BLOG NO. 8
LATE ADULTHOOD
âTo keep the heart unwrinkled, to be hopeful, kindly, cheerful, reverentâ that is to triumph over old age.â âThomas Bailey Aldrich
Live by example
According to Mrs. Josefina A. Gabule, a 76-year-old retired principal from San Vicente in Montevista, Davao de Oro, one of the most important ways to live longer is to remain content and appreciative. Throughout her life, she has faced many experiences that shaped her growth and resilience. Each morning, despite occasionally feeling stiff from the cold, she begins her day with a gentle routineâwaking up, meditating, praying, fixing her bed, and doing light warm-up stretches. After this, she prepares breakfast, usually made from simple, healthy ingredients such as fruits, vegetables, and fish, which form the foundation of her balanced diet. Her days follow a calm rhythm: she eats lunch, takes a nap, and continues her activities at a relaxed pace, embracing the peace that her daily routine brings.
As she ages, Mrs. Gabule acknowledges the gradual decline in her eyesight and hearing, which makes her more attentive and careful in conversations to avoid misunderstandings. She regularly visits her doctor, wears her prescribed glasses, and practices training her eyes to focus on distant objects to reduce strain. Yet, despite these challenges, she remains deeply gratefulâthankful for her long life, for Godâs guidance, and for the chance to share her wisdom with younger generations. For her, happiness and relaxation are the âsecret weaponsâ to a healthy life, freely available to anyone who chooses to embrace them. She looks at her journey with gratitude and hopes her story inspires people of all ages to appreciate life more fully.
Her philosophy is "education is life, she studies a lot to make sure she doesn't miss anything. She typically reads novels, dictionaries, or journals to get ready for the new material. At her age, she is learning how to use a sophisticated phone. Her strategy is to learn one or two easy things each day to prevent the bad things from causing harm. For new information to be retained over time, it must be maintained. She uses her cognitive abilities to solve puzzles and math issues, among other things. She has a series of schedules for her tasks so she can commit the routine to memory. We all have healthy connections, a happy family, and a clean environment.
She encourages those who are her own age to avoid pouting. One thing you have to do is gradually come to terms with reality since it is an inevitable part of life. Joining groups at local churches or the purok makes it easier for me to socialize. These days, being a volunteer, like a secretary, won't keep me out. She enjoys participating in cooperative activities like seminars since it allows her to socialize. She feels valued as a member of the community when she is welcomed by those around me, making her joyful as if she were a member of the group.
Dressing appropriately for a seminar shows respect for the occasion and the attendees, which goes beyond simple aesthetics. Carefully selecting words also demonstrates attention in our communication and helps prevent offending people. We may encourage others to be responsible, courteous, and considerate by modeling thoughtful behavior and conversation. Even so, my health demands vary depending on the location, particularly in noisy and unclean areas.
In the end, Mrs. Josefina A. Gabuleâs story shows that aging with grace comes from healthy routines, lifelong learning, and emotional awareness. Her gratitude, gentle morning habits, and simple diet reflect how small choices can support a long and meaningful life. Even with challenges in her vision and hearing, she stays proactive through regular checkups, eye exercises, reading, and learning new skills. She also remains socially active through church groups, community volunteering, and seminars where she practices respect and thoughtful communication. Ultimately, her life reminds us that contentment, acceptance, and kindness help keep both the mind sharp and the spirit young.
















