I confess to a fascination with psychological studies of personality traits. I don’t think there is a personality inventory I haven’t taken. I like them so much I developed one of my own with the help of my social psychologist husband.

My son introduced me to the “Big Five” or “OCEAN” assessment when he was pursuing his Ph.D. in psychology. Dating back to the 1930s, research studies identified five core personality traits. They are agreeableness, conscientiousness, extroversion, openness to experience, and neuroticism. We all possess these traits, but the question is, where do we fall on the continuum within each category? 

My Other Area of Fascination Is the Process of Aging

My other area of fascination is the process of aging (this pre-occupation is not exactly a surprise considering I’m turning 70 this week.) An Atlantic Monthly article referenced recent studies suggesting that as people age into their 60s, their personalities can change. The impetus for this change is circumstantial, as we come to terms with what is often a significant loss.

The loss of formerly functioning body parts; the loss of loved ones; or financial and lifestyle losses. We either succumb to these imposed changes or adapt to them. In later adulthood, there is often a decrease in openness, conscientiousness, and extraversion. Neuroticism can increase as we confront changes over which we feel we have little to no control. 

According to Wiebke Bleidorn, a personality psychologist at the University of Zurich: 

“What you really want to know is what are people’s lives like? If someone is no longer strong enough to go to dinner parties every week, they might grow less extroverted; if someone needs to be more careful of physical dangers like falling, it makes sense that they’d grow more neurotic.”

It’s the loss of control over elements of our lives that can alter our personalities. This varies widely, as some people adapt and are more open to change than others. I think we can cultivate the “openness to new and changing experiences” dimension of our personalities rather than allowing it to erode with our passing years.

Creativity Can Cultivate “Openness” to Changing Circumstances Resulting from Aging

And, donning my Creativity Evangelist hat, I think creativity and creative thinking can be the catalyst. Creativity is a way of thinking about and approaching many aspects of our lives and makes an excellent partner in our BBLB years (an acronym for Be Brave. Lose the Beige, my label for this chapter in our lives).

Creative thinking promotes openness and adaptability and offers buoyancy to hearts often laden with fear and worry. Creative thinking helps us regain even a little control as we navigate our aging journeys.

But it’s not made of magic. Snapping your fingers to summon creativity is not really a thing. There is a formula for developing this skill. (And remember, it’s never too late to start.)

First, you must recognize the value of creative thinking. Next, you must do the work by exercising your creative muscles, many of which have threatened to atrophy in the years since you were 10. And third, you must be open to whatever messages your creative brain whispers to you.

Neighbors Helping Neighbors Helps People Age in Place

We tend to spend a good portion of our lives resisting change. We like our routines. They are safe and familiar. The stereotype of the grumpy old man yelling at kids to get off his lawn is an unfair indictment, but it may very well be a reflection of the frustration some seniors feel about the perceived and real lack of social support.

Dramatically changing one’s lifestyle is stressful and could justifiably lead to an altered personality. But organizations like the Neighbors Network in Central Florida help people age in place, allowing them to remain in their own homes.

Neighbors caring for Neighbors originated in Boston. Vetted volunteers help older adults with non-medical services, like household tasks and transportation. This “village” concept helps older adults stay active by coordinating recreational, social, educational, and cultural programs. These social activities minimize isolation and promote social interactions.

We are social creatures and need the comfort of each other more than ever as we age. Think about this. It is often costly to move into an independent or assisted living facility where these kinds of services are available. But remaining at home means having to climb ladders to change lightbulbs or dead batteries in smoke alarms.

Even though half of the people over the age of 85 live alone, the United States has not done enough to support their aging citizens. Studies show the prevalence of loneliness among people older than 60 is considerable. Neighbors Network and other village models may just be an answer to this epidemic.

So yes, we can get grumpy and more neurotic as we experience the loss of limbs, life, and/or liberty, but we can still seize control where we are able. Creativity is an excellent co-conspirator in navigating the aging process, promoting openness and flexibility to the inevitable changes we will experience.

And we can ask for help from non-profit organizations like Neighbors Network that help us maintain our quality of life. Better yet, become a volunteer with this group and reach out to others!

Click here to take our KQuiz designed with the 60-plus age demographic in mind.

Let’s Have a Conversation:

How many personality tests have you taken to date? Do you think your personality profile has changed since you have aged into your 60s, 70s, 80s, and beyond. Let me know how.

