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Modern Aging: Healthy Ways To Approach The Process

Theresa Reid
Theresa Reid

On this edition of WEMU's "Modern Aging," 89.1 WEMU's Lisa Barry and Dr. Theresa Reid talk about three possible approaches to aging, and Dr. Reid poses the question, "What are these years for?"

Three Approaches to Aging (according to the book, "Second Wind: Navigating the Passage to a Slower, Deeper, and More Connected Life" by Dr. Bill Thomas)

  1. Denialist: Most common and culturally relevant among Americans.  Aging is not fun, so it must be slowed or stopped by using hair dye, plastic surgery, etc.
  2. Realist: Shares denialist attitudes, but accepts aging is inevitable.  Tries to make aging experience better through improved diet, more exercise, playing games to stimulate the brain, and so forth.
  3. Enthusiast:  Has most postive attitude.  Like realists, knows aging is unavoidable, but also sees it as interesting.  Enjoys growth with each aging milestone (i.e., older means wiser).

So What Are These Years For?

  • For going on adventures (both literal and figurative)
  • Mentoring younger and future generations
  • Obtaining knowledge not available in younger years

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— Lisa Barry is the host of All Things Considered on WEMU. You can contact Lisa at 734.487.3363, on Twitter @LisaWEMU, or email her at lbarryma@emich.edu

Lisa Barry was a reporter, and host of All Things Considered on 89.1 WEMU.
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