Bay Shore NY
12-26-2023 5:53pm

Happy Birthday - Cheers to Aging

SKYLARK'S ARTICLE OF THE WEEK - HAPPY BIRTHDAY - CHEERS TO AGING

Most of us go through some feeling of dread as we start to age. I think it's natural, especially as the years start to creep up on us. What choice do we have? So instead of dreading it, I'm embracing it. I turned 66 on December 26th. Happy birthday! I decided this year that no matter what happens, I'm going to embrace everything. That doesn't mean I like everything, but I'm going to try and not resist the flow of things. 

"Old Age Ain’t No Place for Sissies." This quote is often credited with Bette Davis, though it's been in circulation for some time. So, what is old age? Youth is fleeting. But we already know this. Embracing older age is not easy, but in order to age gracefully, it's a good idea to try to adjust to it as best we can. 

A few years ago, I was losing a lot of hair every time I washed it. I went to a skin doctor, and he prescribed scalp oil. It really helped. My hair has adjusted and so have I. It freaked me out initially. I thought, my God, my hair was always my signature. Now what? The same thing can happen to our body after menopause. Our waste thickens, our flesh loosens, and we don't have that figure that we were so proud of when we were younger. Yoga and walking can help that. I promised myself I was going to lose some weight in 2024. That's a realistic resolution.

Since COVID, I've noticed that my mind is not as sharp as it used to be. I can forget what I'm talking about mid-sentence. Can you relate? Everything is different. Even my happiness. I've always found the simple things in life bring me the most pleasure, and thank God, that is still true for the most part. But as we age, we change, and some things that brought us great pleasure when we were younger might not have the same impact. That goes for our personal relationships, too. This can include family members and close friends we've had for years. We may find ourselves thinking about a relationship that didn't work out and wondering how our life might have been different if it did. These are all natural parts of aging, especially when we're over 60. And it's not just an emotional shift, it's physiological, too.

As you age, certain body functions and processes shift. These physiological changes of aging affect multiple systems that impact cognition, cardiovascular health, muscle strength, bone density, weight status, sex hormones, and skin health. Yup! There it is. So, what can we do about these changes?

Many aging-related changes are involuntary. However, lifestyle modifications such as sleep, stress, nutrition, and physical activity can mitigate the effects of aging, promoting longevity and a greater quality of life. These things can make us happier, too.

Let’s break down what aging is, how it relates to longevity and the physiological changes that relate to each body system. 

What is aging?

Aging is the decline in function resulting from the accumulation of cellular damage. There is no single explanation for aging. Rather, aging is linked to changes in biological, physiological, environmental, psychological, behavioral, and social processes. Research continues to evolve on how these factors affect age-related chronic diseases. Genetics influence longevity; about 25% of the variation in longevity can be attributed to genetics. But, environmental, social, and lifestyle factors may play a larger role in a longer lifespan and healthspan.

Aging is not always linear or consistent. It affects all body systems. As we age, we are more likely to experience several conditions simultaneously. By identifying certain aging processes to target with lifestyle modifications, researchers hope to slow the start and progression of diseases and instead establish a path towards a longer lifespan and greater healthspan. 

What is the difference between aging and longevity?

Longevity is the length of the lifespan (the time a person lives) regardless of internal physiological changes associated with aging. So, extending longevity means slowing or prolonging the aging process. 

What are the physiological changes of aging?

The physiological changes of aging are characterized by an alteration—usually a decline—in organ function, with these changes accumulating over time. Some aspects of aging are harmless to overall health, like the graying of hair. Other aspects can significantly impact functional abilities and quality of life. The effects of some age-related changes, such as decreases in hormone levels, are not isolated to one organ system. Instead, the consequences of low hormone levels, cognitive impairment, cardiovascular irregularity, or muscle and bone loss are compounded and can propel that progressive decline of health. Get those annual checks. I scheduled three in one day in January. That's a good way to start the new year.

How to promote longevity?

We all know the benefits of moving your body. Even 15 minutes a day is better than nothing. Get outside for a walk, and if you can't, do some moderate exercise indoors. Stretching is a great way to start each day. I took a walk in the woods over the Christmas weekend and felt so much better when I got home. The fresh air revives us. It's so easy to stay in during the winter, but don't give in to it. Bundle up and get outside. 

Consider modest calorie restriction. God knows I need to do that. I love fruit and eat it most days. And I love vegetables. These are good things to increase. But I also love chocolate. I have a mean sweet tooth. That is where I need to cut down.

Green tea! Yes, it has all the benefits we've all heard about for maintaining a healthy body composition, and the antioxidants in the beverage are also associated with longevity. 

There are some pretty easy adjustments we can make for our overall well-being as we age. There's no need to make drastic changes because it's easy to fall back into bad habits if changes are too severe. So, one step at a time. Slow and easy wins the race. If we start out slowly, we can win the race of aging with grace.

Peace and Love,

Skylark

At 60 and Beyond, we don't have to run a marathon. Walking has excellent benefits that can last a lifetime.

