Allison Wilder MS CTRS School of Education Virginia Commonwealth University awildervcuedu Our journey this morning Spending your most valuable asset Time Exposing myths and facts about aging ID: 675299
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Optimal Aging
Creating your game plan
Allison Wilder, MS, CTRS
School of Education
Virginia Commonwealth University
awilder@vcu.eduSlide2
Our journey this morning…
Spending your most valuable asset-
Time
Exposing myths and facts about aging
What is “Optimal Aging?”
Exploring leisure in your lifeSlide3
Welcome to the Third Age!
How old is old?
Age is just a number…
Old is a matter of perspective…
How we age is matter of resources…Slide4
Myths and Facts about Aging
The majority of older people are unable to adapt to change. (False)
In general, older people are pretty much alike. (False)
Over 20% of the US population is currently 65 and older. (False)
The majority of older people are working or would like to have some kind of work to do. (True)
(adapted from “The Facts on Aging Quiz” by E. Palmore, 1998)Slide5
Myths and Facts about Aging
Approximately 25 % of older people live in a nursing home. (False)
Most older people are no longer able to learn new things. (False)
Over three-fourths of older persons are healthy enough to do their normal activities without help. (True)Slide6
Myths and Facts about Aging
Only a very few older people still have life goals. (False)
The majority of older people say they are seldom bored. (True)
The majority of older persons have no interest in, or capacity for, sexual relations. (False)
50 is the new 30. (you decide!)Slide7
In sum, older people are…
Adaptable
Diverse
A growing demographic
Productive
Healthier, wealthier, and better educated than previous generations
Goal-directed
Active & EngagedSlide8
Components of Optimal Aging
Stay as healthy as you can
Stay as active as you can
Stay as engaged as you can
Nurture and share your wisdomSlide9
Leisure and Optimal Aging
Leisure has historically been defined in terms of :
Time
Activity
FreedomSlide10
“Leisure is in the eye of the beholder”Slide11
Rethinking the role of leisure in your life
What does your work “do” for you?
What does your leisure “do” for you?
What will “replace” your work?Slide12
What are the benefits of Leisure?
It impacts your health
It is a gateway to meaningful engagement
It is mechanism for maintaining connectedness
It can be a means for financial gain
It is a way to meet a host of psychological needsSlide13
Re-conceptualize Leisure
Leisure as freedom from ….
TO
Leisure as freedom to…
Retire
to
something, rather than
from
somethingSlide14
Becoming a “Leisurite”
Be prepared to invest some effort
Learn new leisure skills or advance your capabilities within existing leisure activities
Learn about opportunities
Commit to “Just do it”Slide15
Closing thoughts on work
“Your mental health will be better if you have lots of fun outside the office.”
Dr. William MenningerSlide16
“Vitality, creativity, significant contribution, and social distinction are not the exclusive province of the young and middle aged.”
George Maddox
Closing thought on growing older…Slide17
Closing thoughts on Leisure
“Those who decide to use leisure as a means of mental development, who love good music, good books, good plays, good company, good conversation- what are they?
They are the happiest people in the world
.”
William Lyon PhelpsSlide18
“We don’t stop playing because we grow old, We grow old because we stop playing”
Anonymous
Closing thoughts on LeisureSlide19
Optimal Aging
Creating your game plan
Allison Wilder, MS, CTRS
School of Education
Virginia Commonwealth University
awilder@vcu.edu