As we age, we often ask ourselves the same questions: How do we stay healthy, happy, and fulfilled? What can we control, and what's outside of our grasp? The answers lie in understanding how our thoughts and actions shape our experiences and, ultimately, our lives.
Lyn Slater, a 71-year-old fashion guru, discovered that her readers were more interested in her story than her clothes. People wanted to learn from her confidence, flair, and exuberance as she galloped into her 60s. Slater's journey became a beacon of hope for those seeking inspiration in their later years.
The urgency of aging is a pressing concern, as the number of centenarians in the United States is expected to quadruple over the next three decades. With longer life spans, our encore years have taken on a new kind of urgency: What will become of us? How can we flourish rather than wither? Is how we age a choice?
The answer lies in our mindset. Anthony Weiner, director of outpatient geriatric psychiatry at Massachusetts General Hospital, emphasizes the importance of being mindful and aware of our actions and emotions. We can make choices in many aspects of how we age, from finding meaning in life to staying connected with people.
A positive mindset is crucial, as Becca Levy, a professor of epidemiology and psychology at Yale, has discovered. Levy's research found that people who think more positively about aging live, on average, seven and a half years longer than those who hold more negative beliefs. A person's will to live, defining their life as "worthy" and "full" rather than "empty" and "worthless," plays a critical role in how aging beliefs affect lifespan.
Role models like Slater, Ruth Baker-Battist, and others who defy ageist stereotypes can inspire us to take control of our lives. We can find purpose and meaning in our later years by being open to new experiences, exploring our passions, and nurturing our social connections.
Reaching our full potential requires planning and investment in our body and soul. Research shows that people who report a greater sense of purpose eat more healthfully, sleep better, and exercise more. Having a sense of purpose can even contribute to a longer life, as people who have a higher sense of purpose are less likely to die from any illness.
In the end, it's not just about us, but about our relationships with others. Robert Waldinger, director of the Harvard Study of Adult Development, emphasizes the importance of close relationships in navigating later life. The happiest retirees in the study replaced old colleagues with new companions, and people who were more socially connected lived longer than their lonely peers.
As we age, it's essential to redefine what success means to us. We can take control of our lives by fostering a sense of belonging, nurturing our social connections, and finding purpose and meaning in our later years. It's a grand proposition, and the perfect place to start.
