294 thoughts on “Living a Harmonious Life in our Eighties”

1. Wow Rowena, not many people feel the way you do in their twenties and thirties. What you have here is very rare and very especial. It is something many people look for but may not be able to find it by looking high and low in all things around them. How you are feeling and living is an inspiration for us all. Amazing Rowena!

2. Rowena your an amazing inspiration not only to those approaching their 80’s but also society as a whole, the children, and the 30 somethings who get to look at growing older not in fear but in appreciation of different stages and cycles of life.

3. “I feel more alive and more joyful than at any other stage of my life because for the first time I take full responsibility and know that my wellbeing is totally up to me – not because of anything or anyone else, and not because I have to be a certain way or not.” – This is a really powerful statement Rowena, and I can see how many times as people get older they tend to perhaps not want to look at how all their choices throughout their life got them to the physical, mental, and emotional condition they find themselves in if it is indeed a more challenging one. Also, we need to take care of our elders and honour what they are offering us with all their lived wisdom, instead of practically ignoring them because they remind us of our own inevitable death.

4. ‘We have found that establishing a rhythm to living and recognising when that rhythm is disturbed – either by our own actions or reactions or by absorbing the energy of others – enables us to deal with anything that life throws at us.’ This feels so loving and harmonious; the beauty of being in rhythm is such a contrast to the energies that can disturb.

5. The powerful words of an elderly woman.. that reach far and wide. Thank you Rowena, for we are blessed by your wisdom.

6. ‘As we enter into our ninth decade we feel more aware, more alive… and more blessed by sincere and loving friends than ever before.’ This is so inspiring to read Rowena! As you share many, if not most, in their eighties find their lives are contracting. To live so authentically, with such richness and purpose into your nineties is truly groundbreaking.

7. This is a very inspiring testimony of how enriching our lives can be and continue to unfold through our willingness to be open to exploring deepening our relationship with our Soul, and all that is on offer through this connection. At every point of our lives that is available for us to live and share, to our very last breath.

8. “My well-being is totally up to me” This is absolutely true, taking responsibility like this allows us the possibility of a harmonious life. We may need to work at it but as you show here in your blog it is worth every moment.

9. Rowena, what powerful and inspiring role models you and your husband are for a way of living that is harmonious and possible for all.

10. I completely agree with you Rowena. My life and relationship is getting more and more gorgeous and harmonious as I age and harmony does not mean quiet or boring as it is extremely Joy-full, full and productive – just more and more free of any conflict or emotions. I am only in my early 60s but if I continue this way can’t imagine how much even awesomer (so great needs a new word) I will be in my 80s and 90s!

11. “How one thinks, how one reacts and how one communicates with one’s fellow humans is all one’s own responsibility, no-one can do this for you, and it is not something you can wriggle out of either, although many spend a lot of energy trying to do so!”

    From someone who has tried to wriggle their way out of a few things, I can completely concur that it does not work. It may ‘buy you some time’ but really that is just delay, and makes you more tired. Taking responsibility is the best energy boost you can ever take.

12. Thank you Rowena for a beautiful sharing, showing to us that a harmonious joyful married life is possible even up into old age, it is all about taking responsibility for our part and living our life in the fullness of who we truly are.

13. ” By taking full responsibility for our actions and our reactions we can live more harmoniously with each other and with all others: this has made our lives so much more worthwhile and so much more meaningful. ”
    This is so wonderful Rowena it gives one true hope for the future, I am a few decades away from 90 as yet.

14. Wow Rowena what you’ve shared is that it’s never too late to say yes to living life from a harmonious place – irrespective of age.

15. “Living harmoniously is something that so many do not understand – and probably don’t want to understand – because it means that they really have to look at how they live their lives.” To me, you hit the nail on its head Rowena, that people do not want to understand as it will take them out of the “comfortable’ lives they have chosen to live in the ignorance of the importance of living a life of expansion.

16. This is incredibly inspiring. Many assume that it’s too late to change and live in an authentic and loving way even when aged in their 20s and 30s. You show that there’s always an opportunity to live a truly meaningful and rich life.

17. It can be very interesting what life can throw at us to try and disturb our connection to ourselves but holding steady and seeing it for what it is I am learning to understand and deal with the forces that are at play. Seeing life as energy being played out and making that priority is helping me to make light of situations so that I am able to observe and not absorb.

18. Being ourselves is what we have always wanted to be, the most simple and natural way with ourselves – free. Free from what? From the pictures and ideals of this world and back in connection with ourselves.

    1. So true Adele. As children we often have an opportunity to simply be but before long we receive the message that we are not enough and then we spend our lives settling for poor substitutes for the joy of simply being ourselves. Even one day spent living the true you is a remarkable and wonderful thing that leaves a marker to come back to forever.

    2. Very true Adele, and it is very easy to be ourselves because we have access to who we are instantly. It is only complicated when we choose to run with the expectation, pictures and ideals that takes us further away form connecting to our essence. It is crazy why we would choose to disconnect from who we are when life can be so much richer, simpler and joyful when we choose to live from our essence.

19. “our lives are expanding with new friends and new challenges all the time.” I agree, since we have become students of The Way of The Livingness our true purpose and joy of living continues to expand.

20. How you write about your life is so normal, yet totally extraordinary, even the title “living a harmonious life in our eighties” if we were to take a world survey of all people in their 80s, many people would be in a nursing home or have dementia or are seriously ill. Your story is inspirational proof that the way we choose to live and care for ourselves and others counts and that it is possible to live a full and committed life right until the end.

    1. This is true Meg – the statistics on people with dementia are reflecting a massive increase in people with the disease long before their 80’s. Rowena is living proof that it can be another way.

       1. Absolutely – and the statistics are rising – there needs to be more studies on people like Rowena who are healthy and vital and enjoy a brilliant quality of life in their 80s and what and how they do things differently.

21. I’ve read hundreds and hundreds of blogs written by people who have been inspired to do so by Universal Medicine and in those in which health and wellbeing is discussed, pretty much all of them talk about SLEEP. Getting this part of our lives right is 100% critical if we’re at all interested in true vitality and living in a self-honouring way.

22. How inspiring Rowena! You and your husband are living examples of what’s possible when we commit in full to ourselves, in every way.

    1. Hear, hear Victoria. Rowena and her husband are hugely inspiring. They are reversing the trend of ageing and they make this period of life look and sound amazing. When we look at what is going on in our society for people their age, it doesn’t look inspiring at all because so many elderly people are suffering from multiple symptoms, illness and disease. We often hear how awful life is when we get older but I love what Rowena shares here because it shows us that life can in fact get even more amazing as we age if we commit to deeply loving and caring for our body, and for how we live and the choices we make.

23. To me too it is important to live a productive and loving life, no matter my age. To me that is the purpose of living life, especially when you consider that all of our life is one, it makes absolutely no sense to stop this dedication to it at any moment in time and with that choose to withdraw from life instead.

24. Life should always have been and be about purpose to love. Being it in the age of 24years or 89years.. And that love here is not meant as all the concepts and ideals about love, but – purity that love is in how you are with yourself and so with others. The true intent. The connection to the all, meaning the essence of beingness that’s inside us – love. Seeing everyone for this, even if they don’t like it, love does not judge neither compromise. So all that love is – love is felt, love is true and an absolute knowing within everyone (even if you think you don’t know it or made to believe that you don’t know it, you still know it).

25. Thank you Rowena this is the way of the future as we are all living longer and this being the case who in truth wants their lives being miserable, feeling old and unwell. So the way you are living is a winner for all.

26. Totally awesome to feel in this blog how lack of responsibility is what exhausts us and ages us beyond our years.

27. That is truly wonderful Rowena spoken with such authority. What a incredible marker you have reached. A story worth reading and one I would not put down. Words lived are words of wisdom providing a healing of true change and inspiration to others. It’s one of the greatest feelings to be inspired and creates a marker for myself. Wonder-full indeed.

28. Thank you Rowena. You and your husband are true role models for ageing gracefully in the sense that you are able to approach the close of your life, not as a close at all but as an ever deepening opening into the all that is there to be felt, embraced and lived. Very inspiring.

29. Thank you Rowena, indeed when we choose to live life with a foundation of love and purpose we understand that there is not a stop moment as evolution is always asking us to express until our last breath for the good of all.

30. I am only a youngster at 60, but I completely agree with your last two paras and the rest.

31. Rowena your sharing has reflected the many opportunities we can chose to live everyday whilst living our lives. The depth and richness of who we truly can continue to expand and show itself to others as we age if we allow it to, although sadly this is not always the case. Thank you for sharing your ‘ageless’ wisdom.

32. A true elder sharing her deep wisdom and joy about ageing – thank you Rowena it is clear you have let go of so many beliefs and ideals around ageing with this very inspiring article.