SKYLARK'S PICK OF THE WEEK - ALVIN AILEY AMERICAN DANCE THEATER

On March 30, 1958, Alvin Ailey and a group of young, Black modern dancers perform for the first time as members of Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater at New York’s 92nd Street YM-YWHA. The Company travels on what Alvin Ailey calls “the station wagon tours” in a vehicle driven by a longtime friend of the Company, Mickey Board. 

In 1962, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater is chosen to go on an extensive tour to the Far East, Southeast Asia, and Australia as part of President John F. Kennedy’s progressive “President’s Special International Program for Cultural Presentations.” 

On October 30, 1965, Judith Jamison dances with Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater for the first time. She will become one of the most recognized and lauded members of the Ailey company throughout her 15-year tenure as a dancer. Eventually, collaborations are done with the likes of Duke Ellington as pieces are choreographed to his iconic music. And the list goes on.

Alvin Ailey has choregraphed some of the most memorable pieces in the history of modern dance that include Revelations, Blues Suite, Cry, and Night Creature, among others. The Ailey legacy continues to this day. Don't miss their residency at City Center in Manhattan that runs through December 31st. You will be thrilled beyond your imagination.

For more information, visit www.alvinailey.org.

SKYLARK'S INSPIRATIONAL QUOTE OF THE WEEK 

SKYLARK'S PRAYER OF THE WEEK

Dear God,

Make me a better person than I was yesterday. Guide me as I continue to strive to be my best self to serve and inspire others.

SKYLARK'S QUESTION OF THE WEEK

What is your favorite part of aging?

Please put your answer in the Reply bubble to the right of the heart at the bottom of this newsletter. I'd love to hear from you. Thank you.

SKYLARK'S SONG OF THE WEEK - IT DON'T MEAN A THING by DUKE ELLINGTON

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LYRICS

It don't mean a thing, if it ain't got that swing
Doo-ah, doo-ah, doo-ah, doo-ah, doo-ah, doo-ah, doo-ah, doo-ah
It don't mean a thing, all you got to do is sing
Doo-ah, doo-ah, doo-ah, doo-ah, doo-ah, doo-ah, doo-ah, doo-ah
It makes no difference
If it's sweet or hot
Just give that rhythm
Everything you've got
It don't mean a thing, if it ain't got that swing
Doo-ah, doo-ah, doo-ah, doo-ah, doo-ah, doo-ah, doo-ah, doo-ah
It don't mean a thing, if it ain't got that swing
Doo-ah, doo-ah
Don't mean a thing, all you got to do is sing
Doo-ah, doo-ah
It makes no difference
If it's sweet or hot
Just give that rhythm
Everything you've got
It don't mean a thing, if it ain't got that swing
Doo-ah, doo-ah, doo-ah, doo-ah, doo-ah, doo-ah, doo-ah, doo-ah
It makes no difference
If it's sweet or hot
Just give that rhythm
Everything you've got
Don't mean a thing if it ain't got that swing
Don't mean a thing, all you got to do is sing
Doo-ah
It makes no difference
If it's sweet or hot
Just give that rhythm
Everything you've got
Don't mean a thing, all you've gotta do is swing
It don't mean a thing, all you've gotta do is sing
It makes no difference
If it's sweet or hot
Give that rhythm
Everything you've got
It don't mean a thing, if it ain't got that swing
Doo-ah, doo-ah

About Skylark and How to Follow Me

My brand, Skylark Live, consists of a weekly newsletter; Skylark Live Town News, and a monthly vlog; 60 and Beyond with Skylark. I’m still mulling around the idea of monthly in-person chats called The Skylark Sessions. This is a work in progress. They are all designed to inspire and motivate women to thrive in older age through knowledge and self-awareness at 60 and beyond. Andiamo! Let's go!

Skylark Live Town News - My weekly newsletter features articles about human interest, nature, general observations, inspiration, motivation, music, places I've been to, and ideas I want to explore. I represent Bay Shore and towns beyond. There is also a calendar of events. And, I throw in Italian words because I love the language and all things Italian. Bella Italia! As a paying subscriber, you will receive my newsletter each Wednesday morning in your email. That gives you a head's up. You can also advertise your business or event on my newsletter. Just click this link to subscribe For updates, subscribe to our free newsletter!

60 and Beyond with Skylark Vlog - This is my first Monday-of-the month vlog that is inspirational and motivational and is a reflection of what I've written about in my newsletters throughout the month and what we've talked about in my Skylark Sessions. My vlog is recorded and posted on my YouTube Channel, as well as on my Patreon account and my social media sites. Just click my Tube Channel link to subscribe:

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Support me on Patreon - This is where you can support my brand for $5 a month. This enables me to carve out time to write my newslettters, create my vlogs, and coordinate my Skylark Sessions. Just click the link: Skylark Live | 60 and Beyond with Skylark | Patreon

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Thank you for your love and support. Apprezza la giornata. Cherish the day.
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