6 Ways to Prevent Negative Mindsets About Getting Old

Getting old is inevitable. We’re all aging, but what can you do to make the aging process a positive one instead of a negative one? Of course, genetics helps, but there are proven strategies – backed by research – that reveal a hidden benefit of aging gracefully.

Ironically, those who approach getting old with confidence tend to live longer and healthier lives. Another benefit to aging with a constructive attitude is a greater sense of purpose and a lower likelihood of feeling lonely.

Ideas for preventing a negative mindset about aging

Determine to have good health, as much as it depends on you

Studies show that when people approach getting old as an inevitably weaker state of being, they age faster and tend to have comorbidities. However, those who see themselves as aging well – and aim to take care of their physical wellness – fare much better.

Decide that you will remain active into your golden years, even if it means you have to alter your activity level or find something new. For example, if you used to run long distances but need to be gentle with your joints, you can start walking, hiking with poles, or swimming.

Strength training is also important as you get older. Find a short but challenging routine you can do anywhere. Think about wall push-ups, bicep curls with dumbbells while watching television, and slow, steady step-ups on a low front step with a railing.

Stretching can increase your flexibility and protect you from injury. It helps you with everyday mobility and improves circulation and posture. Try windmills. Stand a little more than hip-width apart while holding your arms out parallel to the ground. Then, slowly twist so that your right arm reaches down toward your opposite foot; then switch.

Other dynamic stretches include a hula hoop hip stretch, where you roll your hips around as if they’re inside a hula hoop. You can also do yoga stretches such as downward dog.

Dynamic stretches use a range of motion to mimic the movement in specific activities to wake up your muscles before you work out. Static stretches, which involve holding a stretch for several seconds, are to be reserved for after a workout to prevent injury.

Try new things

Trying new things tends to be something we reserve for our youth, but it doesn’t have to be. Getting old can feel stale and boring, particularly if you have lost a partner and you are accustomed to doing hobbies together.

But when you try something new, it allows you to

• Meet interesting people you might not otherwise meet.
• Build your confidence that getting old or being on your own isn’t a prescription for loneliness.
• Grow your resilience, which can stagnate if you don’t challenge yourself every once in a while.

What are some new activities you can try? You could join a book club, travel to visit an old friend, or start pickleball in a local league. Other ideas include gardening, birdwatching, knitting, or joining a movie subscription club to see new releases every month.

Join a support group

When you are getting old, it may feel like your friends are either at a different stage of life or, sadly, some may have passed away. That doesn’t mean you need to curl up and wait until it’s your turn.

One of the best things to do when you are faced with grief is to join a grief support group. Many grief groups exist for the loss of loved ones or friends. Processing your loss in the company of strangers may feel bold, but it can help to give you a framework for how to grieve when you’ve lost someone important to you.

Grief groups can also help you understand how to support others, which is another way to grow old gracefully. Many times, as we get old, we stop being generous with our time. However, helping someone else who is grieving could help you process your own, especially when you can share what you’ve learned in your journey.

Make new friends and keep the old

If you have a group of friends you’ve known for a long time, don’t let small grievances break up or hinder your relationship. Forgiveness and healing are possible when a friend has hurt you or disappointed you. Carrying a grudge or shutting someone out of your life will only create bitterness and a struggle to move forward in new friendships. Instead, try to face conflict and come to a resolution.

Counselors who are trained in conflict resolution can help. Even if you only see a counselor a few times, he or she can coach you on important principles about how to maintain long-term friendships.

Making new friends is also important. It can feel scary to step out and try your hand at a new friendship when you’re used to the friends you’ve had all your life. To make it easier, you can:

• Explore classes offered by a community center or college nearby. Many offer continuing education for adults, which can be an amazing way to learn something new and meet new people.
• Extend an invitation to someone you don’t know well in your community or neighborhood. Often, we live our entire lives – or whole seasons of life – without trying to get to know the person who lives just down the street. Whether you strike up a conversation while out walking the dog or you notice a neighbor’s garden and compliment them on it, finding someone to befriend who lives nearby is a bonus. You’ll be able to spend time together often.
• Attend church or hobby groups. Finding mutual interests such as your faith practices or hobbies gives you a head start on the formation of new friendships because you already have something in common.
• Begin a service opportunity you’ve always wanted to do. Many people use their golden years to find a cause they’re passionate about and jump in. Whereas a career or children may have kept you from volunteering in the past, getting old comes with a benefit – more free time.

Choose something you can comfortably do to help someone else. Whether it’s a prayer group, a feeding ministry, or working with animals, find something you love and get involved.

Consider getting a pet companion

Taking care of a pet can boost your mental health by decreasing your chances of depression and isolation. It can also help with your physical health because you’ll need to remain active, for example, if you adopt a dog. The dog will want to get outside and enjoy walks with you.

Unless your health has deteriorated such that you are unable to care for a pet, getting old is the perfect time to adopt a pet. Senior pet adoptions are great because older dogs and cats still need someone to care for them. They don’t tend to get adopted by young families.

Caring for an animal, however, is a serious commitment, so it should not be entered into lightly. Making sure you are physically fit enough to care for a pet and that you have backup care available when you need to travel or attend appointments is crucial.

Play puzzle games

Mental puzzle games can boost your brain power – another way to stay sharp, focused, and alert. Protecting your mental health goes a long way toward a more enjoyable senior season.

A Harvard article reports that crossword puzzles can help maintain memory and processing speed in some. Whether it’s a Sudoku puzzle, guessing the puzzles on your favorite game show, or doing a crossword in the Sunday newspaper, your brain will thank you for continuing to play games that make you think.

Getting help to cope

If you find yourself struggling with the idea of getting old, reach out for help. Don’t try to muscle through it on your own. Seeing a counselor can bring you relief and healing whether you are struggling mentally, physically, or emotionally. They are trained to ask good questions that help you recognize what’s bothering you and then find the next right step to take.

If this resonates, please contact our offices today. We have trained counselors who would love to help you live your best life, free of fear and anxiety. When you reach out, we will set up an appointment with a licensed professional counselor at our offices. They will be delighted to help you.