Huffington Center on Aging

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Master
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We invite readers to visit the other sections of our site and correspond with us regarding any questions you may have.

Now ask yourself this question: "Will I have a good old age?" Well, exercise may be one of the keys to an affirmative answer, so learn more about the surprising benefits of exercise as we age.

Before you finish, we want you to do these two things:

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Envision Yourself in the Future

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In a quiet place, close your eyes and envision yourself someday being an older person and having done everything you could to ensure that you have a good old age.

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Learn from the Arts

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Take a look at another "teacher" from another era from whom we can learn much – Francisco de Goya (1746-1828), the Spanish master artist. Goya, one of the greatest painters, was known for his self-portraits. At age 80, he painted one of his most famous works and entitled it Aun Aprendo. This painting is a good visual metaphor for productive aging.

You see, Goya, even though he was old and suffering from his kyphosis (the hump on his back probably caused by tuberculosis of the spine) and arthritis, was inventing a new technology for his field. In 1826, he was the first to do lithographs, signed and numbered copies of a limited edition that makes a few owners feel very special, and someday very rich.

Thus, the English translation of Aun Aprendo from the old Spanish means "I am still learning." And we hope when you're 80 you too will still be learning. You're going to need it since you're going to be at least 101.

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Inspired by the Arts?

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Discover our Arts in Aging program.