TAKING STOCK IN YOUR 70’S – Living a More Abundant Life!

“The righteous will flourish like a palm tree, they will grow like a cedar of Lebanon, planted in the house of the Lord, they will flourish in the courts of our God. They will still bear fruit in old age; they will stay fresh and green.” 

Psalm 92: 12-14

If you’re experiencing an active and fulfilling life in your seventies, that’s amazing. There is a mindset and attitude supporting this positive way of life, which I wanted to help unpack somewhat and share with you. Much of this, I am sure, you have heard before.

Core elements of this ideal include being physically, mentally and emotionally healthy, bolstered by a solid spiritual foundation and a practical mindset, which helps dampen unrealistic expectations of ourselves and each other.  Even if there are deficits in one or more aspects of these core elements, we can find a way through our stubborn will and God’s graces to discover a sustainable sense of peace and joy, which as stated in Philippians 4:7, “surpasses all human understanding”.

Understand that this may be a lot to comprehend and goes counter to Psalm 90, verse 10, where people may have but seventy years of life, except for those who are stronger and live longer, yet whose lives are filled with trouble and sorrow, and these days pass quickly and “we fly away”.   That can be depressing upon first reading.  Sure, the reality of living in our seventies is knowing that what lies ahead can be challenging and depressing. Choosing daily to embrace an alternative idea that we are less concerned about our eventual demise, and more focused on making the most of each day and living like there is no end in sight. This is like practicing daily the ideal of “choosing to be happy” regardless of what happens, where our minds can eventually embrace this concept, becoming over time, engrained in our psyche.  Maybe some are more inclined than others to get to this idealized way of life, which, from my own experience, is quite possible.

Physical –      

Nothing new here, but to remain physically active is a key element to maintaining good health in not only body, but mental and emotional health. I will spare you all the science and hype around this connection, which is widely known. It is very clear that staying physically active serves as a key foundational element to better living in your seventies.  Even when setbacks with your health occur, finding a way to stay physical activity helps.   

Mental–

This can be very tough. When our outlook on life is not clouded by anxiety, depression, and worry over so many things, when also coupled with good physical health, this can heighten a sense of potential yet to be realized, with concerns over aging become more suppressed in our thoughts. As I emphasized earlier, a developed tendency of “choosing to be happy” helps, as well as “being present in the moment”.  When these acquired habits take hold, we are more focused on the here and now, grasping the positive, and suppressing the negative.  When holding on to this way of thinking, even more youthful-type aspirations around what we can accomplish, despite our years, can emerge and perhaps come to fruition. For example, I joined a Catholic Lay Carmelite Community in my mid-60’s, and through years of being steadfast to this new vocation to prayer, contemplation and service, and making many trips from Augusta to meetings in Marietta, GA, I was fully professed in 2022 and remained active in this faith community into my 70’s.  A sense of purpose and accomplishment is of course mentally affirming, believing more opportunities for growth will come.

Emotional–

Yes, this correlates with mental health. What can get in the way of reaping the benefits of being physically and mentally healthy is having unresolved emotional issues, influenced by traumas in our lives.  Whether these barriers are family related, or emanating from some tragedy or loss, it is important to seek counseling, with medications often being recommended to get beyond the debilitating effects of anxieties and depressive disorders. Sometimes, unhealthy attachments and even obsessions with people, things and practices can emerge to help defeat emotional pain.  Alternatively, working on a stronger spiritual foundation might be a better way to get beyond the grip of what can be an all-consuming emotional disorder.

Spiritual–

Often, emotional struggles can be more challenging when holding on to the notion that we are in sole control of our own destinies.  We may express a belief in God, made manifest by attending church services, while otherwise leaving our faith at the church doors. We may instead be living a life of self-sufficiency, reaching out to God for help only when we are in deep trouble. As Christians, we are called to seek first the kingdom of God, believing all our needs will be met flowing from a trust that Jesus has our best interests at heart. Through a practice of daily prayer and contemplating God’s plan for lives, this can cause a gradual transformation, discovering more clearly our life’s purpose, and finding a sense of peace as we have ceded control to God. From being in control to seeking opportunities to extend the love of Christ to those God places in our presence, can be far less stressful, and even bolster our overall health. 

Practical–

In all things, we must be careful not to overdo it, even obsessing on actions to improve our lives. Slow and easy does it, making progress day by day, with setbacks likely to occur at times.  It would be beneficial to focus more on prayer and contemplation to start, seeking divine grace and wisdom, knowing that all depends on God’s plan and direction for our lives. Keeping our gaze on Christ, any changes and the pace of change will flow from an absolute submission to the will of God. What he wants us to do will be revealed to us in our minds and hearts, and placed in our paths, day by day. 

Closing–

Hope this is helpful to you, and I will go deeper into these categories in future reflections.    

-Joe