How To Speed Up Aging

Think Old, Be Old: How Your Mindset Shapes Your Aging Journey

Julia retired from a fast-paced corporate job about three years ago. At first, she had a difficult time figuring out what to do with all her time. She even slipped into depression, seeking medical help and anti-depressants to help her through this change in her life. Eventually she became accustomed to having her time unscheduled, not producing for a company, and low interaction with others.

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About two years into retirement, Julia found comfort in her recliner, spending hours reading each day. She became fearful of falling while walking or biking, and accepted the idea that aches and pains were just part of getting older. Her physical activity dwindled to the occasional walk on nice days. Going to the gym by herself was not fun as she felt others looked at her as frail and old. Julia tried to learn a new language online but struggled to retain the material, telling herself her brain just wasn’t what it used to be.

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By the third year of retirement, Julia felt old, acted old, and was treated old when she went out of her home. She began ruminating on her minor health concerns, wondering which one might eventually lead to her death. Is it possible that Julia speeded up her aging process by thinking and acting old?

Brain Botox?

"As we get older, we might start to think we are too creaky of brain and body to fulfill our dreams of taking piano lessons, climb Machu Pichu or learn Italian. But hard evidence shows that it's not our age that makes our brains less effective, it's thinking we are too old to learn and do new things. Think yourself younger: Why Positive Thinking Acts like Botox for the Brain, by Leah Hardy

Agism is Everywhere

Negative stereotypes about the aging population are everywhere. It’s sneaky how this stereotype has been engrained into our society. Many birthday cards for someone age 60+ are jokes about doing less, needing help of a cane or walker, or how funny it is to be old. We probably find these funny too. Yet, this is an example of agism and damaging age beliefs that confront the older population today. There's many messages about older adults being less capable, less worthy, and maybe even a burden.

Could you have slipped into believing this about yourself? Think Old, Be Old

Chhaya Nene states in her article, “How What You’re Thinking Right Now Is Aging Your Body,” that our mental attitude affects how fast we age. Researchers have found that negative thoughts can lead to premature cell death...and that equals aging. Research is mounting that your outlook, your personality, and how upbeat you are impacts how you feel and also how your cells age.

Research shows that older adults who hold positive beliefs about aging live 7.5 years longer than those with negative age-related beliefs.  

What a Positive Aging Outlook Sounds Like

What is a positive aging outlook? Here are a few examples of a mindset that supports graceful, empowered aging:

• “With age comes wisdom — I’ve earned this insight.”

• “I can make smart choices because of all I’ve experienced.”

• “There’s still so much I can do to maintain my health and enjoy life.”

• “Each day brings a new opportunity. I'm showing up for it1”

Let’s say you wake up feeling stiff and tired. You think, “Ugh, I feel so old and achy today.” What happens? You probably slump through the day, carrying that heaviness with you.

Now flip it: “I’m feeling a little stiff. Maybe a short walk or some stretching will help.” Same physical condition, completely different mindset, and likely a better outcome.

Try it yourself. What are three positive things you can say about your health, your body, or your age right now?

Can I Really Change This?

You may be asking, “How do I go about changing the negative view I have acquired over time? I can’t just turn into all optimism and rainbows overnight.”

Start small:

• Reflect daily on one thing that went well.

• Practice gratitude — journal or simply pause and appreciate what you have.

• Surround yourself with positive, life-affirming people.

• Try a yoga class, meditation, or mindfulness.

• If needed, talk with a coach or therapist to help reframe your thoughts.

• Use affirmations or uplifting quotes to replace your inner critic.

• Read inspiring books or articles about aging well.

  
  

These small shifts can change your internal dialogue and, in time, your external reality.

Botox Without the Needle

Let’s give ourselves “Botox for the brain," through a renewed, positive mindset. We don’t have to dread our 60s, 70s, and beyond. We can meet them with strength, optimism, curiosity, and joy.

The next time you catch yourself saying, “I’m too old for that,” pause. You just might be too young to be thinking that way.

Short term life coaching will give you the boost

needed to break free from negative thought patterns.

Contact me here with your questions and learn

how to proceed.

Waiting to hear from you......Linda