33. Knowing both you and your husband I can attest to the fact that this recipe is working. Instead of giving in and giving up, you stay engaged and focussed and last but not least, you take responsibility for yourselves and your life. A far cry from descending into an endless litany of moans and groans and making your life a misery.

34. This is a powerful revelation of the fact that ideals and beliefs confine us to live in a way that is less that who we really are and what our true potential is. As you have so greatly shared – ‘By taking full responsibility for our actions and our reactions we can live more harmoniously with each other and with all others: this has made our lives so much more worthwhile and so much more meaningful.’ When we embrace responsibility, we embrace true power and when we are free from ideals and beliefs, we then are truly free to be ourselves.

35. I was speaking with a dear friend this morning whose birthday is today. We are both 55 and we talked about how much more we feel life has to offer and how much fun there is to be had in this life. Blogs like yours Rowena are inspiring, especially the tips on how you are living more harmoniously. Life certainly doesn’t stop just because the body gets older.

36. A beautiful sharing Rowena of living a life to the full no matter what the age, ‘How one thinks, how one reacts and how one communicates with one’s fellow humans is all one’s own responsibility.’ and this responsibility allows for more loving, honest and harmonious relationships

37. Rowena – you completely change the concept of age. Nothing needs to be lost but there is everything to gain.

    1. So well said Rachael – we all have so much more the gain when our elders live with presence and share their lived wisdom with the world.

38. What a joy it is to read this – of how you can live a full and loving life no matter the life stage. Of how you can take responsibility, be present and take care of yourself. Wow this is a game changer for older people.

39. Living harmoniously is something that so many do not understand – and probably don’t want to understand – because it means that they really have to look at how they live their lives – but this feels true. It feels like there’s this overall reluctance about embracing the whole truth and we in stead keep one eye shut while we keep telling ourselves that we are individuals and we only have to care about our own lot, and not the whole lot.

40. I might add that you also look amazing Rowena! What an inspirational woman you are, I hope to be as enthusiastic and passionate at your age. You can feel that you are not winding down, you are continuing to grow and love more and more each day.

41. Rowena, this is so inspiring to read and should be shared with many. So often I hear one’s excuse for not making change be, they are to old to do anything about it now. This life, and the many to come, are all but one life that continues on. If we chose to live this truth, we would know that age is irrelevant and that change is a choice that can happen at any age.

42. You are an inspiration Rowena. I love what you share about how for many this can be a time where life diminishes yet what you share shows how every day regardless of our age we can grow, deepen, learn and embrace life in full.

43. ‘It is all a matter of being with ourselves 100% all the time – this does take practice, but it is so worthwhile.’ This is heart warming to read. I used to never want to be in my own company – and then was so insecure in others’ that I was caught oscillating between being alone and in company and uncomfortable in both and at ease in neither. So I’m practising being with myself whether I’m by myself or with people. And it is taking practice but it is very worth it!

44. So refreshing to read Rowena! I am inspired by your joyous life and the wisdom that you live by. The example you set we could all do to emulate. Thank you.

45. ‘How one thinks, how one reacts and how one communicates with one’s fellow humans is all one’s own responsibility.’ More importantly it lays the foundations of what our tomorrow will be for us all.

46. Beautiful what you share here Rowena “We have found that establishing a rhythm to living and recognising when that rhythm is disturbed – either by our own actions or reactions or by absorbing the energy of others – enables us to deal with anything that life throws at us.” When we create that rhythm that flows and is loving and supportive, it is very easy to recognise when something does not feel right and so we can deal with it instantly.

47. I feel like I have been hugged, supported, guided and truly loved by the absolute purpose and commitment to life that’s expressed here by Rowena. Her and her husband are the elders that I wish to be as I age, the elders that are needed to arise our world from the disregard that many see as their right.

48. A great example that giving up and giving in doesn’t work and that it is possible to truly lead one’s life (rather than being led) if we choose to take responsibility and be transparent and accountable.

49. Rowena, the joy you express by simply being you is almost unknown for people of your age. What an amazing inspiration and role model you are by living a harmonious life choosing to be responsible for who you are and what you put out there. And I can absolutely relate to feeling more alive and vital since starting to take responsibility for all my actions and reactions.

50. “so many of our friends who have remained in Sydney are finding their lives are contracting, their friends are dying and they only have their families. We, on the other hand, find that our lives are expanding with new friends and new challenges all the time.” I have a feeling I have highlighted this sentence before. If so, so be it – it is worthy of remark as it is offering us all a new way to live and be in our elder years. It’s so joyful to feel how life can expand instead of the supposed ‘norm’ of contracting as Rowena observes. I look forward to my elder years with the inspiration and foundations laid by those who walk before.

51. Gorgeous Rowena and proof that we are not here to wither away towards some finite point but rather to continually expand back towards our true way to be – the endless love that we are.

52. Rowena you are such an inspiration… for the way you have expressed about life shows how ageless we actually are. The body may be ‘old’ in years and weathering but the wisdom, engagement and vitality can still be in abundance. Thanks for sharing, it is so important to have role models like you to show us how it can be.

53. Thank you Rowena, this is a loving and healing reflection and makes practical how we can choose love as the way in our lives and the outcome this brings. I love your honesty about it taking practice. This has been very supportive.

54. What a great approach to life – this is our life – it is completely and totally up to us how we choose to live everyday and how much importance we place on the quality of our day, our work, our sleep and our well-being.

    1. I agree it is a beautiful approach to life – “this is our life”, we have complete control of how we choose to live everyday, every moment, how much importance we place on the quality of our day, work, sleep and well-being, as well as what we eat or drink.

55. I loved reading this Rowena and also loved listening to you talk about how you live, the changes you have made and the relationship you and your husband have on a webcast once. The wisdom and responsibility you carry and live is very inspiring for all those that see you.

56. Thank you Rowena, always inspiring to know responsibility never lets up no matter what age we are.

57. Wow this is inspiring to read and what a testament to your choices you are Rowena. 80 years of age and with the vitality, clarity and self-love that is beyond many 60 year olds. Learning to understand that it does come down to our responsibility of our choices and that this is the outcome to we will live with in our bodies is something that we should be taught at schools so we have a life full of richness and welling being.

58. Recently I have become more aware of the importance of having a rhythm in my day. It is this rhythm that supports me and forms a foundation for my everyday living, a rhythm that I am building and developing and when it does get disturbed it is important to recognise it and be honest; like I found out recently when we had some new lights fitted in our kitchen. I got irritable as I placed more importance on what was being done than the love for myself.

59. Choosing to be responsible for you life entirely as you enter into your 9th decade Rowena is pretty amazing. You’ve lived several decades not choosing this so to be open to completely changing your belief systems is really quite outstanding. What an inspiration to the many of us that haven’t lived the years you have. Just goes to show, it’s never too late and a leopard sure as hell can change it’s spots.

60. The power responsibility holds is only a choice away, making it a simple change in our movements towards a yes or a no to love.

61. I find this a real joy to read, it reminds me to keep things simple and to appreciate how much taking full responsibility for ourselves and our choices is daily medicine.

62. I love reading this blog Rowena, your reflection offers others a different way to be as you age, so many slow down and lose purpose as they grow old but you inspire us with your loving choice to remain committed to life and be productive and continue to expand and grow.

63. So inspiring to read Rowena. Our lives are continually expanding and as we age it does not mean that life need reduce in any way, as you are testament too. Your love and vibrancy is felt.

64. “We have found that by listening to our own body rhythms and going to bed early we can live more productive and balanced lives.” I absolutely agree, a deep daily care for who we are leads to productive, full, joyful and successful life.

65. Thank you Rowena for highlighting a way of living that honors the responsibility we all hold as beings here on earth together, so we can live as we are harmoniously intended. It is very inspiring to feel how the joyfulness of life is naturally present when we willingly choose to be aware of and honest about how we are living through the choices we are making on a day to day basis, for ourselves first and with all others, and as such let go of what does not feel true. By embracing the responsibility we all have of the choices we make, and choosing to truly honor and respect ourselves, we are naturally then able to honor and respect others which allows us to live in a more harmonious way with all.

66. ‘We have found that establishing a rhythm to living and recognising when that rhythm is disturbed – either by our own actions or reactions or by absorbing the energy of others – enables us to deal with anything that life throws at us’. Yes, absolutley Rowena, this is gold and is also how I live my life which has become super simple and is The Way of The Livingness, presented by Serge Benhayon.

67. And I would like to add that it is extremely rare to hear a person in their eighties say “I am simply me and it is wonderful”. Love it Rowena!

68. It is so refreshing and inspiring to read a blog so full of sparkle and commitment to life in your age bracket Rowena. You are a very beautiful role model of how to be a true elder.

69. Dramas, intrigues, difficulties and struggles are like a rollercoaster ride at a fairground – they might appeal and stimulate but ultimately they just leave us feeling ill. Your words Rowena are a beautiful reminder that simplicity, evenness and harmony are our birth right and natural state, at any age.