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Originally posted at: Tamra Judge’s Blue Mesh Confessional Dress

[NOTE: If you are just joining us for the first time, you can find my previous Sixty and Me Free Piano Lessons on my Author page. You can join our lessons any time!]

Hi friends and welcome back to your bi-weekly piano lessons for beginners on Sixty and Me! I hope you are managing to stay cool if you are living in searing heat right now. All year round, and especially in the summer, it is extremely important to stay hydrated.

I had a dear student fall backwards off the bench at our piano lesson, and it was terrifying for both of us. I was afraid that he was having a stroke, but it turned out that he was simply dehydrated. He had to be hospitalized for a couple days until he stabilized.

Several of my students have had to be hospitalized for dehydration; it’s a very common but serious health problem that is easy to prevent. You should be drinking liquids throughout the day, every day, every season.

The time you spend playing the piano is a great time to take sips of water or other drinks. I always keep a flask of water, herb tea or almond milk by my piano (never a glass ON my piano!), and I drink in between my songs, pieces and exercises.

Staying well-hydrated helps the brain to process information, and I find that it refreshes and revitalizes me when I drink during practice sessions (sorry, alcoholic drinks don’t count, as they are usually dehydrating!)

15.1 The Last of the Bass Note Reading Drill

These two weeks we are finishing the last three lines of the Bass Note Reading Drill on p. 49, playing Aiken Drum (version 2) with two hands on p. 52, and we are starting the Rhythm Review on p. 53 along with some exercises and review. Please watch my Hello and Hydrate video:

15.2 p.49 Lines 4-6

Last lesson we played the first three lines of the Bass Note Reading Drill on p. 49 forwards and backwards. Playing music backwards gives a great brain boost, and also helps you to focus on the notes.

Here I demonstrate lines 4-6 forwards. I count 4 beats before each line so that you can play with me. After playing along with me, play these lines backwards on your own:

15.3 Aiken Drum p.52

You have already played the Aiken Drum melody with your left hand on p.44. On p.52 you will be playing it again, this time adding a right hand accompaniment. Be sure to count the first few times you play Aiken Drum, remembering to keep that steady 1-2-3 beat. The song starts with a pick-up on beat 3:

15.4 Rhythm Review p. 53 Lines 1-3

Rhythm is one of the most difficult things to learn on any instrument at any age. But it’s the rhythm that makes the melody come alive! So we work on it a lot. The Rhythm Review on p. 53 will help to deepen your understanding of complicated rhythms. It’s important to practice counting rhythms, and it’s also helpful to come up with lyrics to fit the beats.

For example, I say, “Choc-‘late chip, choc-‘late chip; pea-nut but-ter choc-‘late chip” for line 1. For line 2, I might say, “Pump-kin pie, and, ap-ple pie; boy-sen-ber-ry is the best!” For line 3, I might say “Red, wa-ter-mel-on; straw-ber-ry short-cake.” (I like to sing about food!)

See if you can make up your own phrases to go with the beats in lines 2 and 3 after you practice counting and playing the rhythms. If you feel like it, send us your lyrics (silly or serious) in the comments section below!

Passion Practice!

1. Set an intention to get to your piano every day this week for at least 5 minutes. Give yourself a fun reward if you do!
2. Exercise #3 in F# (review) and D-flat (new). Play each exercise 3 times: 2x Forte (loudly) then 1x Piano (softly) with each hand. Use the PENTASCALES chart at the back of the book if you are not sure of the hand positions for F# and D-flat. Review Ex #3 in C, G, D, A, E and B when you can.
3. Chord Calisthenics #2 – In Chord Calisthenics #2 (APPENDIX vii) you will play the last 6 triads: F#, D-flat, A-flat, E-flat, B-flat and F as block chords, meaning all 3 notes at once. Play them forwards and backwards getting familiar with the feel and position of each triad. Also review C, G, D, A, E, and B when you have time.
4. With your left hand, play lines 4-6 on p.49 this week, forwards and backwards. You can play them with my video 15.2 (above) or just on your own.
5. Play Aiken Drum with hands together on p.52. If you feel like a creative challenge, add your own lyrics to the left hand melody. Write them in below my lyrics. Watch my video 15.3 (above) to ensure that you are playing the rhythm correctly.
6. Review p.34-35 or any other songs you enjoy playing in the book.

