Verbena Bee

“Playing with Plants & Painting” with Verbena Bee 🐝 Therapeutic Horticulture & Creative Wellness Experiences to support our well being.

I’ll level with you. My original perspective on aging was formed early in life. A kid growing up in the Midwest in the 60’s. A late boomer and as it turns out, also a late bloomer. I witnessed my own grandfather retiring with a gold watch after a lifetime of service to his community. Amos & Ethel went to Hawaii and settled nicely into retirement. Sort of. As it turns out he was not built for the sidelines and became mayor of his small Iowa town. Was often seen riding his bicycle on the hilly roads connecting his home with his constituents. He remained active and engaged right up to the ripe old age of 98. So that’s what I’m thinking when I envision aging gracefully. Aging well.

As I approach a milestone birthday, I’ve been thinking a lot about growing old in this culture. There’s many ways to age. They don’t all end on a bike. In fact, plenty end in a nursing home or memory care facility. (Grandpa did spend his final days happy in a retirement center after Grandma passed away.) Genetics, lifestyle, attitudes, resources and pure luck can determine some outcomes. With a front row seat witnessing some of the most vivacious seniors living their best lives, I’ve come to recognize three common characteristics they all share. Humor, Curiosity & Community.

Let’s start with humor. It’s undoubtedly the most defining quality of those who age gracefully. Perhaps there’s challenges like hip replacements, cataract surgery and hearing aids. Nobody makes it into this part of life without some minor or major health changes. Perhaps what sets this group apart is their acceptance and resilience when they encounter obstacles. They adapt and move forward with a certain kind of grace. Even if they now walk with a limp. They find levity around the gradual decline of their body and demonstrate loving kindness towards themselves and others. It feels good to be around them as they welcome new members into their club.

Curiosity is the next one on my list. Those who remain curious and playful in their outlook on life, tend to age well. They keep challenging themselves to try new things and lean into the unknown. Perhaps they take up dancing or Italian language study or painting in their 70’s, 80’s or even 90’s. They exhibit a willingness to try. There’s no doubt exploring something new boosts our cognitive health. It’s also an exciting way to remain deeply engaged in life, so each day feels like an opportunity to experience expanding skills, knowledge or wonderments.

Community. That strong sense of belonging. This is the crown jewel of a powerful trio of attributes those aging gracefully possess. They know the importance of being with others. Of building relationships that are meaningful. Even if it’s just sitting together in a writing group each week. This sense of connection supports them through all their days. If someone is missing, others notice and inquire. Someone cares enough to call and check on them and this reciprocal feeling is shared amongst the community members. Particularly, those who live alone feel bolstered by knowing they are not truly alone when others show their support.

Recently, I had the great privilege of guiding a group of fifteen seniors aged 71-95. All members of the same vibrant senior center in Maine. I wear multiple hats there as the volunteer transportation & membership coordinator. On this particular day, I was facilitating a therapeutic horticulture and creative wellness workshop, “Playing with Plants and Painting.” As I mentioned previously, I’m extremely fortunate to be learning about aging gracefully from the masters!

Over the course of two hours, I witnessed humor, curiosity and community in full color. As they closed their eyes and opened their hearts to the herbal meditation, they demonstrated vulnerability and willingness to try something new. When the drawing prompts began, there was a certain gleeful energy emerging as they continued to embrace the unknown. By the time we started painting, jokes were flying and new friendships forming. The communal painting was a joyful collaboration, weaving lives and experiences into a whimsical tapestry of colorful expressions of hope.