    1. We all seek reprieve from the chaos of life as it is currently being lived. But there can be no harmony without responsibility. Responsibility is the breath of wind beneath the sails of a smooth sailing boat. Take this away and you will need to hold tight.

70. “We have found that establishing a rhythm to living and recognising when that rhythm is disturbed – either by our own actions or reactions or by absorbing the energy of others – enables us to deal with anything that life throws at us.”
    This sentence represents a life lesson that should be nurtured, explored and supported our whole lives. In my experience, living with this level of responsibility allows for clear understanding and a sense of solidness and trust in self that supports truth and integrity. This can only support others in our lives.

71. What I feel most when I read your words Rowena, is that life has no end, that there is no beginning nor an end and that every moment lived asks for the same responsibility no matter what age we are.

72. ‘I am simply me and it is wonderful.’ This blog is refreshingly wonderful, it’s so rare to read from someone in their eighties how much the love their life and how much they still embrace everything that is on offer. Did I say rare? Actually I think you are the first person I’ve ever come across – amazing.

    1. Same applies to me but I am only 60. Give me another 20 years Meg and I will still be saying and living it but by then I am sure you will have heard it from many more 😉

       1. It’s truly inspiring to hear that, the older I get the more I feel age doesn’t need to define your life, yes things change as we move forward but what defines our lives is our approach and our embracing of it and our day-to-day choices. What I’m saying is “wonderful” is a choice and it’s not at all related to our age.

73. I simply love the responsibility and grace that this sentence holds.
    ” How one thinks, how one reacts and how one communicates with one’s fellow humans is all one’s own responsibility, no-one can do this for you, and it is not something you can wriggle out of either, although many spend a lot of energy trying to do so!”

74. What a beautiful and inspiring celebration of evolving in your eighties offered through your words Rowena. Thank you.

75. A bit of humour here – I thought the title was living a harmonious life in the 1980’s… and I was thinking that must have been so hard! Anyway…. lovely to read this Rowena, and be inspired that our journey is relevant throughout our lives, and the expansion continues right up to the day we passover.

76. “I feel more alive and more joyful than at any other stage of my life because for the first time I take full responsibility and know that my wellbeing is totally up to me”.

    When people talk about the word responsibility, you can almost feel the sigh and the weight of the world on their shoulders. We can often feel burdened by responsibility.

    But what you are sharing here is completely different. You are feeling more joyful and alive because of taking full responsibility. An important different perspective that the world needs to hear. Responsibility is the new black.

    And I love that you know that your well-being is totally up to you. A beaut reminder because it is also totally up to me (my well-being that is :-).

77. Thank you for sharing how you live, you are beautiful Rowena. To know that we are still able to enjoy life by sharing our wisdom with others and generally being in the livingness of this wisdom!

78. “….. feel, in all honesty, that I will continue to live a productive and loving life until I die, whenever that might be. I feel more alive and more joyful than at any other stage of my life because for the first time I take full responsibility and know that my wellbeing is totally up to me” Such a beautiful and inspiring blog Rowena. Thankyou for sharing.

79. Thank you for sharing your journey with us Rowena, you are an inspiration to all. I love your words “I am simply me and it is wonderful”.

80. Hello Rowena and it’s refreshing to see life being lived in this quality at this time in your life. It’s not that I want to live forever but as you are leading, if you are here then the quality you hold here is important no matter where in the age bracket you are. The what we can do always changes but the quality of what we do can keep expanding. It is important also to keep the quality going until there is an end and not end things early.

81. “I feel, in all honesty, that I will continue to live a productive and loving life until I die, whenever that might be.” What a stunning statement to be able to make.

82. Such an inspiring read, thank you Rowena. ‘I feel more alive and more joyful than at any other stage of my life because for the first time I take full responsibility and know that my wellbeing is totally up to me – not because of anything or anyone else, and not because I have to be a certain way or not’ This feels like true freedom.

83. Back for another read Rowena and still just as inspired by what you’ve shared. Having known you and Tony for many years, you have always been the most standout marker for how ‘getting older’ can be done. There has always been same strength of purpose, contribution and sense of giving back from you both… free from the constraints of parenting, meeting mortgages and such temporal responsibilities. Just beautiful… thank you.

84. Thank you Rowena for an inspiring account of what life can be like if we take responsibility for our actions. It is inspiring to read of people living life to the fullest right up until the end, and this totally goes against the current trend of what old age looks like at the moment.

85. Thank you Rowena for sharing the true joy of ageing in your eighties, inspiring to read and accessible to all the elderly if they start to choose self responsibility and self love into their lives. Just to live from who we truly are is wonderful.

86. What a delight and an inspiration Rowena, thank you so much for sharing yourselves and your lives in this way. It just shows there is no bowing out from life necessary, you are just as engaged, active and alive as anyone half your age… which breaks all the current trends towards dementia and ill health.

87. Rowena what a great reflection you are to the world. I work with older people every day and the most common thing I hear is that “old age is no fun”. This is definitely not your story and it is great that you are re-imprinitng how aging can truly be.

88. Rowena, you are a living testament to what it means to age gracefully. Ageing gracefully is not about avoiding illness and disease but rather about remaining committed to life to the very end, remaining present, and yet in that deeply surrendering yourself to the fact that the moment of passing over could happen anytime. As such, “old age” is a time for reflection, for pondering, and most importantly for sharing the wisdom of a life lived so that others may learn coming through.

89. It feels like taking responsibility is this way is in the truest sense of ‘growing up’ I know many adults (myself included) that are irresponsible on some levels but to be responsible for our every move takes it to another level. And it just goes to show that being in an adult body doesn’t necessarily instantly grant you responsibility, that comes from us choosing to be responsible and as you mentioned Rowena, no amount of energy expended to try and avoid and wriggle out of being responsible will work! There comes a time for all of us when we have to grow up and that doesn’t necessarily mean it’s at 16/18/20 etc.

90. It is never too late to embrace life imagine the possibilities if we all grew up with parents and grandparent living taking full responsibility for our lives in a way you are reflecting to humanity not to mention the pressure it would take of the age care and health systems .

91. An awesome example you are setting Rowena, quality of life depends on choices

92. It is never too late to return to truth in our life. Every day every moment we get a new chance to see that the world is not responsible for our state, but it is us as you beautifully say Rowena, who have complete power over how we will be. Amidst the greatest chaos, disorder and madness, we can all be, lovingly, it is just a choice to enjoy the beauty in us constantly, and appreciate God.

93. “We have found that establishing a rhythm to living and recognising when that rhythm is disturbed – either by our own actions or reactions or by absorbing the energy of others – enables us to deal with anything that life throws at us.” This makes such sense and shows so clearly the responsibility that we can embrace to allow our lives to flow more smoothly.

94. “Living harmoniously is something that so many do not understand – and probably don’t want to understand – because it means that they really have to look at how they live their lives.” Thank you Rowena for inspiring us all to be responsible for how we live regardless of the number of years we live.

95. I agree Rowena – stimulants are very harmful to the body and much more than we realise. They create a fake energy in the body and have us using energy we don’t actually have, in reality depleting us further while giving us the illusion that we have plenty to burn. And alcohol is a toxin in the body which the body actually tells us it doesn’t want and yet we instead allow the mind to override these strong messages to the detriment of our heath and well-being.

96. What a beautiful and inspiring blog. How you now choose to live a loving and productive life as your well being is a choice of your full responsibility.

97. Rowena its so inspiring to read your blog, I was always afraid of getting older and dying, the nursing homes, the dementia the steep decline in life’s purpose, yet you show me and the world the opposite is true. It is a real shining example that the quality of our elder years are down to the choices and commitment we take with the care for ourselves, simple as that.

98. Thank you Rowena, it is inspiring to read your experience of someone in their eighties living such productive, and fully loving life, this certainly is not the norm in the society of the elderly, We know by Serge’s teaching and our own livingness, we can live life in full up until we leave this life.

99. I love the unwavering commitment you have to responsibility and living according to that principle in all that you do. So many tend to give up towards the end of their life resigning to being victims of their circumstances, but to read of a couple such as yourselves with the awareness and dedication you have, is deeply inspirational for people of all ages.

100. This is a beautiful example of when we take responsibility for our livingness no matter what age we are to develop a solid foundation of love in our bodies it is possible to establish a rhythm in our cycles that supports a purposeful life right up until we pass over taking this steady foundation with us into our next life.

101. “so many of our friends who have remained in Sydney are finding their lives are contracting, their friends are dying and they only have their families. We, on the other hand, find that our lives are expanding with new friends and new challenges all the time.” How amazing and inspiring for us, no matter what age, to feel what is possible in our 80’s and beyond. No longer the feeling of sitting in the waiting room of death – just a matter of how long we have to wait, but instead living each day to the full – embracing life and new experiences until our last breath in this body. What an awesome way to prepare for our next life.