Let’s Have a Conversation:

Sometimes we have every intention of practicing our piano/keyboard, but there are so many distractions along the way that we find ourselves at the end of our day without having gotten to the bench. Are distractions luring you away from your practice? What do you do to stay focused on accomplishing the things you want to get to every day? At the end of this week, leave a comment if you played piano for at least 5 minutes per day, and let us support your success!

Photo: @arianamadix

Originally posted at: Ariana Madix’s White Floral Dress

I confess to a moment of near euphoria as I sped past traffic crawling to the beach. My smile was so big, drivers smiled back as I zipped past on my lime green e-bike – head tucked in a sturdy helmet and my sweetheart following at a safe distance. It was a moment of pure joy. 

Notice I said moment. Less than a quarter mile from camp, I was down with a pain that seared from my ankle to my eye teeth, concentrated in my knee. It could have been worse. My skid landed me about an arm’s length from a slimy green drainage ditch. I could have been in pain and covered in green slime. 

I knew I’d survive, but I wasn’t okay. I didn’t realize just how not okay until I got back on the bike to limp it home. Though I made it most of the way, I fell again. Now, I was bleeding and attracting attention. Thank heavens for angels with cold cloths and electrolyte cocktails.

The Wake Up 

The first thing I realized was I could not get myself up off the ground. What if I had been riding alone on a country road? I also could not pull myself up into the truck with my arms. My strength absolutely sucks. How have I let myself become so weak? What if I was hanging on for my life by one hand, like in the movies? I’d be dead. 

When I turned 60 and started my 100th Year Project and writing for Sixty and Me, I learned strength is key to living a long independent life. Do you know why most people end up in nursing homes? They can’t get up and down off the toilet alone. I’ve learned it takes a lot of strength to get up and down off the toilet and to use a walker or crutches.

I’ve also learned to board the bus to the beach with my wheelchair. I know. I know. You hate waiting behind the bus when it throws out that handy dandy handicap ramp. Well, it’s a life saver for a lot of people. Thank you for your patience. 

When it becomes hard to get around, we subconsciously start moving less. I watched my mom’s life change as she digressed from golfing, then playing bridge most days to using a scooter to move even a few steps in assisted living. Here’s another thing I learned about my mom. She had crappy bones; so crappy she had metal plates in her hands so she could manage basic chores. It’s starting to look like my bones aren’t so great either. 

About Age Appropriateness 

I broke my first bone at a trail ride the day before I started high school, one arm in a cast and the other in a sling. Number two was my leg in a friendly collegiate touch football game, followed by a busted middle finger catching a line drive for my corporate softball team. I’m not at all athletic. I just like to have fun.

The only bone I ever broke not having fun was my foot, stomping after my ex during an argument. But did I mention we were leaving on a cruise the next day? A neighbor gal was sweet enough to push me around the S.S. Something in a borrowed ship’s wheelchair. 

Acting my age isn’t the problem; it’s my bones. I can’t ignore it anymore. Even though I pass my bone density exams, the final test is keeping me in one piece until I reach 100. At this rate, I’m nervous, not to mention disappointed my summer is off course.

What’s Next? 

I was complaining to my sister about my bum luck and how disappointed I am in my strength. 

“So, what are you going to do about it,” she said in a voice eerily like our mother’s, God rest her soul. “You could start with Silver Sneakers, you know.” 

She is so right, and here’s why: sarcopenia, the muscle loss that comes with aging and lack of activity. If we don’t use it, we lose five percent of our muscle strength per decade after age 35. I fear I’ve lost more than that. Good news is we can build it back.

I promised Sis I’ll cooperate with the physical therapy my new friends at Coastal Orthopedics recommend, and today I learned the local gym I used to pay for is included with my Medicare coverage. Duh. No brainer even for this blonde. 

Meanwhile summer is poking by, and my e-bike waits idly for me to gather the courage to get back on it. There’s a framed photo by my desk of my younger self on a pony. She’s about six, and her feet don’t reach the stirrups. She is certainly not smiling. Right beside the photo is a plaque with a John Wayne quote: “Courage is being scared to death but saddling up anyway.” 

I’m sure glad I’ve got a helmet. 

Let’s Have a Conversation:

Are you feeling your age? Have you had any eye-opening accidents? How have you dealt with the after-effects? What are you doing to get back on your feet and improve your wellbeing?