Happy Days

A recent Instagram video by Sheila Nollert, the powerhouse behind the account @grandma_moves, begins with her drinking tea in a rocking chair, covered with a blanket and reading a book. “Society says senior years look like this,” reads the words flashing across the screen. “Nope!”

Down goes the teacup and up Nollert gets, casting off her blanket to reveal sportswear and running shoes. With the back of her heel, she tips over the rocking chair and strides into the forest to begin a vigorous workout. Meanwhile, the caption implores: “Don’t believe it when you hear your older years look like ... well, over. Your older years are far from over ... for goodness’s sake. Society doesn’t know what it’s talking about. Simply keep moving!”

This short clip embodies the ethos that drives Nollert to share content through @grandma_moves. It’s a powerful message. How often do we put off living for today—doing activities that bring us joy or help us cultivate strength—because we feel there will be a better time to do so in the future, or that our best days are behind us?

But learning to live for the here and now offers a wealth of mental and physical benefits, and it’s easier to do than you may think.