Mind Over Matter: What’s Your Outlook on Aging?
Rod Lowry | Member, Wellness Committee
My wife is an extremely positive person. She’s always smiling and sees the good in people, situations, and life in general. I, on the other hand, tend to have a less positive point of view. I’m not extremely negative but when things don’t go as planned, I can be just a tiny bit surly.
Recently, I came across an article written by Laura Williamson which breaks down a study on the benefits of staying positive as we age. In the study led by psychology researchers Eric Kim and Hannah Glasson, they found that people who maintain a positive attitude about aging live longer, healthier lives than those with negative perceptions of the aging process. [1] Who knew having a sunny outlook had the power to add years to your life?
Some of us might have negative thoughts about aging that we’ve absorbed over time: how once you hit a certain age, “it’s all downhill from here.” But this kind of thinking only holds us back. In their study, Kim and Giasson suggest several things we can do to maintain a positive attitude as we age. Here are my personal takes on their suggestions:
Find what motivates you to get up in the morning.
I spoke with a 90-year-old friend of mine about how he spends his retirement. He stays active with a busy social calendar and I see him at all sorts of social activities. When I asked his secret, he said, “You have to have a reason to get up in the morning.” How true that is.
Join an early morning walking group, get a paper route, or plant a garden. Every day is a fresh start and an opportunity to discover what brings you joy and fulfillment. Don’t waste it!
Reject negative perceptions on aging.
There seems to be a whole ethos about growing older. You’re too old to contribute, progress, travel and on and on it goes. These negative ideas simply aren't true!
You can contribute. You can learn and progress. You can go out and see the world, be it your own backyard or distant continents. Don't let misconceptions about aging get the best of you – only know what you are capable of.
Maintain a rich social life.
We are social beings. Most of our careers were spent interacting with others on a daily basis. Suddenly finding ourselves alone for much of our time can have consequences for our wellness.
Try forming new connections by finding a hobby group, volunteering for a cause that you find meaningful, or joining any activity that interests you, like a community choir. Get out and be with others!
Be open to trying something new.
The brain is a marvelous organ. Research shows that trying new things stimulates our brain, keeps us sharp, and is good for our overall health. [2]
So, be brave. Never painted before? Take a class. Want to make beautiful music? Learn to play an instrument. Want adventure? I know a woman that went sky diving when she was in her eighties! You are only limited by what you believe you can do.
A word of caution: on the flip side, negative thinking can come with a cost to our health. According to Kim, “if people believe poor health is inevitable with age, this can be a self-fulfilling prophecy that keeps them from behaviors that will help with aging." [1]
When it comes to aging, it really is mind over matter.
Sources
Rod Lowry
Wellness Committee Member