The topic of aging is frequently in the news these days. New studies are emerging that even during a pandemic, people over the age of 50 were thought to be mentally better off, more resilient, and possibly even happier. In the NPR segment,On Point, Why Science Says Your Best Years Are Yet To Come, researchers and doctors studying the complicated topic of aging, tells us for the most part, older people enjoy better mental health than the young or middle aged. Think back to your 20’s, would you live that decade over again? Probably not. Yes, we do require frequent doctor visits, experience aches and pains, but all of the acquired wisdom has taught us this too shall pass, life is generally good.
We are told from an early age getting older is not a bowl of cherries. So brace yourself, you probably will be wearing diapers, be lonely, depressed, drooling in a corner forgotten. This is what I was taught at a young age, getting older is sad. Ashton Applewhite is changing this attitude. She has started a movement against ageism. Stereotypes are deeply embedded in our culture and ageism is one of them. She wrote a book, This Chair Rocks, A Manifesto Against Ageism debunking the myth that olders are a resource sap and a burden to society.
Bonus Notes: Did you know every time you press your feet into the floor (in yoga class) you are engaging mula bandha? Mula bandha is a subtle lift of the pelvic floor. Mula bandha is a Sanskrit term, root lock, describing a practice of moving prana by engaging the pelvic muscles. The pelvic floor supports the bladder, bowels and sex organs. By simply paying attention to the feet planted firmly on the floor, we are exercising these deep muscles. We will practice bandha locks with our movements and breath to enhance the flow of our live force, prana.
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