Age exuberantly! Embrace kärt besvär

An 86-year-old author has a few rules to live by even when the trials of getting older make it easy to complain.

In her book, “The Swedish Art of Aging Exuberantly: Life Wisdom from Someone Who Will (Probably) Die Before You”, author Margareta Magnusson has 3 tips to age “Exuberantly”:

1️⃣ Embrace kärt besvär 👍

This Swedish phrase blends kärt, meaning “dear or cherished,” and besvär, which means “pain.”

2️⃣ Surround yourself with the young 👍

This is Magnussen’s simple definition of happiness: being around young people. Not only do they supply fresh ideas and perspectives, she said, but hearing about their plans and prospects “is a way to stay in tune with the young person you yourself were at some point.”

3️⃣ Say “yes” whenever possible 👍

To age exuberantly, you must actively recognize your “internalized ageism” and fight against it, by saying “yes” as often as you can. In effect saying ‘yes’ to life — being curious and exploratory, being part of community.”