You can opt to be young at seventy.

Most people feel insecure, both health-wise and security-wise after sixty, mainly because of the diminishing importance given to them and their opinions. But it does not have to be so, if we understand the basic principles of life and follow them scrupulously. Here are a few secrets to age gracefully and to make retirement life a pleasant one.

1. Never think, 'I am aged'. There are three types of aging- chronological, biological and psychological. The first is calculated based on our date of birth; the second is determined by our health conditions and the third is about how old you feel you are. While we do not have control over the first, we can take care of our biological health with good exercise and selective food habits. A positive attitude and optimistic thinking can reverse the psychological age.

2. Health is wealth: If we really love our family, taking good care of our health should be our priority. Thus you will not be a burden to them. Have an annual health check up and take the prescribed medicines regularly. Do take health insurance coverage.

3. Money is important: Money is essential for meeting the basic necessities of life, for buying good health and for earning respect and security. Do not spend beyond your means.You lived for your children all throughout your life and it is time to enjoy quality life with your partner. If your children are grateful and they take good care of you, you are blessed. But never take it for granted.

4. Relaxation and recreation: The most relaxing state is having a healthy religious attitude, sound sleep, music and laughter. Have faith in God, sleep well, love good music and enjoy the funny side of life.

5. Time is precious: it is almost like holding a horse's reins. When they are in your hands, you can control them. Imagine that you are born again every day. Yesterday is

a cancelled cheque. Tomorrow is a promissory note. Today is ready cash. Use it wisely and profitably. Live this very moment.

6. Change is the only permanent thing: We should accept change; it is inevitable. The only way to make sense of change is to join the dance. Change brings about many pleasant things. The old order changes yielding place to new ones; thats the law of nature.

7. Enlightened selfishness : All of us are basically selfish. Whatever we do, we expect something in return. We should definitely be grateful to those who stood by us in our need. But our focus should be on the satisfaction and happiness we derive by doing good to others, without expecting anything in return.

8. Forget and forgive : Do not be bothered unnecessarily about others' mistakes. Mistakes can happen. Accept a person as he is. For the sake of our own happiness, let us learn to forget and forgive.

9. Everything happens for a reason: Take life as it comes. Accept yourself as you are and also accept others for what they are. Everybody is unique and right in his own way. Know the territory of others- don't trespass.

10. Overcome the fear of death. We all know that one day we have to leave this world. Still we are afraid to die. We think that we are going to leave a big void but the truth is that nobody is irreplaceable. So... death, be not proud!!

Thank you and enjoy the rest of your week-end.

Prof. Dr. Alex Abraham Odikandathil

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