“Flex your adaptability muscle,” says Age Concern President

“Flex your adaptability muscle,” says Age Concern President.

“Life is constant change, much of which is beyond our control. The older we get, the more change we experience – in our work life, family life, living arrangements, income, social networks, our body and our health. If you can be flexible, accepting and positive in the face of change, life will be so much easier. You’ll also be happier and healthier,” Age Concern President, Evelyn Weir, promises.

“Here are a few ways to start flexing your adaptability muscle:
· Accept that change is part of life, but take control where you can.

· How you react to change is your choice - decide what your attitude will be: “Every cloud has a silver lining”; “that could have been much worse”; “one door closes, another opens”.

· If ill health strikes, become an ‘expert patient’. Find out all you can about your condition and how you can improve and maintain your health.

· Draw on your life experience. Use what you’ve learned from past experiences to help you cope with the present.

· Don't get too set in your ways. Introduce change deliberately, to keep yourself on your toes.

· If you feel overwhelmed by change or loss, draw on your family and friends. Don’t hesitate to seek professional help as well.

· When you're feeling under pressure, tackle tasks that are Small, Achievable and Manageable - SAM for short.

These tips all come from Age Concern’s positive ageing cookbook, Ageing is living: Recipes for life. If you want more food for thought on living well and ageing well, this little book is for you,” says Mrs Weir. To read on go to http://www.ageconcern.org.nz/recipes_for_life

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