As a result of diseases becoming more manageable, and health and safety precautions becoming more refined, humans are living longer. But there is one concept that is vital to longevity: the ability to live independently in a state of wellbeing.
Andrea Gilats, author of Radical Endurance, believes in order to manage loneliness and growing old, there are various forms of engagement and ways of thinking that are essential.
"Aloneness is a state of existence, but loneliness is a feeling of being separated," explains Gilats. "We need human contact to fight loneliness."
Along with human contact, we need intellectual engagement, physical engagement, creativity and curiosity. Additionally, accepting age-dependent vulnerabilities plays a big role in wellbeing.
"It takes a bit longer to find the right words for things, I don't mind that a bit because it gives me a chance to think," says Gilats. "I just appreciate within me that I am more vulnerable... I take better care of myself because of that."
Radical Endurance is available in bookstores everywhere or can be purchased online from the University of Minnesota Press where books are 30% off during their holiday sale.
Minnesota Reads is produced at The North 103.3 with funding provided in part by the Minnesota Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund.
