6 Secrets of Successful Aging (Embracing Self-Expression)

Growing older is the natural course of life, but is it that simple? Have you truly asked yourself the reason you wake up in the morning? It is more than living a physically and mentally fit life. It is about rediscovering yourself in your autumnal or winter years. The Japanese have discovered that through ikigai – a word that means a reason to live.

There is so much more to life than working and planning retirement. Discovering what you are living for is the key to finding meaning and happiness. Whether it’s a new hobby or settling into a new retirement home, there is so much to learn. If you find yourself hesitating or lacking the motivation to start something new, keep reading.

How to Find Happiness and Meaning in Later Years

Developing the right attitude towards life and how we express ourselves plays a significant role in unravelling the true meaning of life and happiness. Let’s find out how.

Ikigai and Self-Expression

The ikigai ideology is both simple and complex. Finding your ikigai may seem difficult at first, but it gets better. Start by asking yourself these simple questions: what motivates you to wake up in the morning? What makes you happy? What and who do you value? These may seem like simple questions, but they will help you to delve deeper into your life. If it seems difficult at first, don’t fret. We all are a work in progress and good things take time.

When was the last time you truly enjoyed doing something? When we are young, it is easier to express ourselves through art, be it in any form. For most of us, growing older also means sometimes letting go of the things we once loved. For instance, perhaps you enjoyed dancing when you were younger, but had to give it up for work, or felt it didn’t fit into your lifestyle. Basically, life got in the way.

Do you see the connection? Simply put, expressing yourself can be liberating and is one step closer to attaining your ikigai.  Here is how.

1. Start Small Habits

Never underestimate the power of small things. Introducing small changes with care can be extremely beneficial. This applies to everything you do.

For instance, growing a flower is a modest accomplishment but requires regular care. Just planting the seed isn’t enough; regular pruning and watering will see the flower bloom. The effort may seem small but can have amazing results.

Now, put yourself in a similar situation. Little steps towards self-care, like grooming or listening to your favourite music can have a remarkable effect on your physical and mental well-being.

2. Practice Self-Acceptance

Practising self-acceptance isn’t easy. But when we start to accept ourselves, even with our flaws, it can be an incredibly rewarding experience.

For instance, if you have been feeling upset, then accepting the fact that you are upset is the first step towards finding a solution.

It is never too late to let go of issues that get in the way of our growth. These can be past failures, regrets; any feeling that holds us back from realizing our best selves. Release yourself from these emotions and focus on things that matter to you.

3. Build a Sense of Harmony and Sustainability

Adjusting to life in a retirement home with others after years of living alone can be tough. So, if you find yourself constantly in conflict with those around you, make sure to voice your opinion and concerns.

Fighting isn’t going to give you a sense of peace. Instead, speak with your caregiver and try to build relationships with other seniors. These things will help you build a sense of harmony and sustainability.

4. Indulging Yourself

The idea of self-love and self-care isn’t new. Ikigai is proof of that, and the ideology dates back to the Heian period. As we grow older, we tend to overlook ourselves and indulge ourselves in the things we love.

Studies indicate that as we get older, we tend to become more passive and spend more time at home. Involvement in any activity, including exercise, can help you gain a more positive perspective on your life. So, if you enjoy painting or even socializing, why not start doing those things now?

5. Finding Joy in Small Things

Finding joy in small things can be a powerful thing. Enjoying a cup of tea as you look out at the view of Niagara Falls from your retirement home can be a part of what motivates you to embrace each day.

Simple rituals like saying hello to your caregiver or exchanging pleasantries can be a wonderful way to find happiness in your everyday life. Planning fun activities with your caregiver is also another good idea, especially during quarantine measures.

6. Living in the Moment

This step is perhaps the most profound and may not be as easy. After all, we may be physically present in a place and our mind can be miles away. For instance, you may be living in a beautiful retirement home in the Niagara region, but instead of enjoying the view, you may be thinking about what has passed.

So, take time to focus on your present (this is called mindfulness). Immersing yourself in the present moment helps to sustain your mind and prepares you to be the best version of yourself.

Finding happiness and the meaning of your life starts by making small but conscious changes in your daily life. Ikigai and self-expression are two sides of the same coin. That begins and ends with you. Practising these small things can help your journey towards self-discovery and even start a new chapter in your life. Remember, your caregivers can help you in this journey, but you are responsible for your own growth. It’s never too late to start living a fuller and happier life.