It’s time to renew your L~E~A~S~E on life…
The Five Pillars of Aging
Five Pillars of Aging came out of my work as a researcher and therapist. It is the guiding concept behind all my work. Each pillar supports a foundational aspect of aging better and aging well.
To help me remember, I came up with an acronym: L-E-A-S-E. The “L” represents creating a LEGACY— not just of things, but of your values. The “E” reminds us to stay ENGAGED over the lifespan — physically, emotionally, cognitively, and socially. the “A” emphasizes the skills of ADAPTATION AND ACCOMMODATION— changing thoughts and beliefs when they no longer serve you, and changing behaviors and habits to adjust to a changing world. The “S” represents SPIRITUAL connection — deepening the understanding of self and opening to connecting with purpose and meaning larger than ourselves, whether you believe in a god or not. The “E” represents EMOTIONAL ECONOMICS — four beliefs about self-worth beyond financial, and ultimately more valuable: I have enough, there is enough, and I know what is good enough.
Legacy
Curate a life well-lived
What will you be remembered for?
What do you remember about the people who influenced you most? More than likely it was something they said or did that left an indelible mark. This pillar looks at your values and helps you decide what your legacy will be.
Engagement
active aging
Staying connected over time
People long for connection at any age, but it is vital as our lives transition into elderhood. Challenges can include physical change, emotional loss, and relocation. Strengthening, sustaining, repairing, and creating new connections are key to aging well.
Adaptability
change is inevitable
Embracing the changes that aging brings
Aging no longer is just “retirement”. It is a series of functional adaptations to changes in social, cognitive, physical, and environmental conditions. Planning is key to managing these transitions.
Spirituality
purpose & meaning
Re-purposing our lives after retirement
The work of our later years is less about productivity than it is finding meaning and purpose. “Doing” shifts to “being”. With that come opportunities to explore core values and meaning, whether you believe in a “God” or not.
Emotional Economics
dEFINING WHAT “ENOUGH” MEANS
Living life from a place of gratitude
The later stages of aging require that we come to terms with the 4-E’s: I am enough (self-worth is as important as net worth), I have enough (managing resources including time and energy), there is enough (embracing abundance), and I know what is good enough (understanding the different between “settling” and “accepting”.
Learn at your own pace
Check out the Lecture Library where you will find information using the Five Pillars concepts to age better and age well. Offerings include downloadable hour-long lectures, informational hand-outs, workbooks, and thoughtful essays.
There are also self-paced courses on a variety of subjects ranging from solo-aging to how to manage the health risks of loneliness. These come with thoughtful questions and assignments, as well as a facilitator’s guide for those wanting to explore these topics with others.
Work with me
I also am available for individual work, including coaching and consultations. Availability varies.