102. Rowena you wrote: “Living harmoniously is something that so many do not understand – and probably don’t want to understand – because it means that they really have to look at how they live their lives.” Thank you so much for bringing this up as it is that comfort we choose to life in what made us so stiff and disharmonious.

103. Rowena to read your awesome blog made it very easy for me to loose my ideals and believes around getting older. That is a real gift for me!

104. ‘As we enter into our ninth decade we feel more aware, more alive… and more blessed by sincere and loving friends than ever before.’ How inspirational is this to feel? Life is forever expanding when we choose.

105. This is inspiring because you show that no matter what age we reach we are always responsible for our own choices and building our rhythms and cycles are very supportive to our everyday well-being.

106. ‘By taking full responsibility for our actions and our reactions we can live more harmoniously with each other and with all others: this has made our lives so much more worthwhile and so much more meaningful.’ So inspiring to read how you have expanded your lives at a time when so many have given up and often at a much younger age. In embracing your purpose in life and living in harmony with each other you are showing the true way of living as an elder in the community and reflecting that we have so much to offer at whatever stage of life we are.

107. Taking full responsibility for our wellbeing and our health is the greatest gift we can give ourselves. In fact it is the greatest gift we can give to humanity.

108. Rowena this is a beautiful blog, the reflection you offer others of any age is very inspiring.

109. Rowena it is beautiful read how life keeps expanding well into our eighties when we take responsibility for our choices. You are an inspiration.

110. Rowena this is such a great testimony of how we can truly grow old in responsibility. You are a role model in a world that is full of elderly people who have given up, waiting to die meanwhile fighting to stay in an existence that has little joy to offer.

111. Thank you, Rowena. It truly is amazing to read someone in their eighties claiming “I feel more alive and more joyful than at any other stage of my life” – it is such an inspiration as we see so many choosing to exist in given-up-ness already from a much earlier age, and basically killing time until they eventually pass over.

112. Gorgeous, Rowena. I find it quite challenging at times to look closely and honestly at what disturbs the rhythms in my relationship but reading this has inspired me to feel me and to go there more deeply.

113. It can be hard to be open and flexible in this world where the vast majority are closed and are defending and protecting themselves, rather than embracing the possibilities of life. Thanks Rowena for a lovely example of how we can always shine brightly if we make the choice to do so.

114. Thank you Rowena for a great blog, we are so blessed, that in our senior years we have come to know the truth as presented by Serge, so that, instead of winding down or giving up as so many do in their elder years, we are finding a joy and vibrancy in our daily living , that was never felt before.

115. Re-reading this beautifully simple blog I felt how supportive and inspiring this blog would be for people who are in their senior years, how great if this could be published in medical journals or mainstream magazines.

116. Most would consider that entering their ninth decade would be an excuse for winding down and withdrawing from society but what you’re showing clearly here Rowena is that life can be fulfilling and joyful regardless of age if we choose to be open and see all of humanity as our extended family and start to shed the belief that family is only blood or that we can’t open ourselves up to new friendships.

117. “We have found that establishing a rhythm to living and recognising when that rhythm is disturbed – either by our own actions or reactions or by absorbing the energy of others – enables us to deal with anything that life throws at us.”. I love the simplicity of this Rowena and the stronger the foundation of our rhythm the more easily it is to recognise when there is a disturbance and where it’s coming from.

118. Rowena, you give add lovely meaning to the term ‘elder wisdom’. The way you are living now is a solid reflection that we, regardless of age, are always the ones who hold the responsibility and accountability for how we are living our lives. The fact that you and your husband are willing to still be open to refining your lives as needs be is a hearty reminder that we are never at a standstill; there is always more opportunities for growth every day of our lives.

119. Amazing Rowena, this is un-heard of for people in their 80’s, you are living better than most people my age I know.

120. Good on you Rowena for your zest for life, its an awesome example your setting for other seniors

121. Thank you Rowena for a truly beautiful blog, I am in my seventies heading towards my eighties and am feeling now, I have a life to live, getting older but feeling younger.

122. An inspiring read, confirming that it truly is never too late to make changes in life that enhance our wellbeing and quality of experience.

123. This is beautiful Rowena, it is so amazing to read how you are living in your eighties a more vibrant life than you ever did before, a polar opposite to that what is the norm in society today.

124. It is never too late to embrace life, the way you are with others simply reflects the way you are within yourselves. Having so much love and care and nurturing for yourselves and each other through the choices you have consciously made to live in the way you describe, how can it help but naturally spill over to all. I personally love being on the receiving end of the way you are.

125. I have seen and been part of the vibrancy you live with and the love you have for life and people and I know that your reflection of this has helped me to embrace growing older with a lovely anticipation rather than a fear of it. You clearly show what a fabulous time it can be.

126. Beautiful blog Rowena and a joy to read. You and your husband are living proof that the at any age can bring new beginnings to your lives which goes to show, our potential is endless.

127. So true animatumi, but a big pill that is definitely essential medicine for all of us.

128. This is such a refreshing heart-warming read the joy and vibrancy can be felt in your expression Rowena. It would be a blessing to present to those in retirement homes.

129. It is just so lovely to read Rowena, and as you say it is all up to us to be responsible for all our actions and reactions, this simplifies our all our relationships. We can then love, simply, being.

130. A truly beautiful blog, Rowena, I love it. I really feel the following extract is key to living a really worthwhile life. “By taking full responsibility for our actions and our reactions we can live more harmoniously with each other and with all others: this has made our lives so much more worthwhile and so much more meaningful.” Responsibility is such a huge word for me, has always felt really important. Until we learn to take responsibility for ourselves and all our actions, we cannot truly operate properly in this world of ours. I feel strongly the need for us all to be living in brotherhood, in harmony and lovingly, and taking full responsibility for ourselves is such an important basis for this.

131. Rowena what a marvellous and inspirational sharing. I am in my late 60s and for me to see someone who is so vital and sharing of herself and her wisdom as you are is heart warming and uplifting. You are encouraging me through your sharing to be myself and to be open to enjoy life through loving involvement in it.

132. I agree Angela this journey is both refreshing and inspiring. Re-reading this blog this morning I felt the depth of the wisdom shared on a deeper level within me.

133. Rhythms are something I am continually refining as I deepen my connection with myself and learn to love and nurture myself on a deeper level by continually bring myself back to myself and being responsible for not taking on the emotions of others and being aware and willing to feel feeling when I go into emotion and letting the hurt associated with that emotion go.

134. No doubt, not drinking alcohol is contributing not just to your physical health Rowena but also your overall healthy attitude towards life. As a society we have our blinkers on when it comes to the true cost of alcohol consumption. In Australia there are even complaints about the sales tax paid for alcohol being too high, oddly though this goes to pay for the cost of alcohol related violence, hospital admissions, disabilities, lost work productivity, child protection agencies etc. What can’t be given a dollar figure and what really counts is the toll alcohol has on quality of life and the strain it can place on others such as children in the presence of drunk parents, domestic violence and the hospital staff in the emergency department. Research and the data correlates alcohol consumption with many direct and indirect unfavourable effects. We can’t say we are ignorant about alcohol, perhaps the real illness is that we pretend alcohol is okay.

135. Rowena, I really get the feeling that even though the years are passing you are bucking the trend and staying open to life. I too have noticed the tendency for our lives to contract with age, perhaps due partly to how we perceive our ‘retirement’ years and as you say friends pass away and new ones are not made. Just today I thought of someone I know that is over 100 years old and how a new friend made at the age of 80 may turn out to be a friend for 20 years. We celebrate a long life when what really counts is how those years are lived. What a blessing you bring Rowena, showing future generations that life need not contract as we age.

     1. We are living longer these days with so many advances in medicine but the quality of life for so many is misery with illness and dis-ease such as Alzheimer’s on the increase. It is very inspiring to know we can live life of service as an elder in our community by taking responsibility for being consciously present in our bodies and listen to the messages our bodies offer us by establishing a rhythm and consistently refining that rhythm. And by taking responsibility for our connection with our body and listening to the messages.

136. I admire your lovely way of being, Rowena, your harmonious living and that in your age you are not giving up on life and new relationships. I know many people like your friends who are not able to move with life, stuck in the past and just watching their life disappearing as well as their friends.
     You are an inspiration to us all, thank you

137. “Living harmoniously is something that so many do not understand – and probably don’t want to understand – because it means that they really have to look at how they live their lives. How one thinks, how one reacts and how one communicates with one’s fellow humans is all one’s own responsibility, no-one can do this for you, and it is not something you can wriggle out of either, although many spend a lot of energy trying to do so!”
     But why we don’t like to look at our lives, the way we live? Maybe because it is painful to realise that so much time is wasted and so many choices are made not from love?

