Posts Tagged With ‘ Phyllis Ayman ’

Are you preparing for the New Year beyond those pesky resolutions?   If not, here are a few things to consider from an infographic I saw on Linked In. I think it touches on key areas that are not always considered when looking forward to the year ahead. Each of these areas is also an important ingredient to health and wellbeing.   It takes awareness and mindfulness, which are foundational to taking intentional action to make changes.   Reflect and Celebrate What have you accomplished this past year? Celebrate your accomplishments and the milestones you’ve achieved. Successes... Continue Reading

One dose of happiness. Most people probably would say they want to be happy or could be happier. Not easily achieved in our stressful, busy lives. But an emotional or psychological desire, happiness is an important ingredient in wellness. The facts are that happy people can be more productive or effective in their daily work and personal responsibilities. But can you just choose to be happier? Probably not. It may take applying some strategies which also take some effort. SMILE: One important ingredient to becoming happier. Can you think of one of the most paintings of all times that depicts a... Continue Reading

What is a super ager anyway?   I’m sure you or, have heard others, describe an older adult by saying “they are sharp as a tack.” These people may also be referred to as Super Agers, people who live well into their 80s, 90’s, and even past 100, retaining their memory, ability to think clearly, and continue to be vibrant, active, productive and energetic. This without over-the-counter drugs, supplements or pharmacologic interventions.   As said in the November 2023 AARP magazine, “Super Agers live longer, live stronger and enjoy life more.”   What... Continue Reading

December 24, 2023This morning, I read a New York Times article about the latest unrest in Iran which began with a fish market stall owner 70 years of age. He’s affectionately nicknamed “Booghy”. The derivation of the nickname comes from times when Mr. Bana Motejaded walked amongst stadium fans with a megaphone to get them energized. Though “Booghy” is no stranger to inspiring crowds, and whether-or not it was his intention, he has ignited a wave of music, singing and dancing across the country. Waving his arms and gyrating his hips outside his fish market has become... Continue Reading

To its credit, the television industry has made some strides depicting older adults with purposeful, active lives. They are not only appealing to the older demographic which represents a tremendous share of the economy, known as the longevity economy, now valued at $7.6 trillion, but it’s also an attempt to change our perceptions of older people. But, up to now, the commercials I have seen have missed the mark. Older adults who say they take an over the counter drug to keep up with younger folks gives the impression that are becoming more forgetful, less capable, less energetic. To me it... Continue Reading

The other evening I was watching TV when I saw a commercial that inspired me to write this blog. The actor unzipped a body bag revealing what seemed to be an engine that died. The words he uttered struck me, ” If he only called Car Shield before his car broke down.” This reminded me that for the past several years I have been using the car as a metaphor for the body. For the most part, we take care of our cars to ensure they are running at the optimal level. We complete oil changes on schedule, check tire air pressure and have tires rotated, fill our windshield and radiator fluids,... Continue Reading

Since doing my TEDx talk, I’ve had many conversations about aging, especially after people have listened to the talk. I’ve also had been asked back to help out in long term care environments in my capacity as a speech and language pathologist which prompted me to give even more thought to the topic. The word FEAR came to mind. Looking at the word I pondered what the letters of the word FEAR would represent as an acronym as it relates to aging. This is what came to mind: F. E. A. R. F. Loss of Freedom E. Loss of Employment, Enjoyment, Energy A. Loss of Autonomy R. Loss of Respect These... Continue Reading

The other day I went to a local merchant where I’ve been doing business for approximately 12-15 years. I stopped to read the notice posted on the front of the door. What I read almost knocked me off my feet. The sign said that week prior the store manager had a heart attack and died suddenly. As bad as that news was, the fact that she passed in the early morning on the day of her son’s wedding, was even worse. There was a range of emotions swirling inside of me. I staggered to open the door walking ever so carefully inside. Despite the store owner and other workers trying to keep things... Continue Reading

This past weekend I delivered my talk at Deer Park TEDx Women. I’m both honored and proud that I was able to achieve this long-held goal. I’ll be happy to share the link when I receive it from the TED organization. The talk was based on an important question that begs an answer, “can we change how society views older adults?” As I said in my talk, and have written about in the past, aging is a process. We are all both getting older and aging. The difference is that aging has a negative connotation. We are older than we were a year ago, a month ago, a week ago, a day or... Continue Reading

I was gazing out of my den window at the leaves falling off the trees. As the leaves were falling off the trees one by one, I began thinking about the animals and plants that hibernate during the winter months and how we may spend more time indoors, except of course for people who are avid winter sports enthusiasts. Although, even winter sports enthusiasts may spend more time indoors. While true hibernation is a state whereby animals sleep, it can be thought of as a torpid or resting state with minimal physical or mental activity. Animals who hibernate emerge in the spring ready to resume their... Continue Reading