Strengthening your future self

A while back, I wrote about a practice that a financial advisor encouraged me to apply—visualizing my future self. In it, I encouraged you to pick and complete one of the exercises that closes the gap between the current and future you. This will foster a strong emotional connection between the two.

Strengthening this connection leads to wiser decisions that will benefit you for years to come. If you have not selected and completed one of the exercises, I highly recommend that you do so.

There are several “experts” who specialize in the subject matter and found a book by Hal Hershfield, Your Future Self, How to Make Tomorrow Better Today.

As for my arthritis of the hip, mentioned in the previous newsletter, my current self is clearly identifying a challenge that will likely grow more alarming.

Here’s what I learned about managing my hip from Hal Hershfield’s book and insights.

Develop a connection with future me! How? Imagine myself in the future with maintained mobility and comfort, focusing on how I’d like to feel and move. This can help motivate consistent behaviors and activities that support hip management and physical health as I grow older.

Takeaway: By strengthening the emotional tie to my future self encourages the daily choices that support joint health, such as low-impact exercises, gentle stretching, and strength training. Physical therapy or tailored exercises for hip mobility are crucial.

See MARAK, page A13

Carol Marak Aging Matters MARAK

From page A4

Prioritize the longterm impact. This will encourage a proactive self-care approach.

Takeaway: Focus on preventive actions such as maintaining a healthy weight, incorporating anti-inflammatory foods, and staying active with joint-friendly activities like swimming or cycling. These can all help manage arthritis pain and support my hip mobility over the years.

By developing this mindset and incorporating proactive, long-term strategies, we can mitigate most aging issues, ensuring that our future self enjoys greater comfort and independence.

Carol Marak Carol Marak is an aging advocate, syndicated columnist, and editor at Seniorcare. com. She has earned a degree in geriontology from UC- Santa Barbara. Find her on Facebook, X (@ Carebuzz), LinkedIn and on her YouTube channel, Solo and Smart.

Learn more at www. carolmarak. com