138. How incredible to find your lives expanding at eighty rather than contracting. I have seen through Universal Medicine and the many friends of many ages how this is possible.

139. Reading this it is clear that you and your husband Rowena have set a new marker of what it means to live joyfully and harmoniously well into your eighties, and this is what we as a humanity are missing – true role models.

     1. Yes I agree Julie it is beautiful to read about Rowena and her husband and the new maker of what it means to live joyfully and harmoniously well into your eighties. Humanity is certainly missing these true role models. This is clear when you look at the statistics for suicide amongst the elderly particularly for men. Hopefully this blog will support many of us as we age to know Living a Harmonious Life in our Eighties is possible, to claim it and live it.

140. Beautiful advice to share “We have found that establishing a rhythm to living and recognising when that rhythm is disturbed – either by our own actions or reactions or by absorbing the energy of others – enables us to deal with anything that life throws at us.” Being aware of how we feel and honouring it is a wonderful way to build a rhythm that supports us. I have found a steadiness develop through this that allows me to handle what comes in life with a joy and understanding that I have not experienced before. This in itself is empowering and confirms and supports this dedication to feel what the body shares.

141. Rowena, it is such a joy to read this blog and feel how you live harmoniously and now taking responsibility for how you are in everything. You’re right many of us don’t truly understand what it is to live harmoniously and the part we have to play in that – we can go into blame and make it about the other but that’s not it, True freedom is as you say Rowena ‘I am simply me and it is wonderful.’

142. Rowena, what a great testimonial about a true way of a harmonious life. There is so much grace and wisdom in your words about how you live your life while being in your eighties together with your husband. ‘We have found that establishing a rhythm to living and recognising when that rhythm is disturbed – either by our own actions or reactions or by absorbing the energy of others – enables us to deal with anything that life throws at us.’ What an inspiration and role models you are for us all.

143. “We have found that establishing a rhythm to living and recognising when that rhythm is disturbed – either by our own actions or reactions or by absorbing the energy of others – enables us to deal with anything that life throws at us.” My experience has been when I get distracted and let my rhythm slip back to old patterns I loose myself and life becomes a struggle yet when I establish a solid foundation for my rhythm everything flows effortlessly and falling into place.

144. The choices you have made to live a harmonious life Rowena with your partner is beautiful to read. Often when people reach their 80’s life has become quite dull and they can be withdrawing from life, but you both have a beautiful commitment to life and love and an openness that keeps you young and vital which is deeply inspiring.

     1. I agree Anna. When most people are dreading old age Rowena and her husband are showing us all there is another way and a true joy to be found by committing to life and our relationships with ourselves and others until our last breath.

145. It is odd how we resist living a harmonious life. Despite being offered this choice so many times I have chosen the opposite yet when I am in harmony I am also in joy and find it simple to live and feel what is true and what is not. Every moment and what it presents is to be celebrated and appreciate whether I like what I feel or not … This is true magic and such a blessing.

146. Your writing reflects everything about you and your life Rowena – a beautiful, heart warming and harmonious blog that holds truth. Your wisdom and sharing is a gift to us all. These words have brought much clearing around the myths and contraction of maturing age and the choices open to us all. Thank you.

147. Your blog is so joyful to read Rowena and inspiring that you live such a vital life into your ninth decade. It’s beautiful to see and hear of people beginning to lead a more balanced and healthy lifestyle after initiating self-loving choices which lead to a connection with ourselves instead of continuing with unloving ways that only ever keep us in disconnection and forever shy of our true way of being. With deep appreciation of Serge Benhayon and Universal Medicine for showing me a different way too.

148. It is really inspiring to read and feel that you are living your life so fully in your 80’s. This blows my ideas about ‘getting old’ out of the water. I can feel that life can get increasingly amazing to the very end if we allow it.

149. Thank you Rowena for your words of wisdom. Since I have come into the family of Universal Medicine I have so many friends around the world and I never feel alone or lonely. I absolutely agree with you when you say ‘I feel more alive and more joyful than at any other stage of my life’.

150. What you have shared here shows the beautiful consequences of self responsibility. A true joyous life.

151. I am inspired by what you have shared here Rowena, as I am sure many would be. As I read your blog I can feel the joy that you live in every day and have claimed that for yourself.

152. This is so beautifully explained Rowena. I have found the same joyfulness in life and realised that I was sabotaging myself when I was drawn back into old ways of being that I thought were harmless but were laced with loveless patterns. Life can be joyful and expanding all the time and to have this we need to be connected to the awesome love that we are all the time. This means that we need to recognise the behaviours that are less than this and let them go. I look at my life and consider what serves to expand love and that deep connection with myself?
     I can feel the joy of the way you have found to live and appreciate the ways I can have that in my own life.

153. You and Tony are incredible and an absolute inspiration. It is amazing to see someone like you, I have never witnessed this before, an 80 year old with eyes as bright and sparkling as a new born and an alertness and interest in life and people that is still very active. You have not retreated from life but remained totally committed to it, growing and learning each day. Thank you for showing us how elder years can be lived.

154. As I read your amazing blog Rowena I was touched. I never heard a woman who is in her eighties write about her life in such a beautiful way. I am very much inspired and your awesome sharing helps me to stop my believe that to get older is not joyful. There are so many other role models around me who showed me that getting older is only an existing and not a living or that it has to do with a lot of suffering. To read your words is a healing for me to feel that there is an other way.

     1. Absolutely Agree esteraltmiks this is an a very inspiring blog. Thankyou Rowena for sharing the joys of getting older.

     2. I’m not 80 yet Anne, 9 years to go, but I am often surprised and saddened talking to those my age at the way they view their lives and the state of their health. Many accept it as part of ageing, and say’don’t get old’. Well I AM old. Vibrant, yes, joyful, yes, well, most certainly. I am aware of the need to take care of myself, and I rest more than when I was younger, but in truth I should have rested more when I was younger! Old age is fun!

     3. What you have written Victoria is so true – “The absence of role models such as Rowena says a lot about the way we have been living in general” and therefore I am so inspired to re-connect to this inner spark as I can feel that we are indeed ageless there as you have so beautiful described. I like the idea “that we ourselves may set the way forward for the generations to come” so I will change the exceptions of getting older as I really don’t want a life without joy and lightness – as this is no life for me at all.

     4. Hear, hear esteraltmiks. A life without connection to one’s joy is no life.
        You know, when I first came to women’s presentations and talks through Universal Medicine and Esoteric Women’s Health, I felt a great grief in me surface… A grief that I’d felt the true role models of women older than myself missing in my life. Yes I knew some wonderful women, but didn’t know one who really lived the joy and fullness of who she was. It was a great healing to find myself with a group of women who were committed to changing this, that we could restore ourselves once more to the ‘true woman’, in all of her beauty, loveliness and strength.
        The deepest healing and acceptance of all? That WE can be the inspiration for the generations to come that I had felt so deeply missing in our world.

     5. And the unexpected bonus? That I have got to know women such as Rowena Parkes, who are of a ‘generation older’, and who glow with everything I would want to be when I am in my 80’s. What an enormous gift and blessing.

     6. Yes, esteraltmiks, this is quite an amazing blog. What a role model Rowena is for all others to be inspired by her as they become older. She really shows just how joyful it can be to be an older woman, she stands out against the past role models we have had who have portrayed older age as a time of great suffering and unhappiness. So many of us dread becoming old, feeling on the scrap heap so to say. But Rowena has shown that is not at all necessary, we can be living quite amazing lives as we age. But if we truly look after ourselves, are engaged in the community, and live truly harmoniously and lovingly in all that we do, we can actually live quite amazing lives until the day we die. It is up to us to make the changes in our lives that allow that, as Rowena and her husband have done.

        1. A “scrap heap” I had to find out in the dictionary what that means and when I get it I have to laugh as it is a very understandable way to describe the way an older age can be felt. I love what you have shared about to truly look after ourselves and I only can agree as my feeling is if I start this in an earlier age my body is not a “scrap heap” at the end of my life.

155. Thank you Rowena, I agree, alcohol and drugs are the cause of so many of the world problems! “We feel that alcohol related violence is a present source of much suffering and alcohol should be seen to be the scourge that it actually is.” When I consider the number of times people who were naturally well behaved, totally lost all reasoning power, and were overcome by a force, saying “that was not me who acted that way”, it was always related to alcohol or drugs. In doing 20 years of security work , I noted a lot of this type of behaviour.

156. You are an inspiration to young and old Rowena. Thank you for showing how amazing growing old can be when you choose responsibility as your guiding light.

157. Rowena you are an inspiration. It is a blessing to read your words and see how natural it is to be open to have more people in your life when you grow older and to live responsibly and actively instead of resigning to growing old and giving up on life.

158. Rowena you blow me away with your expression! You are truly a marker for me and what growing old can be. You embody such grace and joy and all that I aspire to be as I head into the second half of my life. Thank you for being one of the most inspirational role models I have ever known.

