Joyspan

Not enough people are talking about this concept on the journey of aging. I have known people who have aged well and people who have not aged well. As a psychologist I have wondered if it involves a person’s locus of control. Some people just do not seem motivated to embrace aging. But if you are picking up this book you likely want to make the most of aging. It is Most encouraging to hear psychological wellbeing can be changed.

To thrive in old age means to live a fulfilling purposeful and satisfying life despite the challenges that accompany aging. it involves maximizing physical health, cognitive functioning, emotional wellbeing, social connections, and a sense of meaning. Thriving doesn’t mean being free of all health problems or challenges. Rather it emphasizes resilience, adaptability, and the ability to find joy and value in life. People don’t thrive in longevity by mistake or luck. People who thrive in longevity actively maximize the quality of their lives. But how?

Seeing aging as the opportunity to do
More living. She always saw her value and knew she had more to offer. Why do you want to live longer? For whom? For what?

Like physical fitness your psychological fitness- joyspan- takes effort and attention.

Your genes are not your destiny.

Empowering individuals to influence their aging journey is at the heart of joyspan.

Results showed that people expressing gratitude, enthusiasm and joy Lived seven to ten years longer than those with neutral or negative emotions.

Strong social connections is a key predictor of joyspan.
Gratitude practice
Exercise and play
Mindfulness and meditation
Meaningful work and hobbies
Acts of kindness
Laughter
Reduce stress
Keep learning
Exercise
Good nutrition
Sleep



Encouraging lifelong learning, community involvement, and inter generational interactions can mitigate feelings of loss. Lack of social connection does greater harm than obesity and high blood pressure.


Four essentials of the Joyspan Matrix
To Grow- explore and try new things
To Adapt- continually adjust to new situations
To Connect- invest time and effort into relationships
To Give- by sharing of yourself

If you enjoyed this book you might also enjoy the Wiser Than Me podcast too

Create a list of physical mental emotional tasks you can do when you feel off
- stretch
- Lift weight exercises
- Eat nutritious snack
- Journal
- Read
- Text a friend
- Write a letter
- Create -?
- Go outside
- Visitor a museum
- Cook a new dish
- Find a new hobby

I really like the idea behind this book. I am quickly approaching an age where planning for my future years is something I think about.

I appreciated the real life comparisons between those who approach these years as an opportunity to continue learning, growing and being grateful versus those who feel that these are the bad times. As someone who has done a lot of "work" on herself over the years, the self-tests were something I easily skipped over although I can see the value for many.

Overall, I thought this was a worthwhile book.