Dr. Gladys McGarey, a 102-year-old consulting doctor and holistic medicine pioneer, has shared her secrets to health and happiness at every age in a news. Despite facing numerous setbacks in her life, including surviving cancer, the death of a daughter, and a divorce at almost 70, McGarey remains resilient and continues to live a fulfilling life. In her book, “The Well-Lived Life: A 102-Year-Old Doctor’s Six Secrets to Health and Happiness at Every Age,” she offers valuable insights on how to overcome setbacks and find purpose.
One of McGarey’s main tips for living is to view everything as a teacher. After her painful divorce, she found healing and joy by starting a new holistic medical practice with her daughter. This experience taught her to trust in her own voice as a doctor and woman. McGarey also emphasises the importance of paying attention to dreams, as they can provide guidance and insight from the unconscious mind. She suggests asking for a dream before going to bed and writing it down upon waking up to uncover hidden messages and clues.
According to McGarey, all aspects of life need to be in motion, including the mental, spiritual, and physical. She refers to this life force as “juice” and believes it should be directed towards one’s desired destination and emotional state. McGarey acknowledges that it is natural to occasionally feel stuck, as she did during her divorce. However, she advises individuals to become aware of their stuck state and actively search for a way out. By seeking light, love, and hope, one can break free from the confines of negativity and discover the wonders that surround them.
In terms of maintaining good health and longevity, McGarey highlights the importance of finding what works for each individual. While she believes in the significance of diet and exercise, she does not endorse any specific eating plan or exercise regimen. As a great-great-grandmother, she indulges in foods she enjoys, including chocolate cake and the occasional hamburger. However, she abstains from alcohol and smoking, emphasising the need for personal choices that align with individual lifestyles.
McGarey firmly believes that each person has a purpose in life and that it is both a privilege and responsibility to discover that purpose within oneself. Love is at the core of her philosophy, and she considers it to be the most powerful medicine. Despite the common belief that aging is synonymous with decline, McGarey argues that growing older can lead to personal growth and a deeper connection with one’s purpose. At 102 years old, she has a 10-year plan to create a village for living medicine, where individuals can come together to practice wellness.
McGarey’s inspiring journey serves as a reminder that setbacks do not define us. By viewing life’s challenges as opportunities for growth, embracing personal freedom and choice, and seeking love and purpose, individuals can lead fulfilling lives at any age. McGarey’s wisdom and resilience continue to inspire others to age gracefully and find happiness in every stage of life.
