Time to celebrate positive aging! 10 tips for re-inventing yourself at any age

Senior Matters
by Lesley Fernow

    It is never too late to find new inspiration and passion for living. Society tells us many myths about aging, stereotypes which keep us from expanding and exploring. So why not start now by creating a calendar of possible events and activities to inspire, energize and fortify you. It is a great time to try something entirely new, to re-invent yourself without holding back. Here are 10 tips to get you started possibly thinking outside the box:

    Job hunting: You are never too old to be an intern. Many employers are looking for people with work experience and a mature work ethic. Offer a potential employer an opportunity to see you work. You may end up with a new career.
    Back to school: It is never too late. Take a course to expand your knowledge, enhance your skills. You can take classes you would never have tried when you were young because you only have yourself to please. You might even turn up a new career. For more info go to http://pvaec.maineadulted.org.
    A give back vacation: Don’t just visit, get involved and give back. Interact with the people and places you visit to experience it like a local. Go far beyond seeing the sights to taking an active part where you travel to learn about the culture, traditions, and characteristics of each particular place. Enjoy helping, learning, working, caring, and playing everywhere you go! http://www.immersiontraveler.com/.
    Dance, dance, dance! People who exercise actively are 60 percent less likely to develop dementia. Exercise increases circulation and oxygen to the brain, improving brain function. Dancing incorporates both exercise and learning which also stimulates brain activity. For local dance opportunities: www..prymca.org , or check local papers for Finnish Farmer dances and contradance schedules, or contact Northern Lights Dance Studio in Brewer at northernlightsdance.biz.
    Learn to draw and paint summer workshops now enrolling for drawing and for landscape painting through PVAEC with Suzette East. Starts July 9 http://pvaec.maineadulted.org.
    Travel and learn: Travel with other vibrant seniors and experience unique opportunities to exchange ideas and share experiences while exploring the world together. www.roadscholar.org.
    Take a leap! Try skydiving-the thrill of a lifetime. Parachute in tandem with an experienced instructor and feel the wind in your hair (or not!) For more info: Central Maine Skydiving, 32 Waverly Ave, Pittsfield, ME, (207) 487-5638 centralmaineskydiving.com
    Become a foster grandparent: Share your wisdom and love with a child who needs a stable relationship with an older person. Watch yourself grow younger as you learn about looking at life through a child’s eyes again. The rewards are beyond description. Positions are available in many Penquis elementary schools. Call (207) 973-3624 or go to http://www.maineservicecommission.gov/foster-grandparents/penquis-foster-grandparent-program/.
    Take to the stage: Who knows what creative spirit is inside you? Take a bold step and try out for a local play. Frequent casting calls for local performances at The Center Theatre. You might even learn about lighting and staging. Call 564-4996 or email at info@centertheatre.org
    Sing out loud! Singing energizes the spirit, improves blood flow and helps strengthen the lungs. No need to be shy. Put on your favorite record, and belt it out. It is more fun in a group, so consider joining a church choir, barbershop group or band. Or perhaps Karaoke is your thing? Remember, it is all about experiencing the joy of living. Don’t say no and wish you had done it, say yes and smile!
    We invite readers to offer feedback about this column and to suggest topics for future articles. You may do so by contacting Meg Callaway of the Charlotte White Center at (207) 947-1410 and mcallaway@charlottewhite.org or Lesley Fernow at (207) 992-6822 and lmfernow@rcn.com.