Cogitation 48/2019–225th post I found a delightful editorial, “Staying young,” in a New Hampshire newspaper, the Carroll County Independent & Pioneer (October 10, 2019).

While perusing the national news stage filled with stories and broadcasts regarding the impeachment inquiry, the writer had “a sudden urge to return to a time of innocence with the thought, ‘I just want to be young again, and eat chocolate and ride bikes all day with my friends.'”

The writer makes the point that while we need to pay attention to the larger scale happenings of our day, we do well to take a breather, recall the carefree joy of youth, take care of ourselves, let some sanity rain down.

Let’s apply the goodness in our control to our and others benefit, specifically taking “a day every now and then to eat chocolate all day and ride our bikes with friends–although perhaps the chocolate should be enjoyed in moderation.”

What to do to stay young

I’m excerpting heavily from the Carroll County Independent. The editorial was complied from a discussion around the office on what it takes to stay young–and avoid getting mired down in the miasma of the larger scale happenings.

Hang out with friends, even if it means giving up getting cozy for a night in. “Having strong friendships has been proven to help you live longer and feel that way as well.”

Go hiking. “Spending time outdoors can make you feel energized and boost your happy meter ten fold.”

Smile. “Those who smile more are perceived as younger.”

Exercise. “One study showed that those who do high levels of exercise have cells that age more slowly than their counterparts.”

Take classes. Spinning. Guitar. Pottery. Poetry. “Learning something new is a brain booster.” I may have to take a class to get the maximum benefit from the phone I’m supposed to keep charged, carry around with me, and turn off in public meetings.

Drink wine to slow brain aging. “Keep this in moderation, as the flip side can actually kill brain cells and lead to other health problems. . . .”

Wear a citrus scent. “Apparently, people who wear a citrus scent are said to be perceived as younger and feel younger too.” Does that mean squeezing a twist of lemon on your wrist?

Drink water, water, water. We get it.

Sugar? No, no, no. Chocolate excepted.

Weight lifting. “It makes you stronger and you feel younger.” Huff, puff, huff. puff.

Be optimistic. “Staying optimistic about aging has been proven to make you feel younger and boost cognition.” My glass is half full.

Go on an adventure. “Doing something that is new and exciting is an easy way to feel alive and make you feel young again.” Anything but bungee jumping. How about a first ever trip to Alaska?

Posture. “It’s been proven that standing and sitting up straight can boost confidence and make you feel young.” Does stretching out in a recliner count?

Music. “Listen to music from when you were younger. . . . if you liked a song once, chances are you’ll like it again.” Dig out those old records.

Other tips: volunteer, stretch, multi-vitamins, fruits and vegetables, concerts. “The point is, your well-being is in your hands.”

The editorial ended with a quote from George Bernard Shaw, “We don’t stop playing because we grow old, we grow old because we stop playing.”

Thanks, office team at Carroll County Independent (Est. 1859), I hope many of you got to go to the “Heifetz on Tour” concert in Wolfeboro on Oct. 19. And the Family Bonfire Evening in Milton on Oct. 25. And the Harvest Fair in Wakefield on Nov. 9.

Staying young is possible. We knew that all along, right? Despite our “organ recitals,” yes? We don’t need a time machine to be kids again. Just a friendly reminder. And chocolate for a dual, if not double, dose of energy and pleasure.

Nature’s gallery, from recent walks

Thanksgiving week travel

Sage advice? Don’t act your age.

-John

Looking back