Aging Is An Attitude

I recently read “Breaking The Age Code” by Becca Levy and found it not only eye opening, but it changed my perceptive on how I think about aging. In particular, there was segment in the book dedicated to research in Japan that really got me thinking about aging attitudes in our country. Levy observed that in Japan, aging is viewed as a valued phase of life, people tend to live longer than in the U.S., where negative stereotypes about aging are more prevalent. 

Levy observed older men - in their 80’s - in local parks with shirts off, performing pull ups and strutting around like young men. I thought, you’d be hard-pressed to see a group of eighty year olds in the U. S. behaving that way, or even capable of doing a pull up. If you look at social media messaging, ads on TV, and in magazines, by age forty you are already over the hill. Our society places focus and importance on youth which can lead many to begin to internalize the idea that we are old, when in fact, we are really just hitting our stride. I remember being in my 40’s and thinking I was so old, looking back now - that’s laughable! 

Levy began to study how cultural attitudes toward aging can have an impact on health.

Her research, included a study on 660 older adults which found that those with more positive self-perceptions of aging lived 7.5 years longer than those with less positive views. Levy's Stereotype Embodiment Theory (SET) explains how internalized negative age stereotypes can physically impact our health, influencing biological processes like heart health and cognitive function. Negative feelings about age can become a self-filling prophecy - we become what we think we are, often giving up on the idea of thriving and slipping into a place of negative self talk, and belief that we are old and unvalued.

Several studies over the past 20 years suggest people with more positive attitudes about aging live longer, healthier lives than those with negative perceptions of the aging process. Recently, a large nationwide study of nearly 14,000 adults over age 50 took an even deeper look into the ways in which positive thinking about aging could impact a person's physical health, health behaviors and psychological well-being. Published in JAMA Network Open, the study found those with the highest satisfaction with aging had a 43% lower risk of dying from any cause during four years of follow-up compared to those with the lowest satisfaction. People with higher satisfaction also had a reduced risk for chronic conditions such as diabetes, stroke, cancer and heart disease, as well as better cognitive functioning. People with a more positive attitude about growing old also were more likely to engage in frequent physical activity and less likely to have trouble sleeping than their less-satisfied peers. They also were less lonely, less likely to be depressed, more optimistic and had a stronger sense of purpose. 

Benefits Of A Positive Attitude On Aging

• Increased Life Expectancy:

  Studies have shown that individuals with positive attitudes about aging tend to live longer. We are beginning to see more people not only living into their 80's, 90's and beyond but living healthy, active lives. They all seem to have one important thing in common, a joy for living their best possible lives.

  
  

• Improved Physical Health:

  A positive outlook is associated with greater physical activity, better sleep, and lower risk of chronic diseases like heart disease, diabetes, stroke, and cancer.

  
  

• Enhanced Cognitive Function:

  Research indicates that positive attitudes about aging can lead to better cognitive function and reduced risk of cognitive decline, including dementia. 

  
  

• Reduced Risk of Depression and Loneliness:

  People with positive attitudes about aging tend to experience lower levels of depression and loneliness. 

  
  

• Increased Sense of Purpose and Optimism:

  A positive mindset can help individuals find meaning and purpose in their lives, leading to a greater sense of optimism and satisfaction. 

  
  

• Improved Social Connections:

  Individuals with positive age beliefs may be more likely to engage in social activities and maintain strong relationships. 

  
  

Re-wire Your Brain

If we work to consciously re-shape how we see ourselves and how we think about age, it can have a profound affect on our longevity. When we practice positive thoughts and gratitude for where we are in life, we can help re-shape our internal thought process and provide a positive framework to build upon for the future. I am definitely smarter and better equipped to handle life at my current age than at any other time in my life. It’s about re-shaping the negative stereotypes that swirl around us and building belief that we are stronger, wiser and proud to be our age.

• Cultivate Positive Age Beliefs:

  Levy suggests developing a positive mindset about aging, focusing on the benefits and opportunities of older age, and building a strong sense of self-worth and purpose. Many of us find that with our kids aging up into adulthood we finally have time for ourselves, or maybe we want to take our extensive skill set and try a new or different career path.

  
  

• Focus on Strengths and Resilience:

  Levy also emphasizes the importance of recognizing and celebrating the strengths and resilience of older adults, rather than focusing on their perceived limitations. I follow Joan MacDonald (@trainwithjoan) on Instagram - Joan is 79 and has literally re-shaped her entire life at age 70. She continues to show the world that age has no boundaries and strength can be had at any age!

  
  

• Seek Diverse and Positive Influences:

  Surround yourself with diverse and positive role models and influences related to aging, to counter negative stereotypes and build a more positive self-perception. Pop into a Life Time Fitness near you and you will see countless older gym goers who are staying healthy, active and positive. I see so many fit, happy people at both Life Time locations where I teach classes - it lifts me up, gives me purpose and a strong sense of community. 

• Challenge Negative Stereotypes:

  Actively combat negative beliefs about aging by focusing on personal strengths and potential. 

  
  

• Practice Self-Acceptance:

  Embrace the natural aging process and focus on your current abilities rather than dwelling on what you have lost. This one took me a while to master. After herniating two discs and having issues with tendonitis I began think that well, I'm older now and maybe I'm just going to be limited in my capability. Instead, I chose to re-focus my approach and developed a new plan to strengthen my body with careful, heavier lifting - dropping more repetitive movements, twisting and forward folding. Now I feel stronger and healthier than I have in years which also translates into me feeling better about myself, my age and my capabilities.

  
  

• Find Meaning and Purpose:

  Engage in activities that align with your values and interests, such as volunteering, pursuing hobbies, or learning new skills. See learning something new as a fun challenge and a way to meet new people and make new friends. You never know, something you thought you'd never enjoy may become a new passion if you are open to it.

  
  

• Stay Physically Active:

  Regular exercise and strength training can improve physical health and boost overall well-being. Focus on building a solid foundation and shift your mindset to one of how you feel rather than seeing yourself through the social media lens of young and younger.

  
  

• Maintain Social Connections:

  Engage with friends, family, and community groups to combat loneliness and isolation. 

  
  

• Prioritize Mental Health:

  Practice mindfulness, meditation, or other stress-reduction techniques to improve mental health and well-being. 

  
  

• Embrace a Growth Mindset:

  See aging as a continuous process of learning and growth, rather than a decline. 

  
  

• Practice Gratitude:

  Focus on the positive aspects of your life and express gratitude for the good things you have. 

  
  

• Seek Support:

  Don't hesitate to ask for help from friends, family, or professionals when needed. 

  
  

• Surround Yourself with Positive People:

  Spending time with individuals who have a positive outlook can have a contagious effect. 

  
  

Becca Levy's research and advocacy highlight the powerful impact of our beliefs about aging on our physical and mental health. A positive attitude towards aging can significantly benefit physical and mental well-being, potentially leading to a longer and healthier life. Individuals with positive age beliefs experience fewer health problems, higher levels of physical activity, and improved cognitive function compared to those with negative attitudes. A positive outlook can reduce the risk of depression and improve overall quality of life. Look for people who inspire you, Helen Mirren at age 80 looks incredible, Train with Joan began at age 70 and now, at age 79, she is rocking the gym world. Katie Couric at age 67 is just hitting her stride and who’s hotter than Harrison Ford at 80 & Denzel Washington at 80!!

Helen Mirren at age 80

People are living well into their 90’s and there are more and more centurions. We need to think about aging as a privilege not a curse and it is possible to live happier and yes, healthy as we get older. Let’s not just age with grace, let’s kick it’s a-s!!!

Here’s to your health!

Follow my wellness journey @livehappy.fit