What about Aging Joyfully?
A new year brings fresh awareness of the passage of time. As they say, “We ain’t gettin’ any younger.” Our societal focus on age makes people past 30 start using phrases like “I’m so old now!” That way of thinking is easy to debunk. Why take this stance at 40? If we can still do all the activities we want, we ought to focus on the positive instead of fixating on years under the belt.
We might even remain young-at-heart into our 60’s and beyond. But the truth is, at some point, our body starts to gradually decline. It is at this point that many fixate on aging “gracefully.” This may entail dressing appropriately for one’s age, acting in a mature way, and generally taking care of outward appearances.
But from the lens of mental health, we may also want to consider aging “joyfully.”
It all comes down to attitude and perspective. One 2002 study found that longevity is most affected by peoples’ views on getting older. People who displayed more optimism lived longer by over seven years (although diet and exercise also played a large role).
One way to prepare for more enjoyment in our later years is to start at middle age or even younger. This entails not overworking yourself, spending quality time with family, staying in touch with friends, cultivating feelings of gratitude, and communicating more with those around us in a positive way. We can make art, travel, and spend more time with loved ones while it’s still possible. Regret is common in older age and this is one way to avoid it.
But once we find ourselves at 60 and over, there are still poignant things we can do to dispel the myth of the “old, grumpy” senior propagated by our culture’s media. Here are a few tips to make our later lives more cheerful and optimistic.
Foster a sense of “awe” - Remember that sense of wonderment from childhood? That curiosity and interest that stimulated our young minds? Well, you don’t have to let that go. As the world changes there is always a novelty to feast our eyes/ears on. At the same time, nature as it has always been may inspire a sense of “awe” at any age. This outlook is great for serotonin levels, which may help mitigate against depression as we age.
Befriend the young'uns - Becoming friends with younger individuals pushes us to do new things, keep up with the trends, and become adept at using the latest technologies. As well as keeping us up-to-date, they also inspire a more active lifestyle which is great for physical health. On the flip side, we can act as mentors and spread wisdom to the next generation.
Reframe the “empty nest” - The thought of kids/family leaving home can trigger sadness for some. But we can change the way we view this development making it more positive. We can look forward to more free time, redecorating, repurposing old rooms, and making a change of scenery right where we live! One idea may be to make the living space more “gathering friendly” to facilitate dinner or cocktail parties.
Experience some culture - One study found engaging in cultural events like going to church, out to eat, or to concerts/sporting events helped people not only stay happier but live longer. The social aspect of these activities fosters a feeling of belonging. When we have a sense of purpose, or of something to look forward to, it works wonders for mental health at any age - not just in our twilight years.
Keep your mind stimulated - If one’s home is devoid of color and art it may begin to have a negative effect on the senses. Indeed, as we age our vision, hearing, and other perceptions begin to dull. To counteract this, studies suggest sprucing the place up with colorful art, interesting design, and other aesthetic measures to delight and stimulate our senses.
Other helpful tips include spending most of our time with people who have a positive effect on our mental health - in other words, people who elevate us, making us feel happier and more enriched. Another tip is to help others if we can. Altruism may give us a sense of purpose like nothing else, and as mentioned earlier, a sense of purpose can have an amazing effect on longevity.
For further discussion about this topic as well as interviews with some upbeat people who are indeed bringing joy into their later years, please check out our podcast called “The Breakdown with Dr. B” available on Spotify, Apple Podcast, and other streaming sites as well as our website www.bregmanmedicalgroup.com
Bregman Medical Group has decades of experience helping people of all ages with a variety of concerns. We offer online psychiatry and therapy with treatment available right on your device at home! Simply schedule at www.bregmanmedicalgroup.com or call 305-740-3340.
References:
??https://aestheticsofjoy.com/forget-aging-gracefully-heres-how-to-age-joyfully/
https://www.businessinsider.com/how-to-make-sure-get-happier-as-you-get-older-2019-8
https://fortune.com/well/2023/07/03/habits-that-boost-happiness-as-you-age/
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/i-hear-you/202305/heres-how-to-stay-happier-as-you-get-older