At Discovery Villages, our Senior Citizen communities are designed to give you the necessary support to carry out your life with dignity. We provide many lifestyles to fit you or your family members specific needs and desires. Come visit us today at one of our locations.
In 2004, Dr. Karl Pillemer started collecting advice from older adults ages seventy years and beyond, by asking them the question:
“What are the most important lessons you have learned over the course of your life?”
In order to document the best and wisest advice for a life worth living, Dr. Pillemer and his research team then gathered these 1500 responses. He titled this experiment, ‘The Legacy Project,” which continues to flourish today.
Dr. Pillemer is a professor of Human Development in the College of Human Ecology at Cornell University, and a professor of Gerontology in Medicine at the Weill Cornell Medical College.
He has written several books on the project, including 30 Lessons for Loving and 30 Lessons for Living. He has created an online website where elders can post their advice and share with their younger counterparts. The advice is grouped into different categories online, ranging from Love and Marriage; War and Peace; Money; Stress; Aging Well; Dealing with Loss; Faith and Spirituality and much more.
Below are some highlights and best advice from Dr. Pillemer’s “The Legacy Project.”
Happiness is a Choice. Time and time again, Seniors have reiterated that outside events and influences will not create lasting happiness. Rather, happiness is a choice that comes from within and can be made intentionally. Looking for the silver lining in life takes practice, but is necessary in sustaining true happiness.
Make spending time with Your Children and Loved Ones a priority. Many Seniors regret not spending enough time with their children. Especially when it comes to raising children, it is important to realize how fast children grow, and that parents will never get this time back. Many Seniors advise others to spend more time with their precious loved ones, even if it means compromising money and career plans.
Take Care of Your Body, as it is the only one you get. As Seniors age and experience the aches and pains of an older body, many wish they could turn back the clock and take more proactive steps in keeping their bodies in the best shape possible. Many Seniors suggest treating your body like you will live to be 100 years and beyond. This includes getting proper nutrition and hydration, adequate sleep, managing stress effectively, taking the time for exercise and regular preventative check ups with health care providers.
Choose your Spouse smartly and with care. Many Seniors encourage younger folks to think about the kind of person they want to be with when they are old. This includes someone that you can communicate with effectively, someone who shares your common interests, someone you can trust and someone financially responsible. Time and time again, Seniors advise others that they will not be able to change their partners, so acceptance is key in creating a harmonious and long lasting partnership. Creating small, everyday habits to stay positive, supportive and attentive to each other really makes a difference in a successful relationship.
Life gets better as you Age! Many Seniors agree that they are the happiest they have ever been. There is no need to fear getting older, because with time comes wisdom. Seniors feel more freedom to be who they really are and have more clarity in knowing what they want. They also have accumulated many life experiences, which have helped them put things into perspective and be grateful for their blessings.
Do you agree with these lessons from older adults, or do you have other advice you have learned that you would like to share?
To share your wisdom online, go to http://legacyproject.human.cornell.edu/give-your-advice/
At Discovery Villages, our supportive communities allow Seniors to actively engage in the world around them, so that they can truly experience the best times of their lives. Our award-winning retirement homes are committed to making your golden years shine.
Discovery Village at Palm Beach Gardens offers a variety of senior living programs to keep seniors healthy and active. Learn about our senior living options and amenities today when you contact us at 561.801.7301.
