3-26-2024 11:44am

Signs of Aging

Christine Larkin Editor

SKYLARK'S ARTICLE OF THE WEEK - SIGNS OF AGING

In the past year, I've noticed signs of aging. My hair is thinner, my skin is dryer, and my body, well, let's leave that alone. I need more exercise. How about you?

We can't stop the forward motion of time, but we can change our outlook about it. Most women go through a difficult time as they begin to see obvious signs of aging in their appearance. It can be a period of mourning what we once saw in the mirror when we were younger as opposed to now. Aging is inevitable. That's when we must look within.

Looking within can give us great insight into where we were and where we're going. It's here that happiness lies. We spend most of our life looking outside of ourselves for fulfillment, but it's the journey within that matters most. Loving yourself is the greatest love of all.

Our experiences in life can enhance our happiness, but if we're not happy with ourselves, we will never find happiness with anything else. That doesn't mean that spending time with family and friends and doing things we enjoy doesn't enhance our happiness, it does. We need enjoyment in our lives. But if we don't embrace ourselves as we age, we may find our happiness slipping away just like our youth.

According to the National Institute of Aging, the number of Americans ages 65 and older is projected to increase from 58 million in 2022 to 82 million by 2050 (a 47% increase), and the 65-and-older age group's share of the total population is projected to rise from 17% to 23%. The U.S population is older today than it has ever been. Bravo to aging!

The way I see it, reaching your 60's is a privilege. I recently applied for Social Security. My cap age is in June 2024 at 66.5 years old. What? How did I reach this age? You might be asking yourself the same thing. I am an advocate for preventative care and well-being. Make sure you get your annual checkups and stay on top of your physical and mental health. We are the lucky ones that made it to this ripe age. Embrace the moment, and body, you're in.

So, let's get back to our perception of ourselves as we age. It may seem that this age came upon us suddenly. In many ways, that may be true because we were so busy living our lives while never really thinking we'd get this old, right? And then suddenly, you're applying for Medicare and Social Security. These are big events, and we should regard them as rights of passage. I feel very lucky to be here. I hope you do, too. You made it!

So the next time you look in the mirror or try on that old bathing suit that no longer fits (yikes!), just savor the memories of being younger and embrace the passage of time that has brought you to this age and stage in life. You're not getting older, you're getting better!

Peace and Love,

Skylark

At 60 and Beyond, aging is an honor and a cycle we are lucky to endure.

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SKYLARK'S PICK OF THE WEEK - HOG FARM

I recently took a ride out to Brookhaven Hamlet on the South Shore of Long Island to see this beautiful region in Suffolk County. I didn't have a particular destination in mind, but stumbled on H.O.G. Farm. I knew about this magical place, but did not know where it was. Now I do. As I headed down the entrance along the dirt road lined with barns, I was greeted by a deer. This vast acreage is host to live music, fresh vegetables, and beautiful flowers, among other offerings. You feel like you're far away even though you're still fairly local.

Here's a statement from their website:

H.O.G. began as the Hamlet Organic Garden in 1996. We have since grown to a 20 acre farm in our 27th year of operation. We are located within Brookhaven Hamlet on the South Shore of Long Island. We provide the community with over 300 varieties of our own vegetables, herbs, flowers and fruits through our Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program, on-site weekend farm stands, and a growing number of local restaurants. Our mission is to grow the most delicious and nutritious produce possible while strengthening our natural environment, empowering our farm workers, and enriching our community. Although we are not certified organic, we use all natural, organic soil amendments, animal feeds, and no chemical fertilizers or pesticides.

For more information, visit www.thehogfarm.org

SKYLARK'S PRAYER OF THE WEEK

Dear God,

Help me to embrace the process of aging and to be an inspiration to others who are in my age group. Let me motivate them to age gracefully with dignity, humility, and gusto. Amen.

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SKYLARK'S INSPIRATIONAL QUOTE OF THE WEEK

SKYLARK'S QUESTION OF THE WEEK

What do you like most about aging?

Please put your answer in the Reply bubble next to the heart below. I'd love to hear from you. Molto Gracie!

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When you get a moment, please take a look at my YouTube Channel, Skylark Live. This is where you can watch my monthly vlogs and other interesting videos. Subscribe if you haven't done so already. Just click the link below. Enjoy!

Check out this video on aging with testimonies from some great women!

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SKYLARK'S SONG OF THE WEEK - WHEN I'M 64 by THE BEATLES

LYRICS

When I get older losing my hair
Many years from now
Will you still be sending me a Valentine
Birthday greetings bottle of wine

If I'd been out till quarter to three
Would you lock the door
Will you still need me, will you still feed me
When I'm sixty-four

You'll be older too
And if you say the word
I could stay with you

I could be handy, mending a fuse
When your lights have gone
You can knit a sweater by the fireside
Sunday mornings go for a ride
Doing the garden, digging the weeds
Who could ask for more

Will you still need me, will you still feed me
When I'm sixty-four

Every summer we can rent a cottage
In the Isle of Wight, if it's not too dear
We shall scrimp and save
Grandchildren on your knee
Vera, Chuck and Dave

Send me a postcard, drop me a line
Stating point of view
Indicate precisely what you mean to say
Yours sincerely, wasting away

Give me your answer, fill in a form
Mine for evermore
Will you still need me, will you still feed me
When I'm sixty-four

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ABOUT SKYLARK

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 people 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 newsletter throughout the month. 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 YouTube channel link to subscribe:

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

Follow me on Social Media - You can find me on Facebook, X, Instagram, and LinkedIn under my brand, Skylark Live.

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