Ageing or Survival of The Fittest?
One of the keys to ageing gracefully is to understand that the old are survivors.
In the book "I Feel Bad About My Neck" by Nora Ephron, she highlights the struggles of ageing and how it affects one's appearance, especially the neck. Ephron writes about how ageing is not always easy, and it can be difficult to come to terms with the changes that come with it. The author reflects on the emotional landmines of ageing, including the fear of losing independence and the sadness of saying goodbye to loved ones. However, experts believe that the attitude towards ageing plays a crucial role in ageing gracefully.
Susan Whitbourne, PhD, professor of psychology at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, explains that society often focuses on the negative aspects of ageing. However, she cautions against getting caught up in the hype and encourages individuals to focus on what they can do, rather than what they cannot change. The clock will continue ticking regardless, so it's essential to take control of what one can - approach ageing with a positive attitude.
Not everyone, however, succumbs to the negative aspects of ageing. “David Attenborough clearly values focus and curiosity – two psychological secrets to help you stay clear-minded. Curiosity means embracing new ideas and never being afraid to try something. And without focus – being able to really concentrate and understand a topic – you lose the ability to finish things, and when you do that you lose a sense of meaning,” says psychologist Linda Blair.^
Depression, isolation, and a sense of meaninglessness are real threats among the elderly population. However, experts who have worked with thousands of seniors believe that there are ways to navigate these emotional challenges. One of the keys to ageing gracefully is to understand that the old are survivors.
Wisdom, resilience, and a mature perspective are some of the prizes of ageing, and the fact that one has reached old age is an accomplishment in itself. According to psychologist Whitbourne, those who have reached their later years have survived many threats to their physical and psychological well-being and have avoided premature diseases and fatal accidents.
To age gracefully, it's essential to accept the inevitable changes that come with ageing, rather than seeing them as crises. Illinois psychologist Mark Frazier, PsyD, has worked with thousands of older people and has seen the importance of accepting that life will change as one grows older. The key to psychological health is to acknowledge that ageing changes everyone and that it's normal to experience changes in one's life.
ANYWAYS, ageing is not always easy, but it's essential to approach it with a positive attitude. The old are survivors, and they have accomplished a lot in their lives. Accepting the changes that come with ageing and focusing on what one can do, rather than what they cannot change, is crucial in ageing gracefully. It's possible to live a fulfilling and meaningful life, even in one's later years.
sources:^inews.co.uk, webmd.com