and we don't see them as much as we used to. Our bodies can slow down a bit, too, and we might have more health issues to worry about. These changes can increase the risk of anxiety and depression, and that's no way to feel at this age. You've still got a lot of living to do.

Learn How to Stay Mentally Healthy

When it comes to anxiety and depression, it can be hard to spot changes in our thoughts, feelings and behavior. We get used to our way of moving through our day, but we don't always know when something has changed over time. Knowing what to look for and being able to recognize the signs and symptoms of a shift in our mood means we can take action sooner rather than later before things become acute. Anxiety and depression are not a weakness of character – they are a health issue just like any other. The good news is that effective treatments are available, and with the right support, you can recover and be happy again.

Be Social, Be Active, Be Well

An active life and relationships with people we care about are important at any age, as they promote good mental health. As we get older, maintaining connections with friends, family and the community can prevent feelings of loneliness and help us to stay mentally and physically healthy. Staying socially active helps you to feel less isolated. It’s never too late to try something new! 

Having the Conversation

Some people find it hard to share what they’re going through with family and friends, for fear of being a burden. You might think mental health is a private subject or that you should ‘put on a brave face’, but the reality is that people can’t help if they don’t know what’s going on. And you may find that someone you confide in is going through the same thing you are. You might just help another person as you help yourself.  

Visit Your GP

If you're experiencing symptoms of anxiety or depression, talking to your GP is a good first step. As well as providing a diagnosis and discussing treatment options, they can refer you to a mental health specialist, such as a psychologist or psychiatrist. Make sure you book a longer appointment so you have time to discuss the situation without feeling rushed. Things take time to explain.

The Wrap Up

Sometimes we're going about our lives as usual and then one day, we wake up and don't feel as happy as we did. We might pass it off as a 'bad day.' But what happens when this dark mood doesn't pass? That's when we have to take stock of ourselves and figure out what's wrong. We might think it's just one thing, but often, it's not. "If I change my job, I'll be happier." "If I leave my spouse, I'll have more joy." This might be true, but the truth is it has more to do with you than about anything outside of you. Change is good and perhaps getting out of a relationship that has grown stale or making a bigger change like moving or even retiring could bring you more joy, but the bottom line is when you feel down, you need to look inside of yourself to get to the root of what is causing your change in mood. Take an inventory of yourself from time to time. Make sure you are centered within yourself and that the life around you is what you want. And if you need to make changes to be happier, there's lots of support all around you. You don't have to take the journey alone. You'll find out that most of your friends and family will be happy to help you. No one wants to see you down. And the lovely season of Spring can perk you up. 

La vita e troppo breve per essere infelici. Life is too short to be unhappy.

Peace and Love,

Skylark

At 60 and Beyond, happiness is the ultimate goal to sustain us into older age. Spring is such a beautiful season to bloom into a new you.

SKYLARK'S PICK OF THE WEEK - CLARK BOTANIC GARDEN

Flowers can make us very happy, and Spring is the best time to watch them bloom. Founded in 1969, Clark Botanic Garden is a 12-acre living museum and educational facility. They are dedicated to understanding and appreciating the world's plant life through horticulture, education and research. Collections at the garden include native spring wildflowers, conifers, roses, perennials, daylilies, wetland plants, rock garden plants, herbs, butterfly plants, medicinal plants and over a dozen collections of particular plant families.

Clark Botanic Garden also has a wonderful gift shop. The Shop in the Garden has many new and beautiful items available, and it is open during all of the garden's programs. Members of the Garden receive a 10% discount in the Shop. So take a walk on the wild side at Clark Botanic Gardens.

For more information, visit clarkbotanic.org

SKYLARK'S INSPIRATIONAL QUOTE OF THE WEEK

"Where flowers bloom, so does hope."

-Lady Bird Johnson

SKYLARK'S SONG OF THE WEEK - IT MIGHT AS WELL BE SPRING by ASTRUD GILBERTO

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LOVE FROM SKYLARK

Hello and welcome to my weekly newsletter, Skylark Live Town News, representing Bay Shore and beyond. My articles are about human interest, nature, general observations, inspiration, music, and places I've been. There is also a calendar of upcoming events. Please consider becoming a subscriber. There are several levels, and it’s easy to do. Just open the newsletter and the subscribe button is there. As a subscriber, you will receive a copy of my newsletter each Wednesday morning in your email. You can also advertise your business or event here as well. You can do it yourself or email me to discuss this at christineskylark@aol.com. You can also PM me. Please follow me on YouTube, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn under my brand, Skylark Live.

I also have an inspirational vlog, 60 and Beyond with Skylark, on the first Monday-of-the-month on my YouTube Channel, Skylark Live. This is designed to inspire people 60 and beyond to continue to thrive through knowledge and self-awareness. Please take a moment to subscribe and click the bell to get notified when I upload a new video.

Thank you for your love and support. Andiamo! Let’s go!


 
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