Your Next Fifty: A New Chapter of Wellness

Joyce Loucks | Wellness Committee Member

It was while attending a wellness show in Vancouver that I came across a vendor’s table that caught my eye – no one was physically sitting there, but there were some cards spread out across the tabletop with the words ‘Your Second Fifty.’ I purposely passed by that table several times in hopes of finding someone to speak to about this topic, as it had my mind going into overdrive.

My thoughts covered a gambit: Next fifty… Shoot, I’m behind if I haven’t planned for this the way I should have! I’m a retired teacher who loves the idea of being able to do my laundry whenever I want; I no longer squeeze it into a weekend, along with everything else on my list. I have been going from activity to activity, appointment to appointment up until this point and figured that I was all set. I have looked ahead with the intention of living until I am no longer alive. Not that I’m preparing for my demise, although I’ve started planning my celebration of life so that it’s less work for my remaining family when the time comes – including which songs to be played and where to bury my ashes. Yes, I’m that person!

Recent longevity research involving aging Baby Boomers examines why some people stumble (figuratively) and don’t recover, while others remain active and continue to live full, vibrant lives as they age. As I have written in some of my earlier wellness articles, physical health is the foundation for other aspects of a well-rounded state of wellness. I’ve reframed that thought to recognizing that is starts with having the right mindset.

So, what if the next fifty years (or however many we are fortunate to have) could be the best part of our lives? Sometimes when reflecting on these questions, it helps to jot all our thoughts down on paper. Whether or not journaling is a regular practice in your life, grab your notebook or any sheet of paper you have on hand and answer these prompts:

• When I imagine my next fifty years (or next chapter), what does a life well-lived look like to me?
• What habits, routines, or thoughts currently support my wellness? Which ones might be holding me back?
• What energizes me today? How can I create more space for those activities or connections in my life?
• What beliefs about aging do I currently hold? Which ones would I like to challenge or let go of?
• What do I hope to be proud of when I look back on this chapter of my life?

I hope these prompts help you pause for a moment, reflect on your wellness, and feel encouraged about the journey still unfolding.

Joyce Loucks
Wellness Committee Member