How to Have a Positive Mindset About Aging

Earlier this year, as thousands of older nursing home residents were dying of COVID-19, I wrote a post about how Americans view older adults. One of the things I noted is that Americans generally have a negative view of aging and the aged. We view aging as being synonymous with decline and apply a number of negative stereotypes to older individuals (they are cranky, they are unable to learn new things, they drain society’s resources, etc.).

The reality is that aging is an inevitable part of life and it is something all of us are experiencing. If we could develop a positive view of aging and learn to embrace it as a natural part of life, then we would likely be healthier and happier as we age. Moreover, younger members of society might have an easier time relating to older members of society.

Given aging does entail some undesirable changes and moves us closer to death (something many are uncomfortable thinking about), how can we have a positive view of it? Here are some ideas.

How to view aging positively

• Fight stereotypes. We tend to stereotype older people (they are slow physically and mentally, they are crotchety, they are nosy, they are sickly, etc.) and often discriminate against them because we believe the stereotypes (for example, a business owner may hire a younger applicant instead of an older one because he or she believes the older applicant is too weak or slow to hold the position). If we are going to have a positive mindset on aging, then we have to call out and challenge these stereotypes. Many older adults are physically and mentally active. Most have the same personality traits they’ve had all their lives. Not all are nosy. Though many do have some medical conditions, these don’t necessarily hinder their abilities to live full and satisfying lives. Negative stereotypes about aging become self-fulfilling prophesies. Researchers have found that if we believe them, then we are more likely to become physically sick and mentally slow. In other words, calling out and challenging stereotypes can actually help us avoid becoming the stereotypes.
• Celebrate the contributions that older individuals make to society. One common stereotype about older individuals is that they are a drain on society’s resources. It is commonly believed that they consume a lot (they require a lot of health care, they collect Social Security, they need help from in-home care providers or care in a nursing home, etc.) without contributing (they are no longer in the workforce, they aren’t spending lots of money to boost the economy, they’re no longer raising families, etc.). If this were universally true, then there would be good reason for our mindsets on aging to be bleak! Thankfully, it’s not true. Many older adults continue working and/or owning businesses. Those who do—and even those who don’t—make plenty of contributions to society:
  • Volunteering
  • Mentoring
  • Teaching fading skills
  • Being a good spouse, parent, friend, sibling, neighbor, etc.
  • Caring for grandkids
  • Sharing information about the past
  • Voting
  • Sharing wisdom
• Keep mentally and physically active. If we’re sick, then we won’t be able to do as many enjoyable things during our older years. Therefore, it is important to remain mentally and physically active during our adult years. Researchers have found that individuals who are mentally active (engage in creative work, interact with family and friends, think critically, etc.) maintain better memory and retain their ability to perform complex problem solving as they age. Likewise, individuals who are physically active maintain strength, have less arthritis pain, and require fewer medications for conditions such as diabetes as they age. If we’re active as we head into our older years, then we can look forward to remaining active throughout our older years.
• Make a difference. According to researchers, older adults are happier and healthier when they know they’ve made a positive contribution to the world around them. This provides a sense of purpose and meaning. Therefore, one way to lay the groundwork for happy, healthy aging is to begin making a difference now.
• Meditate on Scripture. When it comes to the topic of aging, those of us who are Christians—and even those who aren’t—would benefit from reading what the Bible has to say on the topic. Unlike the stereotypes our society has on aging, the Bible presents a very positive perspective. The grey hair that many in our society prefer to dye is a crown of glory and a splendor (Proverbs 16:31, Proverbs 20:29). The old are wise and capable of producing good things (Job 12:12, Psalm 92:13). Our spirits can remain strong even as our bodies begin to weaken (2 Corinthians 4:16). Grandchildren are a crown of the aged (Proverbs 17:6). Additionally, the Bible addresses the topic of eternity, which can bring peace as we age and move closer to the end of our lives.

Trying to change our paradigms on aging may seem trivial, but it’s really not. Having a positive outlook may actually extend the length of our lives! In one study, researchers found that older adults who held positive views of aging lived an average of 7.5 years longer than their peers who held negative views.

For additional information on positive aging, please visit my sources:

• Making Aging Positive
• Could Thinking Positively About Aging Be The Secret Of Health?
• What is Positive Aging?
• 5 Reasons Aging Is Awesome
• Aging Positively: Why What We Think Of Old Age Matters

How do you feel about aging? Do you loathe it? Do you embrace it? How do you want to view it?

Shared at the following:

Encouraging Hearts and Home, Over the Moon, and Busy Monday.