The following article is a summary of an article that was printed in Women’s Health Reporter Newsletter Volume 20/Number 1 January 2019
See older age as an opportunity rather than thinking of it as a time when you may decline
“Being happy and positive about life may protect your cognition and keep your brain and body functioning at their best as you age,” says Mount Sinai geriatrician Patricia Bloom, MD. “Positive feelings help reduce the stress that can interfere with concentration and memory, and cause us to engage in bad health habits like smoking, not getting enough exercise, and eating a poor diet.”
Negative Age Stereotypes
Negative stereotypes tend to portray older adults as incompetent, inactive, and the overall impression is that age is something you need to fight off. “If you do develop health issues, it’s all too easy to assume it’s your age and there’s nothing you can do about it,” Dr. Bloom says. Research suggests that negative thoughts about aging can become a self-fulfilling prophecy—in one study, older adults with negative thoughts about getting older tended to walk more slowly, were less likely to recover their health after fractures, and had a greater risk for memory problems as they aged. Conversely, other studies show that people who have positive self-perceptions of aging live more than seven years longer than people with less positive perceptions, and enjoy better physical and mental health.
Focus on Opportunity for Growth and Purpose
“Instead of thinking that the aging process can’t be changed and decline is inevitable, try to think in terms of age being nothing more than a number,” says Dr. Bloom. “Also remind yourself that your health and vitality are things you can influence for the better—for motivation, focus on robust, capable role models in the worlds of philanthropy, education, sports, and entertainment.”
“You have years of experience that can help you problem-solve faster than younger people who haven’t learned what you have over decades; a trove of accumulated creativity, talent, wisdom, and empathy you can share and contribute to your community,” Dr. Bloom says. “Focusing on these affirmative age stereotypes will help you develop and maintain positive self-perception.”
Spend a moment thinking about the many experiences and successes you’ve had during your life, and remove negative thoughts such as, “Oh that was no big deal, anyone could have done that.” Giving yourself credit can bolster your positive thoughts.
Keep a Gratitude Journal
Each day, write down three things for which you are grateful, such as a friend who made you laugh, a stranger’s kindness or generosity, or a beautiful sunrise or sunset you saw. Remember to note the small joys in life as well as some that might seem more important. “Writing about the things you are grateful for has a stronger effect than just thinking about a subject, and can help you develop a more positive habit of mind,” says Dr. Bloom.
Learn to Tolerate Uncertainty
It’s very important to remember that just because you don’t feel in control of certain aspects of the aging process doesn’t mean you can’t benefit from it. “Getting older may lead to unexpected opportunities and positive experiences,” Dr. Bloom concludes.