This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.

Health & Fitness

It's Time to Renew and Try Something New

Senior Advisor: Renew yourself by trying something new

We’ve all heard the old saying, “You can’t teach an old dog new tricks.” But according to experts in all things canine, the old saying is actually a myth that needs debunking.  The facts are that dogs are capable of learning new tricks no matter how old they are. Most people just stop trying to teach them new tricks as they get older. The same thing is true of people.

 

Find out what's happening in Niles-Morton Grovewith free, real-time updates from Patch.

I’ve found in my own life, that while we can’t stop ourselves from getting older, we can stop ourselves from getting old.  As you pass through those milestones of 60, 70, 80 and beyond, there are unlimited opportunities to reinvent yourself as you find new things to enjoy while you stay physically and socially active and keep connected to others.  Never be afraid of trying something new, because life gets boring when you stay within the limits of what you already know.

 

Find out what's happening in Niles-Morton Grovewith free, real-time updates from Patch.

While it’s true that trying something new may require courage, once you find the courage for that first new thing, it will be a resource to call upon when other new experiences come your way.  And trying something new carries an important added benefit.  It gives you the opportunity to actually enjoy something new and may even encourage you to grow in ways that you never thought possible.

 

Are your closets and drawers stuffed with years of memorabilia?  Maybe that first new thing for you would be de-cluttering the house.  Have you talked to your children about the “what ifs” that might be in your future?  Maybe now is the time to write or revise your will or trust and living will or power of attorney for health care. 

 

However you decide to move forward from here, try doing something new every single day. It can be as easy as finding a new route to the grocery store.  Have you always wanted to learn how to play the guitar?  Perhaps you want to learn to paint or play chess.  If you love doing crossword puzzles, try Sudoku.   If you love to cook, try a new recipe.  If gardening is your thing, plant a new kind of flower. The experience will prove to be worthwhile even if you ultimately decide that what you tried is not for you.

 

If you’ve grown tired of snow shoveling and all the other never ending chores of maintaining your own home, you might even consider a totally new lifestyle by moving to The Summit.  We invite you to come and check out The Summit for yourself at one of our upcoming events.  To find out more about the many other activities, services, programs and amenities at The Summit of Uptown, visit the Summit Facebook page, our website at www.summitofuptown.com, or call 847-825-1161 to schedule a personalized tour of our completely renovated community. 

 

The Summit Quiz (submit an answer for a chance to win a prize)

Based on this column, what is a benefit of trying something new?  To be eligible to win a free lunch for two at the Summit, please email us your answer and make sure to include your name, phone number, address, and email address at Audrey@summitofuptown.com.   Monthly winners will be eligible for entry in our annual contest.



We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

The views expressed in this post are the author's own. Want to post on Patch?