As a speaker on aging, I have often asked older groups a challenging question — “How many of you want to live to 100?”
The response was always the same. A small number raised their hands immediately with smiles on their faces. Those people were looking forward to a long, healthy, happy life.
Then around the hall, people would timidly raise their hands part way up — wanting to be counted and yet not sure.
Some never raised their hands, and a few said they would be OK living to 100 if they were healthy.
In his book “The 100-Year Lifestyle,” renowned wellness expert Eric Plasker states that “very few of us regard old age as something positive.”
And that’s too bad. Because more and more of us may one day become centenarians.
Defining the 100-year lifestyle, Plasker has lists of WHAT IT IS and WHAT IT IS NOT.
WHAT IT IS includes: Living a healthy, passionate, prosperous life, every day of your life, for 100 years and beyond.
WHAT IT IS NOT: Insignificant retirement while you become a meaningless person in an outdated system and failing to take care of your body.
Your 100-year lifestyle is yours to customize, says Plasker.
“If you knew you’d live to be 100, how would you change your life?” he questions. And suggests that you list the changes you know deep down in your heart that you need to make.
Is it eating less sugar or walking every day? Is it taking better care of your teeth or lowering your blood pressure? Is it making more friends? Write down the changes you need to make.
This book is a wonderful workbook. It guides you step-by-step to living your ideal 100-year lifestyle. Aging can be a good thing. It gives us the opportunity to realize our dreams and enjoy our families and friends — if we prepare for it.
I especially was interested in the chapter on “Creating the Ideal Environment You Can Enjoy for 100 Years.” Because after all, what’s the point of living to 100 if you aren’t going to enjoy it!
The best way to prepare for the 100-year lifestyle is to appreciate your current environment. Start having more fun enjoying the journey now, says Plasker.
And look for the good in every situation. This will set the stage for you to maximize the rest of your 100 years.
Starting today, make every interaction you have with other people a positive one. Get involved. Choose a cause that matters to you and commit yourself to making a difference.
