Last week, I wrote a column titled, "Aging can be a gift," which addressed the notion that there is much to be valued in the aging process in addition to finding meaning and purpose in every day. It must have struck a sensitive chord amongst readers as many called and wrote to ask questions and share their personal stories.

Finding meaning and purpose in everyday life is personal, different, and unique to each one of us. However, as we age, our social roles often change and people begin to feel a diminished sense of purpose and meaning. This does not have to happen. We do not have to succumb to the perceptions and beliefs of a society that places such high value on youth and looking young.

Make no mistake about it, our personal views which we value and hold dear, contribute to our health, longevity, and resilience. Optimism and pessimism have scientifically proven biological outcomes. On a cellular level, people who exhibit an optimistic view of life not only have stronger immune systems but better cardiovascular levels as well.

Over the past 13 years, we have cared for a variety of clients within our mountain communities. Some young and others older. Some require assistance after hospital visits or surgical procedures while others need a little help living an independent life at home. One thing I have noticed and come to admire is, that of our clients in their 80s, 90s and even the 100s, despite their health conditions, almost all have a very positive view of their life.

I believe that there may be two group types of older people. One group seems like a happier cohort of people who overcome adversity with a positive attitude and a smile, always view the glass as half-full, maintain an active lifestyle, and embrace family and friends. The other group is not so positive in the face of adversity. I also have noticed they frequently have not placed a high value on physical activity nor the foods they choose to eat.

While some within this second group are unconcerned about being unhappy, unmotivated, unactive, and unsocial as they age, others within this group have found ways to reinvent themselves. They have motivated themselves to be as physically active as they can, they have modified their diet and taken an interest in nutrition, and they have made an effort to get out of their homes and spend time with others.

As Forrest Gump said, "Life is like a box of chocolates. You never know what you're going to get." Nobody wants to be infirm. Almost everyone would like to be healthy, happy, and active -- particularly as we age. However, life sometimes throws us a curveball and for whatever reason, we become deconditioned.

Deconditioning is often described as the mental, physical, and social consequences that result from a period of inactivity and being sedentary. Deconditioning can occur by events not of our own doing, like an injury or medical ailment, but it can also occur because of the choices we make. When we choose to be sedentary and live an inactive lifestyle, eat poorly, and not find purpose and value in how we spend our days, we should not be surprised that detrimental changes in our muscles, heart, lungs, and mind occur.

There is a direct correlation between physical and emotional health. Inactivity, isolation and spending excessive time in front of the screen lend to personality disorders, depressive disorders, and deconditioning. I see it play out too frequently. While it sounds straightforward and logical, it can be challenging to motivate and take control of our lives. However, we can choose to realize our errors and change for the better.

If we desire a happier and better quality of life, we must embrace exercise and conditioning. A pill cannot solve this. If we do not use it, we lose it. This not only pertains to our physicality but also our mental health.

Should you choose to be happier, healthier, and ultimately live a better quality of life, here are some helpful tips:

Mae West was right, "Getting old isn't for the faint of heart." Do what you can to get out of your own way. Even small changes in keeping our brain sharp and challenged, along with a quality diet, go a long way to bettering our quality of life.