I'm sure you're familiar with the concept of lifespan. You may also be familiar with healthspan. But have you heard of Joyspan? I hadn't until I read Dr. Kerry Burnight's Joyspan: The Art and Science of Thriving in Life's Second Half. It's a must read for everyone who's living, no matter how far along the path.
A long joyspan is good in its own right. A long life is potentially good. But without joy, even a healthy life can lead to depression, anxiety, isolation, heartbreaking loneliness, and just plain boredom. Is that really what you want for your later years?
The elements of a good joyspan have a positive impact on healthspan and lifespan. Curiosity and lifelong learning nurture neuroplasticity which can help prevent or delay dementia. Maintaining healthy connections with family and friends can add seven more years.
How you feel about aging very much effects your joyspan. There are two mindsets: aging as decline and aging as growth. The former is prevalent in America. We're taught to see older people negatively (ugly, boring, irrelevant) and pass as young as long as possible (making plastic surgeons and cosmetics companies obscenely rich). But those who see aging as growth fare a lot better, even living seven and a half years longer.
There are a host of other traits that lead to a longer joyspan--curiosity, engagement, social connection, and so many more. Burnight shows you why they matter.
The really good news: unlike stuff like genetics, they aren't set in stone. You can cultivate them in small steps with Burnight's advice and the inspiring real life stories Joyspan is full of.
No matter how far you are in your lifespan, the time to get the book is now. Investing in future you is money well spent.
On a purrrsonal note, yesterday late afternoon through evening was truly joyous for me. I started off taking pictures at the children's garden. The kids were being so cute doing bee related crafts. Then I was pitching in watering and harvesting at community garden. While there I got sponsors for the library's fund raising readathon. I ended up taking pictures at the library's amphitheater of their concert, a really informal and joyful family and community celebration. I've volunteered in Orono for decades. I'm an integral part of the community. People know that they can rely on me and they're there when I need help. That's what I consider the good life.
A great big shout goes out to my Orono community.
Jules Hathaway
Sent from my Galaxy
