In the know.

Are you well-connected to the past, present, and the future? Those who are aging-well say, yes! 

The past, present, and future are the ingredients in the recipe that makes us who we are. As we age, we must be careful not to ruminate in the past, miss out on the joy of today, and avoid too much worry about the future. Experts say Time Balance,' must be an important part of anyone's wellness goals. However, the concept of time balance in this context isn't referring to improved time management where one takes account for where their time is going, rather, this is a practice of balancing where our mind tends to camp, finding a balance between reflecting on the 'good old days' while also snapping into action as to not miss out on meaning and purpose in the present, while also avoiding anxiety about the future.

PAST

Looking back at what once was can certainly unearth a myriad of emotions and memories. Some good, some not so good. As an older adult, most of life is now in the past, therefore, it is important to look back and find peace with the things that were traumatic and, if necessary, work with a trained counselor to heal. Those who allow their minds to camp in the pain of the past will likely lose the ability to seize the joy available in the present. Those that can look back at mistakes as opportunities to grow and assess the journey with grace for their younger selves are more likely to arrive at a place of satisfaction with the life they've lived, which is a critical part of aging-well.

Hopefully, the past stirs up lots and lots of joy instead. Looking back at the past with a sense of gratitude and satisfaction makes trips down memory lane a great exercise. Finding ways to honor these memories, special dates, and special people who have held meaningful roles in our life can do great things for our mental and emotional wellness. These little commemorations are like taking a great big highlighter and highlighting these people and experiences on our life's timeline saying to those around us, "It mattered, they mattered, it was real, they were real, and it all mattered so deeply to me." 

At times, older adults may feel pressured to water down their desire to talk about a late spouse, old stomping grounds, or distant relative to spare others from hearing the same old stories again and again. But we must consider, as we age, the people who were firsthand witnesses to these stories and who knew these special people may no longer be here to reminisce; therefore, families should make an effort to really dial in on these memories, ask questions, and find ways to lift these stories into places of prominence. A life well-lived is full of stories to tell, memories to explore, and fascinating characters along the way, left unexplored would be a great tragedy for the next generation. Wisdom built on experience is one of the greatest gifts an older adult can give to those around them.

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PRESENT

The hustle and bustle of life seems to be hustling and bustling at new peak rates in the new age of smart phones and social media. We all seem to be fighting the temptation to have our face in a screen, surrounded with endless entertainment and chatter. The idea of 'being present' has become a common challenge among groups of all ages. Sure, we should all make an effort to lift our heads up and really pay attention to what is going on around us, 'smell the roses,' as they say, but being connected to one's present is about so much more.

It's about getting a grip on our personal wellness and seizing the day! While there are many things that can be put off, dialing in on what you need to be successful each day will ultimately determine your future. Exercise, sure, that's the obvious one, then there is good sleep and good nutrition. But what about boredom, one of the gateways to depression? Older adults should be fighting away boredom with purpose and meaning, but don't forget that frequent spontaneity is also good for the soul. Invest your energy in the here and now, to get the most out of each day. Like they say, "there is no time like the present!" 

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FUTURE

The way an older adult relates to the future can be quite debilitating if they lean negative, in contrast, it can be quite liberating if their perspective leans to the positive. Those who consider the future and find themselves overwhelmed with worry and anxiety are likely camping in a more pessimistic state-of-mind.

Ideally, older adults are looking at the future imagining what is next. For some, focusing on legacy and advocacy for the next generation is a valuable mindset. For others, they are still setting goals to learn something, try something, or travel somewhere new, continuing to seek adventures around each corner.

All in all, studies show that those who are aging-well experience a sense of peace when they consider their future, satisfied with a life well-lived.

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While aging-well requires many things, maintaining a healthy connection to the past, present, and future should be especially high on the list. More specifically, striking the right time balance for where we allow our mind to camp can be an especially beneficial discipline to uphold; honoring the past, taking hold of the present, while looking at the future with hope and anticipation.