159. Rowena – the rhythm you have built up is only reflected in the steadiness and joy I see you living. I really love what you say here – ‘How one thinks, how one reacts and how one communicates with one’s fellow humans is all one’s own responsibility, no-one can do this for you…’ – I don’t feel we stop enough and consider the responsibility we all have, yet by being honest with this, it can provide so much freedom and simplicity. You are a beautiful example of how growing older does not need to be about feeling alone or helpless.

160. Beautiful blog Rowena, very inspiring.

161. I too feel so much healthier for not drinking alcohol or eating gluten,dairy or sugar. I feel inspired by your blog and realise that increasing responsibility and establishing and honouring a rhythm allows for expansion and an increasing joy for life. Thank you Rowena Parkes.

162. This is a beautiful story, Rowena, it is lovely and inspiring to read how you are living in a rhythm true to you, enjoying every bit of life.

163. Rowena I love your sharing and as I am aging (in my late 60s) I find your sharing so relevant. I too love my life now more than I have at anytime in the past and all my appreciation goes to Serge Benhayon and the teachings of The Ancient Widom without whom I would not be in the position of learning new things about myself, Life and Love for humanity. Thank you for sharing your Joyful , harmonious Life with us.

164. Very inspiring Rowena. Thank you for reflecting that we can always continue to deepen our loving relationship with ourselves and our lives. That there is never and end point as there is always more to appreciate, enjoy, share and celebrate. And that -‘By taking full responsibility for our actions and our reactions we can live more harmoniously with each other and with all others: this has made our lives so much more worthwhile and so much more meaningful.’- beautifully said.

165. Rowena, awesome to hear about. I can imagine this wouldn’t be the way for many people in the older age bracket. But now, you’ve given me something to look forward to when I get older – a wonderful way of life, determined by my choices and the responsibility I have for me.

166. ‘Just glorious Rowena’

167. This speaks volumes and evidence there is another way to live ‘So many of our friends who have remained in Sydney are finding their lives are contracting, their friends are dying and they only have their families. We, on the other hand, find that our lives are expanding with new friends and new challenges all the time.’ Serge Benhayon and Universal Medicine are a true beacon of light living this and showing just how possible this is.

168. “My husband and I have found that to live a truly harmonious way of life in our eighties requires us to be responsible for the quality of lives we lead”. Rowena this is so inspirational for all, no matter what age. There is still an entrenched belief that life goes downhill as we age, yet you are bucking this trend. As you say, you and Tony “find that our lives are expanding with new friends and new challenges all the time”. Of course living harmoniously is available at any age, it only requires as you say, for ‘us to be responsible for the quality of lives we lead” and one can choose to take responsibility for their life at any age.

169. This is gorgeous Rowena, as it so reflects the beautiful spark that is you! I can feel that our choosing to be responsible in our lives does bring great awareness and the choice to live a more harmonious and loving life. This is so evident in the way you express and now choose to live your life, a true inspiration for all!

170. That’s a huge reflection of love, Rowena. You are the rays of the sun, that float into a new day for us to walk upon.

     1. How beautifully said Felix! Rowena your blog truly is an inspiration for all ages.

171. I want to be feeling like you do in your 9th decade of life now while I’m in my 3rd decade of life! Wow Rowena, thanks for proving how simple loving choices make such an impact on our daily lives.

172. To feel that one’s life can expand not contract as we grow older, and that there is always new learning to be had about relationships and responsibility is so inspiring Rowena, growing older never looked so good!

173. Gosh that’s touching to read, Rowena!! A living proof of lived truth of your own quality… Very inspiring for everyone I bet!

174. It is amazing to contemplate that if I keep working on my relationship that there is an endless depth of love to be discovered. I guess I had never considered this to even be possible. Somewhere along the way I must have picked up that love is finite in some way, and if it works and it is functioning, that I am lucky and this is success. But what I know now is that there is so much more to be discovered than I ever thought was possible, I can’t wait!!

175. Reading this blog makes me feel how I saw getting older, as your life getting worse and ‘contracted’, as you shared Rowena. Your sharing deeply inspires me and makes me look forward to every day of my life, full of me.

176. Beautifully inspiring Rowena. Great to hear that your life is continuing to expand with age.

177. Thank you Rowena and to your husband. I had always worried about death and what comes thereafter. Universal Medicine set an end to this. And you are the living proof of how joyful one can spend every moment, always learning, being humble and wise.

178. ‘ I take full responsibility and know that my wellbeing is totally up to me – not because of anything or anyone else, and not because I have to be a certain way or not.’ I loved reading this, Rowena, it’s so simple and so true. It’s very empowering to take full responsibility for how we are in all aspects of our lives. I am in my 5th decade and am more engaged in my life now than I was 25 years ago. I also feel quite ‘timeless’, knowing I will evolve, being me, as time passes and not stay static as time passes, which ultimately brings the feeling of being ‘older’.

179. It is amazing to read your story Rowena Parkes, that when we take the full responsibility over our lives that there is so much more to it. That our life in service is not finished when we retire but that we continue to be productive and in service until we die. This is mind shifting, compared to what I see currently happening in our societies.

180. Rowena you are an amazing role model! I too have found that taking full-responsibility for my actions and reactions is life changing and a very spacious way to live.

181. Whether we are young or old, life can be lived fully and amazingly with no holding back. It is not just for the youth-full!

182. ‘By taking full responsibility for our actions and our reactions we can live more harmoniously with each other and with all others’ I have found that this requires a continuing deepening of my level of honesty with myself and others. This is such a beautifully spacious and freeing way to be and allows for the possibility of joy in our relationships and in our life.

183. It is so beautiful to have you as an example as a elder person. You are living proof, that it is never too late to change your lifestyle and make different choices. No matter what age. Most of the elder people I know are in the comfort zone of being too old to change. You are indeed an amazing role model for society- thank you 🙂

184. Rowena, you are an absolute beacon of truth and a true example for all. How can anybody argue with that?!

185. Rowena wow through your sharing it debunks the myth that as you grow older you automatically live a lesser quality of life and miss the life you had when you were young. With being with ourselves 100% of the time life becomes simple – I am sure many people are inspired by this as I have been.

186. That’s awesome Rowena and very inspiring. I just turned 18 yesterday so 80 is quite a number of years away but hearing what you have shared inspires me to live that love we know in our hearts through all my years. You are sharing with me that this is possible and that when I get to 80 I can still feel joy and love. People says it’s inspiring to see a 18 year old live the way I do… I say it’s equally inspiring for seeing you at 80 living the way you do.

     1. It just goes to show that no matter what age we are, taking responsibility for our actions and reactions, and living that love we know in our hearts, allows us to live life fully and to deepen our relationships with all. Ariel at 18 and Rowena at 80 you are both an absolute inspiration.

187. 100% me … Lets print this on a shirt !!

188. Yep totally awesome Rowena, I find this beautiful and very encouraging. We no longer have to just fade out as we get older but continue to grow till our last dying day as we make truer and more self loving choices.

189. “By taking full responsibility for our actions and our reactions we can live more harmoniously with each other and with all others: this has made our lives so much more worthwhile and so much more meaningful.” This statement in and of itself is a life lesson thank you Rowena.

190. Rowena what you have embraced in your life at a stage where many people seem to be very stuck in their ways is truly inspiring. It’s just shows that no matter how old we are, we can always make the choice to be responsible for our choices and just be ourselves!

191. You have described how it can and will one day be to be in your 80’s – full of life and making the most of everyday.

192. Awesome Rowena. I love this bit in regards to alcohol and coffee – ‘Both are very harmful for our bodies and should not be considered “harmless”. It’s such a simple yet powerful way to say it. Also pointing out that some people may not want to understand what it is to live harmoniously. Your exactly right… Some people wouldn’t because that would mean that they have to look at how they are and the way they are living.

193. This is beautiful Rowena. I fully agree with “Living harmoniously is something that so many do not understand – and probably don’t want to understand – because it means that they really have to look at how they live their lives. How one thinks, how one reacts and how one communicates with one’s fellow humans is all one’s own responsibility, no-one can do this for you, and it is not something you can wriggle out of either, although many spend a lot of energy trying to do so!” This is so true.

194. It is great to read how our twilight years can continue to be an expansion, of staying committed until the end – ready to come back to bring all that has been learned back into the world once again.

     1. I agree Lee, so many of us fear getting older as we think our life is drawing to an end. It is quite common to hear from our elders that “our best year’s are behind us”. I believe this saying comes from the fact that as we age we may not be physically able to achieve what we could in earlier years and because we often spend most of our lives being recognised for what we do we believe that if we are not doing anything productive than we are not worthy. You buck the trend Rowena, knowing you and how you live actually makes me look forward to ageing.

