Hirst

As our lives progress, we all change in different ways. When we're young, slowing down is not a priority. After years of working hard and fast-tracking, it feels good to take a break from the madness of schedules and obligations to slow down a little. Whatever decade we're living in, it pays to be mindful of our bodies and what our personal choices are. The better we know ourselves, the more we can live our lives to the fullest and maintain good health for as long as possible.

Twenties

When young, many people are working to establish ourselves in the world. Getting out with friends is fun, and life is still in the planning stage. It's an exciting and social time, as they study, work, party, and enjoy themselves to the fullest. Many aren't married yet, and are actively dating. Some are starting families, and have infants or toddlers to care for. Any of these activities can be exhausting, even with the energy of youth. Still, young people push themselves hard, to make the most of it all. Doing all-night study sessions, getting no sleep due to a crying newborn baby, being out with friends most of the night, and playing extreme sports, limits are pushed as they burn the candle at both ends.

Thirties

In this decade, people marry and settle down, others become consumed with their careers, building on previously learned skills. It's the time to prove themselves and raise their growing kids. The thirties is an active time, where multi-tasking definately is the name of the game for many parents. Running kids to soccer practise, attending meetings, overworking and still trying to find time for a social life can be hard. As the kids get older, and jobs are more established, they have more financial stability. Still, it is easy to overwork and some get burned out from it. Bills must be paid, and life is expensive. Everyone does their best to juggle it all, and keep the energy going.

Forties

The kids are now grown up, so now, there's time to relax more. The pressure to be the breadwinner is less, but the bills still need to be paid, so fortysomethings work hard yet begin to look to the future. Energy isn't what it used to be, and it may be a little harder to keep weight off due to body changes. It may be a little easier to tire out, naturally. This is the time that many who have been unhappy in their careers choose to take a different path. The stressed out attorney quits and becomes a painter. Or, the overworked office worker decides to stop commuting to work and open his own business. This can still be a very stressful time, so finding outlets for stress such as sports and other hobbies is helpful. Many are more conscious of taking care of ourselves then previously. Seeing family members age makes those over forty more aware of our own mortalities so we begin to take life less for granted.

Fifties

Life is beginning to slow down now, in a welcome way. It is nice to have the grandkids around, but it's also great to have time alone. Some people retire and begin to enjoy their newfound freedom. This is a good time to travel, visit family, explore hobbies that before, there was no time to pursue. Having proved themselves to former bosses, built businesses and raised children, they are now free to re-visit their youth again, within limits. Bodies may be stiffer or less agile, but still, being active is the benefit of taking good care of the body in previous decades.

Sixties and beyond

This is the time to enjoy life, without many distractions of the younger years. Now, you can enjoy watching the family go through the stages you once went through, and be glad that you no longer have to prove yourself in the work world, find yourself or find a mate. Life is for the most part, kinder and gentler by choice. It's nice to stop and smell the roses, talk and visit with friends, and enjoy everyday things. If health issues crop up, they are dealt with. What matters most in life is more in focus now than it ever was before. Instead of being glued to work, you know that time with the family and friends is what matters most. Money may be tight, but still, life is good.

In general, getting older has benefits that often go overlooked. We know ourselves better, as we learn from life's experiences. Our priorities change as our situations evolve. What may have been very important once, like having a big house, doesn't matter later, when the kids are grown. All of a sudden, that big house is a lot of work to keep clean, so many sell and get something smaller. Life is all about change. To maximize our enjoyment, we need to go with the flow, and keep our priorities straight. Talking all day with customers on the phone, I hear a lot of people who are terminally ill, sick or know someone who is. This has put it in perspective for me, to be happy at whatever stage of life we are in, because there are many hurting people out there who cannot enjoy themelves. Every day I tell my parents that I love them. Nothing is taken for granted. Doctors tell cancer patients to maintain good spirits the best they can, because they know that a positive attitude is helpful to the body. Live life to the fullest and appreciate good health. They are a gift, and happiness helps to prolong life.

Carolyn McFann is a scientific and nature illustrator, who owns Two Purring Cats Design Studio, which can be seen at: http://www.cafepress.com/twopurringcats . Educated at the Rochester Institute of Technology in New York, Carolyn is a seasoned, well-traveled artist, writer and photographer. Besides handling numerous assignments in the US, she has lived and worked in Cancun, Mexico. Clients include nature parks, museums, scientists, corporations and private owners. She has been the subject of tv interviews, articles for newspapers and other popular media venues.