|
by Betty Aragon-Mitotes
I am 66 years old. It’s funny I see the number, but my mind doesn’t feel 66. Perhaps it is because I don’t really allow it; I have too much to do. I am an advocate for the Hispanic community, which means I keep really busy with my projects with my non-profit. I feel I have things I need to accomplish, and I want to leave my mark in the world. I work hard to do good in our community and for the low income as well as the working poor.
I feel that as I have aged, I have become wiser; I have knowledge I can share. I believe it is important to pave the way for our younger generation. We are still vital.
Movement is key. I keep my body moving. I walk my dogs, which helps keep my joints working. The fresh air does wonders for my mental health and feeling the sun on my face and body rejuvenates me. It is important to me to be outdoors as much as possible. Sometimes I sit quietly and be still to allow my body to relax and to think about things that are important to me. Sometimes I just to sit and listen to the birds chirping.
I am also a firm believer in the power of touch. Whether it is my family members, my loving husband, friends, or my pets, hugs feed my soul. The power of love also feeds our mental health. There are days when I come home tired and I open the door, my fur babies act like they haven’t seen me in years and are jumping up and down so happy to see me. The tiredness goes right out the window and I start laughing and hugging my babies.
It is important to remember we have life experience; we all have a story of our life’s journey. That is incredibly valuable! I have recorded some people's stories as oral histories. When I speak about this, I think of my own family history, so I am also working on my family’s genealogy. I find it fascinating to learn about our extended family, and I do this through Ancestry.com. I spend hours looking at possible connections. This really makes my brain work, and I really enjoy this.
Don’t let age stand in the way of wanting to let your voice be heard or to be part of a project. You matter; you still have much to contribute. This is what keeps me going, it allows my brain to keep alert.
Age to me is just a number. I don’t even really know how I am supposed to act! I don’t let the concept of age affect my mind in ways that tell me I am no longer of value. Never feel that you don’t matter because of your age.
What is important is that we can make a difference no matter what age we are. I encourage you to keep moving, to get involved, meet with friends and share some time, and never stop learning.
Read more from our Graceful Aging blog here!
| 
