Stepping into a brand new year, brings with it visions of promise and positive change. Most often New Year resolutions revolve around nutrition and exercise or perhaps tackling a project we’ve been putting off. I’m definitely all for drawing motivation for positive change from whatever source moves us in that direction. However, we can make a list, do all the things, and say “this time we are going to stick to it,” but the bottom line is, MINDSET MATTERS.
Recently, a beautiful 98 year old woman who was a part of my life since I was a child left this earth. When she did, she left behind a legacy of strength and resilience that rivals any stereotypical image of aging one might hold. She was someone you could discuss current events with, the latest movies, sports scores, and more. I will miss our visits, conversations and her sense of humor.
I tell you this because if I just mentioned her age, it likely would have conjured up a totally different image of who she was. For this reason, before her passing, when I would mention her to others and they asked, “how old is she?” I would feel the need to quickly explain how sharp she was. This was my way of “defending her” against any negative thoughts coming her way. Yet I probably wouldn’t have felt the need to do so if she had been much younger.
Aging is inevitable. Regardless of our age, whether it be 20-something or 80-something, we are aging. How we think about aging is something we learn from our family, our community, our culture, and the media. So what if I told you that how we perceive aging can profoundly impact how we experience it? Research shows that our mindset shapes not only our emotional health but also our physical well-being. Negative thoughts about aging can seep into the subconscious and when accepted as truth, can be detrimental to our health and actually shape the way we age.
This past November I attended a presentation on the topic of Ageism that not only increased my awareness of just how prevalent the aging misconception is, but left me feeling inspired to share the message. The facilitator, Jane Fisher, a Certified Senior Advisor and Owner of Oasis Senior Advisors, delivered the following words to ponder, to an audience of individuals ranging in age from 20’s to 60’s; “In our youth-oriented culture, we’re bombarded with messages that aging is synonymous with decline. This makes Yale University’s Dr. Becca Levy’s pioneering work, Breaking the Age Code: How Your Beliefs about Aging Determine How Long and Well You Live, especially powerful. Her research shows that on average, people with age-positive attitudes live seven and a half years longer than people with negative attitudes about aging. We can educate ourselves about ageism and work individually and collectively to fight it.”
The study referenced shows that our thoughts are not just fleeting; they are powerful agents that can truly shape our reality. So how do we fight it? Redefine it. Make this your healthiest, happiest year yet by starting to reframe how you view the aging process. Instead of focusing on limitations, embrace the unique gifts that come with age: experience, resilience, and perspective. With each passing year, you gain a deeper understanding of yourself and the world, allowing you to make choices that align with your values. Your example is also shaping the views and thus the future, of the younger people in your circle of influence. Do it for you and do it for them!
While aging is often looked upon as a time of mental decline, a multitude of examples support that narrative couldn’t be further from the truth. Neuroplasticity—the brain’s ability to adapt and grow—continues well into old age. Arti Dixson, a renowned drummer and educator, notes one of his students who began taking drum lessons at the age of 65, is still doing so 15 years later and gets better with each passing year. I also know of those polar opposites who live by a favorite phrase that goes something like “at this age I’m not going to start (fill in the blank)”. This was their mantra when they were 30 and when they were 40 and if they continue, they are sure to be among the least likely to ever take on something new.
As you step into the “New Year, New You” frame of mind, take time to reflect on your thoughts about aging. Choose to reap the additional perks that come with a belief that aging is a time for growth and vitality; you’re more likely to engage in habits that support your well-being. This means staying active, eating nourishing foods, and prioritizing restorative sleep. Your body responds to the care you give it, and there’s no better time than the New Year to commit to these small, sustainable changes, 1% at a time. Challenge yourself to learn a new skill, pursue a hobby, or reconnect with friends and family. Let’s rewrite the narrative we tell ourselves about growing older. See it as a privilege, a time to celebrate accomplishments, and a foundation for even greater things to come.
