Future Directions for Positive Aging
1: To Do List

My to-do list for joining community of Serenbe starts with writing a big thank you to the world and to God for giving me this opportunity. I want to express my gratitude and joy, and doing so is a health way to get in touch with the positive energy that will be of so much use in Serenbe. I will post this message on social media so that all my friends and loved ones can see where I am and can communicate their own love and support back to me. It will also be a good way for me to introduce myself to my new friends in the community of Serenbe.

Second on my list is to start eating right! Diet is one of the most important aspects of positive aging because a healthy and nutritious diet can keep you going like a well-oiled car. People who do not take care of their car engines generally do not expect their cars to live long, so if you want your car to last you have to treat it right—and the same goes for the body and mind starting with what you put into it. I am going to be buying organic, locally-produced fruits and vegetables, dairy and meat and using these as the basics of my diet while in Serenbe.

Third, I want to start exercising and getting in shape by walking in the mornings and evenings. This will also be an opportunity to get out into the community and makes friends with the locals. I aim to introduce myself to everyone and start making new friends immediately.

Fourth, I want to get reading. One way to keep the mind sharp is to keep it mentally challenged. I am going to ask around in the community to see what books people like and I will make a list of these and start reading them. This will keep my mind active and also give me something to have in common with the rest of the people in the community.

2: Letter to Friend

Dear Friend,

You know I am leaving for Serenbe soon and you have voiced your reservations about the community. I know what your concerns are: you see aging as a phenomenon that should best be avoided. It is depressing and dark, you say. It is without joy and it can weigh on a person’s mind. Younger people should be free from the concerns of the aged, who are closer to death and likely therefore to be less interested in the things of...…and occurs when people view aging as detrimental to life and the elderly as basically useless (Katz, 2001). You are against ageism—you have said it numerous times. Yet you seem to embody it in your attitude towards my move to Serenbe. You are afraid I shall disappear! You think I am joining an old folks home!

But, no, this place is different. It is not a place where the elderly are forgotten: it is a place where they are embraced and are an active part in the community life. Rather than set on a shelf in a home, they are given places of honor and importance in the community. They are counselors and guides. They teach and lead and inspire. They are philosophers and artists. The young actively learn from them and both are rewarded with a spirit of mutual appreciation.

From the bottom of my heart, I implore you to come to Serenbe and be a part of a community—the way community is supposed to be. This is the way to a positive mind and a positive, healthy life. This is what people should be doing everywhere. If you join me here, you will see and you will want to take these lessons back home with you and spread them throughout the world.

Your friend,

X…