What exactly is a joy span, you may ask? Well, it seems to be a newly trendy term, like a lifespan or a healthspan – not that I knew that one, either, but the meaning is somewhat obvious. Why live longer if not in good health? Joy span is apparently similar.
The idea is that if you’re not happy and enjoying your life, what’s the point? Of course, I’d make that argument at any age, but recent research by gerontology professionals focuses on older folks (ok, I’m getting there) and their lifestyles. It appears there are several concrete steps you can take to enhance your “joy span.”
The first is to keep growing, exploring and learning. Your sense of curiosity is very valuable to staying healthy. The second recommendation is to adapt to changing circumstances, thinking about what’s better now (more resources, more memories) rather than what’s worse (physical limitations, friends dying.) Two additional suggestions focus on others rather than yourself. One is to give of your time and skills, which I’ve done by joining a couple of boards. The second is to connect with people, as isolation is proven to be unhealthy.
Travel checks most of those boxes for me. And painting scenes from my travels checks a couple more, continuing the exploration, learning how to convey what I felt, and sharing that experience with others. I hope to connect with many of you at ARK Distillery in Colchester, a women-owned business where you can see my travel paintings in person while sampling their tasty libations. Join us for an artist’s reception on Sunday, November 22, where my exhibit will include this new painting of Venice. (How DO those gondoliers maneuver so smoothly around those corners?!)