195. What a great gift for you to have this awareness at your time in life, as you said most of your friends are losing their friends but you are gaining them. I love that you have shared your story and give me the inspiration to be more of me and take responsibility for my life for the first time in my life.

196. What an inspiration Rowena! Going into your 9th decade like a fireball! Just another nugget of truth about it never being too late to take responsibility for your life.

197. It was absolutely inspiring to read, that even in one’s eighties it’s possible to continue to bring more love, more loving friendships and harmony and well being to one’s health. Thank you Rowena for sharing this, as a possible choice for us all. And thank you Serge Benhayon and Universal Medicine for paving the way, and showing us the steps to make this possible.

198. It does take practise this is true but this is the only practise I can genuinely say is worth while, nothing else compares

     1. Absolutely true Jaime, nothing compares to the practice of returning to the simplicity of being me.

199. What a lighthearted and inspiring piece you have shared…our quality of life can seem ageless, it depends on how we live whether it be from the inside out or outside in…, living from the inside out, is being all of me, which is a daily commitment, yet it brings so much, and as you say i know for me, coming into my 50’s life is expanding more and more and I’m more joyful than ever before… i am only looking forward to living more of life even though I’m getting older….or the other choice being, i can live how i had previously lived and life would be shrinking and i would be feeling that i am less and less of value…Serge’s life lessons as you say, are truly inspiring in embracing ourselves and living life in full….

200. Thank you Rowena, very simply you are sharing it is never too late to change. All things are possible when we rid our–self of ideals and belief systems that have blinded us. The way Universal Medicine presentations by Serge Benhayon have inspired so many to not hold onto the past. By being consciously present, with all that we do, while we are doing it and for what ever we are doing, being present becomes a choice then a responsibility to our–self first. Then “by taking full responsibility for our actions and our reactions we can live more harmoniously with each other and with all others.”

     1. so true well said Greg

        1. Thank you Margaret.

201. Thank you Rowena for sharing how life is a continual development of deepening our relationship with our self and humanity at the same time. For we are forever learning and expanding our love for all. We are all blessed by those here sharing their lived lives so we may all learn from the experience.

202. What an inspiring read, wow.

203. Thank you Rowena for sharing your harmonious life with us. It is a blessing to read that your life is so purposeful even in your eighties. When I look around I do not see this in general. As you say about your friends in Sydney, older people are losing their purpose and are developing a contracted life, losing their friends and are lonely living with their families. I was not very enthusiastic about what society was showing me of what it is to become an elderly person. What you show me is such a different picture to what I thought becoming older would look like, I feel now that I will embrace this phase of my life and am looking forward to it.

     1. I agree, I have always seen growing old as quite a negative aspect of life, however I find this quite inspiring and I now see growing older as just another aspect of life, that brings with it all new opportunities, and ways of living.

     2. “I was not very enthusiastic about what society was showing me of what it is to become an elderly person. What you show me is such a different picture to what I thought becoming older would look like, I feel now that I will embrace this phase of my life and am looking forward to it.” – I agree, nvanhaastrecht, the way the majority of society are living in their elder years is not much of an advertisement to younger people. I am so glad we have people like Rowena and her husband showing us a different way to be.

204. You are showing us all how living with responsibility can expand one’s life Rowena. This is certainly a shift from the entrenched beliefs and behaviours around ageing. You are an inspiring role model who dismantles fear.

     1. ‘You are showing us how living with responsibility can expand one’s life Rowena’ – this is so true Bernadette. Rowena debunks so many entrenched beliefs in this blog, including the one I had bought into until recent years, that ‘responsibility’ is a burden. You only need to look to a dictionary to see where this belief comes from with the following definitions for ‘responsibility’:

        1. ‘the state or fact of having a duty to deal with something or of having control over someone.’
        2.’the state or fact of being accountable or to blame for something.’

        When what I am discovering is that true responsibility is a blessing as it starts with self-responsibility – ‘by taking full responsibility for our actions and our reactions we can live more harmoniously with each other and with all others’. Quite the opposite to being burdensome, Rowena is living proof that this can make our lives ‘so much more worthwhile and so much more meaningful.’ Thank you Rowena.

205. Rowena it is so true. We cannot look outside of ourselves for the answers as we are the keepers of our own joy, vitality and love.

206. ‘By taking full responsibility for our actions and our reactions we can live more harmoniously with each other and with all others’. An absolute gem of wisdom you’ve shared here Rowena from your lived experience. How different might the world be if we were to have learnt this as children from a very young age – in schools, within families, within our communities? What if the most important role for us as adults was to role model this behavior with our children in all aspects of our lives, ahead of any other of our other societal roles? I love how this possibility feels and I am appreciative that you and your husband, as the true elders that you are, will have left this foot-print on the earth to be felt by all well after your time on earth has passed.

207. This is such an inspiration Rowena and is completely defying all that we are told and believe about growing old. This is extraordinary really, yet feels like it is exactly the way it should be.

208. ‘Living harmoniously is something that so many do not understand – and probably don’t want to understand’. This is such a powerful statement, I love it. Choosing to be blind is essentially what a lot of humanity do, choosing to live inharmoniously. And supporting each other to stay in that way. So lovely to see two wise elders breaking the pattern, you are role models.

209. What an awesome blog Rowena; one that shatters the myth that after a certain age it’s all downhill. Taking responsibility for our own lives certainly has amazing results. Your renewed love of life is so inspiring and to me you are age-less. Your last line says it all: “I am simply me and it is wonderful”.

210. Rowena this is truly inspirational. How inspiring to be expanding as you age and not contracting. You offer a beautiful reflection to young and old alike.

211. Rowena it is very inspiring to read your blog as it shows me and everyone that as you grow older you can continue to build a deepening of love and joy in your life compared to the “normal” reality that I see which is people giving up, being lonely and feeling worthless – discarded.

212. Thank you Rowena, beautiful blog. I like what you say here “It is all a matter of being with ourselves 100% all the time – this does take practice but it is so worthwhile.”

213. A gourgeous article

214. Thank you Rowena for sharing your wisdom, what a great living example you are that we can choose every day of our life for quality, that ageing does not mean suffering, being without purpose, poor health etc. Thank you for being you!

215. Rowena, I can feel the harmonious, joyful way you are living your life in your words. Your blog is an awesome message to anyone of any age and definitely highlights that we can keep growing and expanding the quality of who we are, endlessly. Thank you

216. Thank you Rowena for this beautiful blog that is so full of your wisdom and love.
     Seeing and taking on ones own responsibility in everything at every time is indeed the key to change our lives. With this responsibility different choices will be made that sometimes may take time and effort, but open up such an amazing source of love and connection which seems ever expanding.

217. All so true Rowena thank you

218. Now that is the life I want to be leading now and when I am in my eighties too – expanding, not contracting.

219. Being with you two is harmony personified. It’s gorgeous to see you be together, the way you talk about each other when you share the wisdom of your long love affair, and also individually it is always lovely to be with you both. A true and very special couple to have as our role models for how to conduct yourself in a relationship / marriage. Thank you for always being so generous in sharing yourselves with us.

220. Wow Rowena, what an inspiring blog.

221. Rowena, I visit older people every day in my work in the community and they mostly tell me that old age is a terrible place to be and that it is not fun getting old. It is so refreshing to hear an older person expressing so much positivity and joy about aging. Inspirational !

     1. I agree Anne. The way so many people are experiencing old age, it is hardly something to look forward to.
        Rowena’s article is so important because it shows that old age need not be a travail. It can be gracious and entered into without the fear that suffering is inevitable.

222. It is truly a blessing when people in their eighties can live a full and vital life without the need for stimulants and all the other generally accepted props such as caffeine, copious amounts of sugar and alcohol. Living in rhythm and harmony sounds like a wonderful prescription for getting older and staying fully engaged in one’s life, thank you Rowena.

223. Thank you Rowena, to simply listen to what my body presents has been a blessing beyond my wildest dreams!

224. That’s beautiful to hear how simply and loving your life is at your age. It’s very rare to hear that someone in their eighties is living that kind of life, how inspiring.

225. Wow, what an inspiration you are Rowena, thank you. As someone in her 50’s I am aware that I must be over half way through my life by now, yet I feel it’s just beginning as I put into practice the teachings of Universal Medicine and truly embrace the amazingness of me. I feel more youthful now than I did in my 30’s. I love when you say “By taking full responsibility for our actions and our reactions we can live more harmoniously with each other and with all others: this has made our lives so much more worthwhile and so much more meaningful”. It’s not the number of years we live for, it’s the quality of that livingness.

226. I so enjoyed reading your wisdom Rowena. It shows that we can choose responsibility at any cycle in our lives and as a result live vital, productive lives.

227. How lovely it is to be totally inspired by our elderly. This is very rare these days but your story Rowena inspires both the elderly and younger generations to know that there is another way to live that doesn’t leave us drained, given up and shut down as we get older.

