The New Year is your chance to create something better, something unique. Even though years are just separated by dates, this time of year seems appealing for newer beginnings.
But how do you really feel about it? Are you an optimistic prime? Or do you feel a certain fear about growing older? If that voice inside your head keeps saying, “I’m not good enough,” and “I’m getting old,” it is so wrong. That voice is a negatron.
Do not fear, you aren’t alone. It’s okay not to be excited about the New Year and be fearful of some of the changes that come with aging. The changes, both mental and physical, that are on the horizon can be unsettling. It is particularly true in older adults but can also be seen in younger generations.
You may feel you’re running out of time, you’re losing your youth, your health may begin to wane, you may lose more of your loved ones and friends, and the financial insecurities stirs up feelings of insecurity for the New Year.
Many aging specialists often ask ,”how old do you feel?” The answer would reveal a lot about your health and your perspective on life in general. If you feel younger than your actual age, you may feel more optimistic, be more apt to care for yourself, and be a little more stress-free. Those who feel older than their age can experience adverse health effects down the road.
So, Remember…
You don’t have the power over these numbers adding up. But you can certainly change one thing, your attitude toward aging.
It may be easy to give in to negativity with a grieving heart, but you can be the one who embraces change, holds faith, and rejoices in every moment.
You can either have a sad-itude or a glad-itude as years pass. The idea is to allow your heart to be grateful in every encounter.
Life makes sense and is fulfilling only when it’s about growing and not just aging. So, start the New Year on an optimistic note. Embrace the attitude of positive aging and add life to your years.
An optimistic outlook toward life, towards aging, is crucial. This is borne out with scientific studies that have documented health experiences that are connected to your attitude. Harvard University researchers’ advice for healthy aging is to, “Maintain a sense of purpose by finding projects that align with your values. Reject negative stereotypes about aging, such as the idea that poor physical health is inevitable for older adults. Stay socially active, for instance by joining a club or getting involved with a community organization.”1
A negative attitude towards aging worsens your cognitive abilities, your metabolism slows down, and it impacts your mood and numerous life circumstances. But when you’re optimistic about life and aging feels like a number, you relieve your stress and tensions as well as experience improved overall health. It lowers anxiety, depression, and unexplained body pains and helps you better cope with times of stress. People also tend to live longer than those with a negative mindset about feeling older.
But How Do You Beat The Fear Of Aging?
How do you stop obsessing about feeling older and embrace the “feeling younger” feel, no matter what? Review Beautify.com’s tips for graceful aging:
- Start living in the present.
- Let NOW be your prime focus.
- Live life like the age you feel that you are.
- Stay socially active.
- Exercise by joining a Senior Fit class or by walking.
- Learn new things.
- Help others or talk to others to get outside of yourself.
- Express gratitude.
- Be thankful for your blessings.
- Set meaningful goals.
- Have a purpose in life.
- And live your life fully.
Don’t just spend your valuable time and money on the outside stuff. Get more interested in what’s on the inside.
Staying and feeling young isn’t always about youthful skin and healthy hair. Be a little kinder to yourself this New Year. Surround yourself with supportive people, and experience being high on life. First and foremost, be sure to reject negative stereotypes and thoughts about aging, such as the idea that poor physical health is inevitable for older adults.
1“Positive attitude about aging could boost health,” August 24, 2022, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health