Say ‘Yes’ and Feel the Difference!

Familiarity and routine – there’s comfort in it for everyone. As we grow older, these reassuring anchors can feel even more important. In a changing world, where everyday necessities such as appliances, transport, and means of communication seem to alter on an almost daily basis, the demands of life can at times feel overwhelming. Which is why we find ourselves hunkering down and avoiding all but the familiar. However, sticking only with what we know can severely limit our ability to socialise and enjoy life. It can even impact out physical and mental health. That’s why it’s so important to adopt a ‘say yes’ attitude. How might that play out? Let’s take a look:

Trialling technology

Most of us have at least one young adult in our lives – and if we don’t, we can usually borrow a trustworthy one from a friend! Young people are tech-savvy and welcome the opportunity to shine, so next time they offer to help (or their help is offered to you), ‘say yes!’ It might be ‘yes’ to helping you subscribe to a movie streaming site, or ‘yes’ to helping you use the camera feature on your mobile phone. Make the most of the opportunities already at your fingertips by pushing away the apprehension, and saying ‘yes please!’ to learning something new.

Trying travel

The temptation, as we age, is to stay put in our home. But there’s a whole world waiting out there. Instead of just looking at travel offers and ‘wishing,’ take an active step and ‘say yes.’ If you’re apprehensive, start in safe ways by choosing tours that include ‘meet and greet’ airport pick-ups, and which are fully guided. When you ‘say yes,’ your confidence ripples out and encourages others (including those who may want to join you) to say ‘yes’ to travel opportunities, too.

Making moves

Our communities are abound with opportunities for gentle exercise. We read about them in the doctor’s waiting room, on supermarket noticeboards, at church, and in our local newspaper. Yet we see them and take no action, believing they are intended for someone else.  But the moment we ‘say yes’ to gentle exercise, we find ourselves not only becoming healthier physically, but also mentally. Joining a movement group is the beginning of new friendships and camaraderie, and a stimulating routine takes us out of our homes, and ourselves!

Best dressed

Along with an unhealthy degree of ‘hunkering down’ as we age, can come a reluctance to dress in ways that make us feel positive and attractive. We stick to clothing we know and find convenient and comfortable – abandoning dresses for trousers, eschewing a smart suit jacket in favour of a pull-over. But saying ‘yes’ to a new item of clothing can give us a much deserved lift (it can even encourage us to go out more!), and saying ‘yes’ to a friend or family member who offers to accompany us shopping, can be the answer to finding what is both comfortable and smart.

Sign-up for socialising

As we age, our opportunities for connecting with others can grow smaller and smaller. Whether it’s because we’re no longer confident driving, are reluctant to navigate the demands of public transport, or fear walking in our own neighbourhood, we can soon become more and more confined to home. Which is why it’s so important to say ‘yes’ when offers of a ride to a club come our way, or when a group we belong to is organising a garden tour or weekend away. Instead of greeting these offers with apprehension, say ‘yes’ with a positive attitude. If it makes you feel more confident about accepting a ride from an acquaintance, offer a small gift (a posy from your garden or a contribution towards transport costs) as a thank you.

By becoming a ‘say yes’ person, we gradually move from familiarity and routine to a position of confidence and greater physical and mental health. Suddenly growing older can offer new beginnings!