Canyon Ranch (Arizona)
The past few years have seen a cultural sea change in attitudes toward aging. More and more TV shows feature older people, and more people see retirement as a new beginning and remain active for life - but many of us retain negative stereotypes of aging that we've absorbed over the years, which can turn some of those concepts - like equating age with forgetfulness and illness - into self-fulfilling prophecies.
The power of a healthy attitude
Negative attitudes toward aging can be actively stressful. A study of 600 adults by the Journal of Social Psychology showed that those with a positive attitude lived around seven years longer than their more pessimistic peers.
Many people opt for denial, identifying as being middle-aged well into their 70s and 80s. But embracing aging doesn't have to mean denying your age - or opting out of activities you enjoy. If you believe you can ski when you're in your 80s, there's a higher chance that you'll still be hitting the slopes in your ninth decade. On the other hand, expecting to be less active and losing the habit of exercise can result in your body losing its edge. Like a long-unused car, your body simply won't respond as you'd wish if you don't keep moving, both physically and mentally.
Be strategic
Good lifestyle habits are key to aging well. After age 50 or so, genetics play a less important role in your health than environmental influences. If you maintain good eating and exercise habits, sleep well and don't smoke, your chances of stroke, hypertension and heart disease decrease dramatically. In fact, older adults are the fastest-growing segment of the population in the U.S. Older adults are healthier, live longer and have more education than ever before. College and community programs and websites on optimal aging abound.
That's not to say the aging process doesn't exist, or that physiological changes won't occur - but maintaining a healthy attitude and practicing compensatory skills can help you live younger longer and remain the best, and happiest, you can be.
Deposit to the brain bank
Studies have shown that brain growth continues to occur throughout your life - the more you use your brain, the more neurons you'll create for future use. Brain cells are your most valuable currency - and they're fun and easy to acquire. To promote neurogenesis, or brain growth, include five key factors in your daily life: exercise, good nutrition, love (think pets, grandchildren, friends and family), brain challenges and novelty. Make regular deposits to your "brain bank." Do puzzles, change patterns of behavior - take a new route home or start your shopping at a different place in the grocery store. The brain loves novelty. Learn a language - visit new places. Sound like fun? You bet!
Lost your keys, or forgotten why you went into another room? Just relax. Resist labeling it as a senior moment. Adopt compensatory strategies such as writing yourself notes, making lists, or closing your eyes and taking a few slow, deep breaths to calm your mind and allow the memory time to arise.
Resilience is your most valuable tool in embracing the aging process. Consciously live in the moment, and don't dwell on the negatives.
The bottom line? If life is 10 percent what happens to you and 90 percent how you react, cultivating a healthy, realistic attitude may well be the world's best recipe for successful aging.
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