Agewell: Challenges of Ageing

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By Mike Milstein

Jay Shapiro who, with 78 years of life experience, is definitely ageing consciously. Jay has had to cope with many challenges over time (for example, serious health issues and divorce), but he has retained a deep enthusiasm for life. How did he get that way? Does it take training to achieve or is it by adopting a positive attitude? Is it because he has been particularly lucky to get through life's difficulties or can the way be found by most people?

Jay believes that we are constantly in transition, from birth to death.

"It's what happens in between that matters" he says.

"We have to be ready for change and have the courage to do what is necessary at all stages of life in order to experience life fully." In fact, his motto is 'Leave comfort behind. Experience newness. The more you dance, the better this existence will be. You'll die when you die. Live today!'

In the process of 'living life to the hilt', Jay, who is in his fifty-sixth year of practice in psychotherapy, has just completed painting his two story home. He took up playing the alto sax six years ago and has just launched into learning the complexities of his latest sport, croquet.

He participates actively in a number of community groups, reads voraciously, has an impressive video, music, and DVD collection, and teaches folk dancing at the drop of a hat. Add to this weekly Bridge, Bible study and a serious love affair with his partner.

It shouldn't be surprising that Jay reports that he has little time for twiddling his thumbs.

He says he has a "vital interest in living, squeezing every last drop I can out of life. I would turn to jelly if I didn't stay motivated."

Has he ever experienced serious downturns in his life?, "More than my share" he says.

When asked what he does when that happens his response is, "I scream." He then chuckled and said "ultimately my love of life overwhelms the distress, and I move on -- until the next scream."

Note: This article was published in The Leader, Nelson, NZ. It summarizes an interview aired on Nelson’s Fresh FM that was conducted by Annie Henry for the Conscious Ageing Network (CAN), which is sponsored by Age Concern, Nelson. If you want to share your thoughts with CAN or wish to know when interviews will be aired, send an email to agewell@xtra.co.nz.

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