Aging, chapter 967
We’ve covered the topic of aging more than a few times on this blog. Here comes one more.
I recently read an article from The New York Times that outlines a key to longevity, something to give us all a little leg up (because who can’t use a little help with getting their legs up when you are over 60?) on Father Time and the Inevitable.
Seems like the experts “are increasingly finding that having a positive mind-set is associated with aging well.” Well, that and a $1.50 will get you…wait, I don’t think there’s anything you can buy for a $1.50. That and $5.00 will buy you a McDonald’s value meal.
Ok, so maybe that’s like, did we really need a study to know this? Apparently. It was a decades long study and found that those with positive beliefs around getting older lived seven and a half years longer than those who felt negatively about it. More research found that it was also associated with lower blood pressure, and a reduced risk of developing dementia.
Well, color me, sunshine and flowers! Take that Father Time! I am going to claim my extra seven and a half years, thank you very much. Don’t have to tell me more than once. I am all in!
So no more bellyaching here about my aching belly that can no longer handle that siracha sauce. Eyes having trouble seeing? Pshaw! I’ll just put on my rose-colored glasses and everything will look pretty. Sagging neck wrinkles? Scarves to the rescue! Yay for fall and winter season!
See how this works? It’s pretty easy actually, turning negatives into positives. But should we have any problems with that they have some suggestions for us.
They say that the first step is awareness. Hmm, kind of sounds like my therapy sessions. They suggest trying a week of “age belief journaling”. “This is where you write down every portrayal of an older person-whether in a movie, on social media or in a conversation. Then question if that portrayal was negative or positive, and whether the person could have been presented differently. Simply identifying the sources of your conceptions about aging can help you gain some distance from negative ideas.”
Oy. I am exhausted just thinking about that. Seems like a lot of work. I am too old for all that. Oh, snap! There it is! A negative aging perception. I better start that journal.
But wait, they offer some other ways towards more positive aging perceptions. This one sounds far easier and less time consuming.
They say to find aging role models; “shift your attention and look around for role models, see who’s doing it well.” They recommend coming up with five older people (I am really curious how/why they came up with such a specific number as 5) who you think are aging well and it can be anything from falling in love later in life, to helping others, to engaging in physical activity. Some activity or quality they possess that you admire.
Got it. I am an overachiever though, so I am going to double that number and go for 10 aging role models.
Ah, here comes a tricky one. NO PLATITUDES OR FORCED OPTIMISM. That won’t work. They call for “honest reality with optimism.” What does this look like you ask? It is described thusly:
“If you’re feeling deflated that your tennis game isn’t as strong in your 70’s as it once was, remind yourself, ‘No, I can’t play tennis like I did when I was 50, and I can only play for 10 minutes. But I can still play.” What do you call it when you are 35 and play tennis like you are 50? Because that was me.
Alrighty then. That pretty much covers the playbook for changing your mindset on aging from negative to positive, all while avoiding the platitudes pitfalls.
Some journaling, aging role models, and ‘honest reality with optimism.’
To that I would add gratitude and knowing the privilege that is aging. I have always said about aging, it’s all good, considering the alternative.
How’s that for ‘honest reality with optimism’?