One of the great questions that has puzzled humanity for centuries is how to stay young. We age, we eventually die, and many of us struggle with the idea of aging. We resist it, and some find it difficult to come to terms with our inevitable mortality.

But why should we simply accept this? Why shouldn't seniors in Cincinnati and beyond seek ways to remain young? And what does "young" truly mean?

One key lesson that the concept of positive aging teaches us is that age and health can’t be reduced to a simple set of metrics. Our mental, emotional, spiritual, and financial well-being are just as crucial to how "old" we feel.

Some people may be physically aged but still feel vibrant mentally and emotionally. Others may appear young outwardly but feel worn out inside.

At its core, youth is often a state of mind. So today, let's explore four creative ways seniors in Cincinnati can embrace staying young.

Go outdoors and play.

Remember that classic Twilight Zone episode, "Kick the Can?"

In it, a group of seniors, who lament feeling useless and forgotten, discover that playing an outdoor game they'd loved in their youth is, in fact, the secret to rejuvenation. At night, they sneak out of their retirement home and play Kick the Can under the streetlights.

One of the residents, Ben, believes that the others have lost their minds. He refuses to play. The result? He's left behind — alone and despairing — when the others are transformed back into children.

Can playing outdoors really turn back the clock on your life? In the magical sense, no. But in the psychological sense, yes, of course it can.

Play wiffleball or bocce with the grandkids. Go swimming. Hike. Go to the park. Just get out of the stuffy house with its dust and its dim light. You'll find yourself feeling younger almost immediately.

Get involved in a community theater company.

OK, so outdoors might not be your thing. But how about helping to put on a show?

There are many community and amateur theater groups in the tri-state, and they're always looking for undiscovered talent. From beloved musicals, to classic stage comedies and dramas, to avant-garde and underground productions, there are always plays to try out for that would suit your taste.

Even if you aren't the singing-and-dancing type, there's a role for you backstage. Lighting, sound, stage crew, ticket sales, ushers, promotions volunteers, costumers, makeup artists, and more are all needed to get a show off the ground.

You'll meet plenty of new friends — most likely, from across the age spectrum — and you'll have a blast!

Join a group that speaks to your interests.

Are you an amateur naturalist? A backyard astronomer? A birdwatcher?

Are you a model railroad enthusiast? Love to hunt for fossils or buried, lost treasures? Are you a HAM operator?

What about social butterflies and foodies? Love the Cincinnati Reds and professional baseball? Ballroom or salsa dancing?

Whatever your interests are, there's almost bound to be a group of folks in the Greater Cincinnati area who share your passions. Why not meet them, learn, and have fun along with them?

Joining a community interest group is an excellent way not only to stay active and socialize, but to bridge the generational divide. Most interest groups have members of a wide range of ages, so you can make friends with younger adults and older adults alike.

Tour your city.

What are you interested in learning more about? The hidden history of the Queen City? Breweries or distilleries? Art?

There are so many opportunities for you to get out and learn about the hidden aspects of life and culture here in the tri-state. Tours are a great way to learn about them.

Some companies, like Cincinnati ice cream giant Graeter's, offer tours of their facilities and even allow you to try out their products during the tour.

There are subject-based tours, too: food tourism, for example, is a fun way of touring one's hometown and learning about its cuisine, risk-free.

Many local museums and attractions offer docent-guided tours of their exhibits. The Cincinnati Art Museum offers tours by request, it's a fantastic opportunity to gather your senior friends and family members and culture up!

The key to staying young is to act young.

To a certain extent, age is a state of mind. Positive aging is just that, maintaining your positivity as you grow older.

You don't have to go outside and kick the can to feel like a kid again. But sitting inside all day in front of your TV isn't going to help you feel young, either. Engage your passions. Get out and get involved!