228. Thank you Rowena, finding a group of friends that are sincere and loving is our natural way of being. I also feel that Serge Benhayon’s presentations have been an essential part of inspiring me to be more loving.

229. Inspiring read Rowena. As a society we have given up on our elderly, as they too have given up on themselves. But perhaps this is a reflection of the fact that we give up on ourselves well before then. You are a living example that it does not need to be this way.

230. Thank you Rowena, you are an amazing inspiration of what it is to live life with self-responsibility and commitment to love and as you said “It is all a matter of being with ourselves 100% all the time – this does take practice, but it is so worthwhile.”

231. I have had a week of deepening the responsibility I take for the way I run my body, the quality I choose to live in each moment…and I am inspired by your blog Rowena, it is well worth the efforts as I read I can feel you are indeed reaping the rewards of this daily responsibility.

232. Brilliant Rowena. I am sorry to say that I see many deeply unhappy people in their 70’s and 80’s (actually, I see many unhappy people of all ages). There is a lot of unhappiness attached to illness.. and many people see themselves as passive victims of illnesses, believing them to be just a normal part of getting older. The alcohol and coffee etc are the rewards for a long life of working hard. And so often I hear the words “I am too old to change”. If we all believe that is true then there is not much about getting older to look forward to.
     Then there are students of Universal Medicine, like yourself, who are nothing short of inspirational because you are living in sync with your bodies. And it shows. No such thing as “too old to change”…for as long as we breathe and can make choices we can develop ourselves, refine, and learn.

233. Thank you Rowena, ‘the many life lessons that Serge Benhayon has shown us’ is also true for me as a student of what Serge presents. For me now, everything is a lesson in life and as you so aptly state there is no wriggling out, it is our responsibility because as you share, ‘no one can do it for you’!

234. I smile as I read this blog Rowena! It seems Responsibility is not a dirty word but rather a way of being that precedes a harmonious life – I think it’s worth it. Thank you for showing a great way to go out ‘shining’!

     1. I love you bold comment especially the “Thank you for showing a great way to go out ‘shining’!”.

        1. I also love this comment Nick

235. Wow Rowena this is beautiful to claim “I am simply me and it is wonderful” and so true. Your relationship is an inspiring example for all to see and to feel.

236. Thank you Rowena, for sharing about ‘life’s lessons’. What Serge Benhayon presents about ‘life’s lessons’ I already felt deep with-in and I knew what Serge was talking about. It just had to be reawakened so I could live that way again. As you so plainly state it is our responsibility to live or to return back to the feeling ‘deep with-in’.

237. Dear Rowena, I loved reading your article and could feel your Livingness jump out at me. It seems to me that the life you and your husband are choosing and enjoying in your latter years is the birthright of all. You are an amazing inspiration.

238. Rowena…you and your husband are an inspiration. Such power in the simplicity of what you share. The world needs to know about you both – that you can make loving self-care choices and live to a very ripe old age, but feel younger. It certainly defies the current trend of the elderly where Dementia is plaguing the aged care homes.

     And I love this line near the end…’I feel more alive and more joyful than at any other stage of my life because for the first time I take full responsibility and know that my wellbeing is totally up to me.’

     Amen to that!

239. Thank you Rowena, the power I gave to words such as ‘contracted’, before I met Serge Benhayon never served me! The relationship that I used to have with words in the past was not responsible. ‘By taking full responsibility for our actions,’ as presented by Serge Benhayon includes the way in which we use words or language. As I am writing this comment, if I feel the power of words that I continue to think or dwell on such as the word ‘contraction’, I can feel my body contract, ‘how one thinks is how one reacts’. When my focus goes to love and I live that responsibly, the feeling in my body is completely different.

240. Rowena thank you so much for your blog. I care for a lot of elderly people in my work and the joy in which you are living your life, is unfortunately very rare for the elderly in our community. I hear all the time ” well I have to expect this, I am getting older” You are leading the way for how we can all age, through the choices that we make everyday. The results of your choices are all there for us to see.

241. Congratulations on discovering the ‘Fountain of Youth’ Rowena and thankyou for sharing its (your) sparkle with us – true inspiration.

242. Thank you Rowena, you use an interesting word ‘contracted’. I feel ‘contracted’ in this sense is a limitation or restriction. All students have had the opportunity to live a life in full with no limitations, because of the inspiration that Serge Benhayon has had on our lives.

243. Truly inspiring Rowena to hear life becoming more full as you grow in age. Claiming your life and all the responsibility it entails.

244. Rowena you and your husband are true inspirations, and show that is never too late to take responsibility for your choices.

245. What a lovely blog to read Rowena. As you said “it takes practice” but I can already see improvements in my life thanks to the life skills of Universal Medicine.

246. Thank you Rowena, the elder energy that you share in your blogs brings some amazing truths. As you so aptly describe, you see yourself living a productive, loving life until you die. The students of the Livingness as a group, are typically living a productive loving life. This is because the students have been inspired by The Way of the Livingness as presented by Serge Benhayon.

247. What a beautiful inspiration you are Rowena, as you show that by taking responsibility in what we choose and by being ourselves we can change our lives at any moment and that there is never a time where it would be ‘too late’.

248. Thank you Rowena, once started, listening to our body becomes a natural rhythm. For me this means, as you stated, that I ‘go to bed early’ by not over riding that tired feeling or thinking I will miss something on TV. etc.

249. Thank you Rowena, Serge Benhayon has definitely inspired me to introduce, ‘many life skills which have helped [me] change our conceptions’.

250. Hi Rowena thanks for your great blog. What an example, a true inspiration for all ages, you certainly walk the talk. “I am simply me and it is wonderful”, says it all.

251. Taking responsibility and establishing a rhythm – to live a productive and loving life until I die – you are wonderful and truly inspiring Rowena. It is never too late to make changes, and I am inspired to keep learning and refining, and uncovering old patterns of thinking and behaviour that get in the way of the vitality and joy that is possible.

252. Thank you Rowena for writing this blog, which communicates so much.
     Words like total (as in ‘totally up to me’) can-not be misinterpreted, it is how we look at the re-interpretation of the words used in conjunction with TOTAL. Wellbeing as a word can get lost with many people having their own re-interpretation. Wellbeing to me is a holistic approach to all aspects of my life, which bring me to a point that allows true healing to take place. Responsibility is a word that can be flippantly discarded or discounted. For me true responsibility comes in every facet of life and includes an integrity to allow a consistent purpose to life. So my Total Wellbeing is a Responsibility I take very seriously, without being extreme.

253. How gorgeous is it to have people over 80 years old speak about being vital, joyful and loving being themselves. This is a model of Ageing that needs to be studied.

     1. I totally agree Elizabeth. Awesome!

     2. hear hear Elizabeth, it is extraordinary the sharing Rowena has given us and deeply inspiring. It makes complete sense to study this way of living that shows life can with vitality and joy at 80?

     3. Elizabeth I completely agree: “this is a model of Ageing that needs to be studied”. Rowena and Tony are absolutely brimming with love and vitality bringing joy wherever they go. They have much to teach many and this is certainly a model that should be studied. I myself at 58 am healthier and more vital than at any time of my life including my teens and 20s. We have all benefited from the teaching of Serge Benhayon and Universal Medicine. Why are the governments and medical systems of the world not queuing up to see what is going on here? – just have a look at some of these photos they speak for themselves.

254. It is a joy and blessing to have met and know you Rowena, you and Tony are true living examples about how life could be lived when we reach our 80’s – in vitality and attitude to life and in your relationships. Thank you

255. Thank you Rowena for a blog that shares that at any age we can start to make loving choices that are life changing!
     Each day seems to bring a new lesson in life so when I am living responsibly, this means I do not react or contract but allow the continuing expansion. This has become my rhythm that I now live and express harmoniously with all to the best of my ability. This has come about for me because of the presentations of Serge Benhayon.

256. To read your blog, as well as when I met you and your husband, Rowena, is very inspiring and very confirming. It is confirming to me that living my rhythm and my lifestyle inspired by Universal Medicine, I don’t have to fear growing old. I can go forward embracing old age full heartedly.

257. It must be wonderful to have more friendships and relationships being built as you get older. This is certainly very much against the trend of old age where loneliness and isolation is often such a big issue. As I grow older I would love to emulate your way of living and embracing life, there seems to be so much joy in being this way. In working with older people this is certainly not something I would say I see very often.

258. Thank you Rowena for a truly amazing article, just like you our friends oops did I say friends I meant family. The reason I say family is not to be smart or delusional but I now have a group who I connect to who are more like true brothers. I can rely on this group of people in any situation, they are genuine and sincere people that probably number at least a thousand.

259. Rowena you are a true inspiration! I cannot wait to be in my eighties knowing that the way I live now, as you described, will have me feeling the same as I do now. I will just be another number in age.

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