I use the word "successful" very consciously, because it's such a common word that pops up in any discussion of aging, probably a close second to "healthy" aging.
But what does "successful aging" mean to you? To me it means a whole variety of things, and one of the best ways I know to think about it is to look at some of the specific character strengths that have been identified as contributing most to a subjective sense of well-being throughout the life span.
These are curiosity, zest, the ability to love and be loved, gratitude, and hope or optimism.*
Most of us who consider ourselves to be basically happy and balanced are likely to have at least one of these strengths in our personality. The interesting thing is that we often don't consciously recognize how significant they are to us. In other words, we take them for granted.
But just think--if I ask myself, "Which of these strengths do I feel are the core of who I am?" I take another step toward full self-actualization. Because now I'm reflecting on them from a little distance, seeing how they have helped me throughout my life, and wondering how I can draw on them creatively, in new ways, as I get older. It's this last exploration that I want to focus on here.
Current research in Positive Psychology, which I enjoy learning about as it unfolds, tells us that using our most basic strengths in new ways offers us continued opportunities for growth and an increased sense of empowerment, all crucial to overall health.
So I want to suggest spending some time brainstorming about new ways to use our personal strengths--what that means and how it looks in real life.
If you're interested, please add your ideas to the mix. ou can find out more about it and take the strengths (VIA) survey free at www.authentichappiness.com.
*This list comes from a major research project out of the University of Michigan.
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