Aging Well: Prioritizing Self-Care
websitebuilder • February 4, 2021
The importance of wellness is seldom fully realized until its absence becomes more prevalent. In a perfect world, we would all start training for aging in our 20s. Rare are those who give any thought to aging at all, until we get there. Although it is never too late to start taking your aging health more seriously, the sooner healthy practices become habits the richer the golden years. The goal for the third spring of life should be to thrive, not just survive.
Sadly, many Americans give little credence to the concept that self-care is the Holy Grail. There is a stigma about aging; you get old, then you die. That mentality is frightening and downright false. Getting old isn’t shameful. Not investing in self-care is.
It is all too common for people to turn their nose up at exercise, nutrition and a good night’s sleep. Yet these are the three superpowers of staying healthy at every age. We say we don’t have time, it is too difficult to change or, the supreme expression of denial, it is what it is. In reality, we don’t take the time or make the time because losing weight, quitting smoking or eating nutritiously takes work. Folks are looking for surgical intervention or a magical pill to erase decades of damaging practices.
Even when the sole beneficiary of a healthy lifestyle is the one looking in the mirror, it doesn’t trip the breaker. Or does it? If anything or everything you just read is resonating, take a deep breath and take a stand. Start now. The big three—exercise, diet and sleep—will never fail you.
Champion your plate with protein, fiber and foods that come from the ground. Take care of your mouth. According to the American Dental Association, a dentist can spot signs of nutritional deficiencies, infection, cancer and other illnesses. If you just don’t feel right for more than a couple of days, see your doctor. Take care of your skin by always wearing sunscreen with moisturizer. Dermatologists can find most skin abnormalities early, so see one twice a year. Get informed about gut health.We produce less stomach acid as we age so you may need to eat differently. Eat more nutrient-dense foods and fewer calories.
Just as important as physical health is mental health. Being happy and keeping your stress low can add years of fruitful living.Realize that you and only you are in control of your destiny. We all have highs and lows, but it’s how you handle it that makes the difference.
Have fun, explore, learn and give. The best is yet to be.
Cathy Graham is the director of Graceful Aging Wellness Center, part of Bethlen Communities in Ligonier, Pennsylvania, and a District 3000–HRFA member.
As we move into the second quarter of another exciting year, I want to take a moment to reflect on our accomplishments and share some of the new initiatives we are implementing in the realms of sales, marketing and community engagement. Over the past year, GBU Life has reached significant milestones thanks to the dedication and hard work of our team and the trust and support of our members. Our sales department has exceeded targets, and we have expanded our reach to more communities than ever before. We have launched several successful marketing campaigns that have not only increased our visibility but have also strengthened our brand's presence in the industry. For this year, our focus will be educating potential new members on the importance of securing their financial futures through life insurance and annuity products while serving their communities as part of our great Society. Looking ahead, we are committed to enhancing our sales strategies to better serve you. We are introducing some tools for our agents to enhance our products. One new tool is our Defined Benefit Annuity program which combines the Future Flex Fixed Index Annuity (FIA) with a software tool that can help determine retirement savings needs and break them down into contributions over time to help you meet your retirement goals. Be sure to keep in touch with your GBU agent to review your plans and products to see how adding an FIA to your retirement planning can help boost your savings efforts
GBU members between the ages of three and nine years old can enter their colored page in this year's contest, which is themed Pawprints on My Heart. Three age categories will be judged as follows: Category I: Ages three and four Category II: Ages five and six Category III: Ages seven, eight and nine Entrants may use crayons, colored pencils, markers or watercolor paints. Entries will be accepted through Monday, August 18, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. EST. The picture on the next page can be reproduced, or copies can be obtained by calling the Community Engagement Team at the GBU Home Office (800-765-4428) or by printing the image above. Cash Prizes for Each Category First prize: $75 Second prize: $50 Third prize: $30 How to Enter Send the three- to nine-year-old GBU member's coloring contest entry with their name and address on the colored page to: GBU Life ATTN: Member Benefits 4254 Saw Mill Run Boulevard Pittsburgh, PA 15227-3394. Or email contest@gbu.org with "Coloring Contest Entry” as the subject line. General Information Judges reserve the right to accept or reject any or all entries. Their decisions will be final. Artwork will be handled at the GBU Home Office with the utmost care. GBU reserves the right to reproduce entries for whatever use it wishes, provided proper credit is given. Permission does not include the sale of such work.
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