How old do you feel? If you answered higher than your current age, or even lower, there might just be a good reason for that – and it all has to do with mindset.
Whether you’re trying to hide your age, feel older than you are, or would simply like to freeze time, it’s important to shift your mindset from negativity to positivity. Why? Because a positive attitude has many proven benefits when it comes to aging.
The Perks of Positivity in the Aging Process
Research shows that a positive outlook and attitude about aging may help to reverse the aging process in older adults. A study published in the March 2022 Journals of Gerontology: Psychological Sciences and Social Sciences shares that among 233 older men, those who were more optimistic experienced better moods while improving how they viewed stressful situations.
This isn’t the only study that shows how a positive mindset can lead to greater well-being in life.
In research conducted by Ellen Langer, PhD, Harvard University psychology professor, a group of men, one who acted as though they lived in 1959 and those who simply reminisced about the year, noticed enhanced overall well-being, including in vision, old age, cancer, weight, heart health and happiness. Those who acted as though they were younger received even more benefits, showing that while growing older may be a part of life, anti-aging may be all about being young at heart and staying positive.
Ways To Put Positivity Into Motion
How can older people achieve healthy aging while seeing aging in a positive light? If you or a loved one is on a mission to reverse the aging process while adopting a healthy lifestyle, check out these ideas that can help.
Embrace Gratitude and Focus on Positive Emotions
When you focus on all the good things happening around you, you leave little room for the negative thoughts and experiences to cast a shadow. Check out some of the many ways you can embrace gratitude, improve your mental health and be more positive with these tips.
- Maintain a journal
- Make a list of three things you’re thankful for each day
- Meditate
- Collect happy memories in a jar to read at the end of the year, or longer
- Assess and reframe negative thoughts
Increase Physical Activity
Have you ever felt happier and more energized after exercising? This is because exercise releases endorphins, which can make you not only healthier but also happier. Strive to increase your physical activity by creating a fitness routine. If you want to bring a little more sunshine to your routine, exercise with friends or attend a group yoga or tai chi class.
Tip: If you’re struggling to start, focus on viewing exercise in a positive light, too. Instead of viewing it as something you have to do, reframe it as something you’re happy to have the ability to do.
Stay Social
Happiness is contagious, and being around friends can provide a significant boost to a person’s mood. Surround yourself with positive people who encourage you to be the best version of yourself!
Manage Stress
An overload of stress can be detrimental to your health and well-being. Find effective ways to manage this, whether it’s talking with friends, exercising, practicing self-care, getting involved throughout your community, or simply taking a break for something that brings you joy.
Live a Healthy Lifestyle
If you feel better, you’re likely to be more positive and could even live longer. This doesn’t just mean exercising; it also includes eating healthy, quitting bad habits like smoking or drinking excessively, scheduling routine doctor’s visits, managing health conditions like high blood pressure, and keeping your mind and body as healthy as possible.
Find Humor in Everyday Life
Laughter can be some of the best medicine. Whenever negative things happen or something doesn’t go according to plan, find a way to laugh about it or view it in a more positive light. This won’t just help you realize that what you’re going through might not be that bad, but it can help lighten some of the pressure while bringing joy.
Shift Negative Stereotypes
One of the best ways to reverse the aging process is to shift what you think aging looks like.
Today’s seniors are more active than ever and are looking for ways to enhance their senior living experience. At Waterstone at Wellesley, we’re kicking old stereotypes to the curb every day with an enriching and engaging lifestyle crafted around the retirement seniors are searching for.
Discover how we put everything in place for healthy, happy and positive aging. Schedule a visit to learn more about our lifestyle today.
WATERSTONE AT WELLESLEY. NOW THIS IS HOME.
Waterstone at Wellesley offers independent living and assisted living options in Wellesley along the bank of the Charles River. Schedule a visit today to experience our lifestyle and learn how we help seniors thrive.