Growing Old With Grace
The Power of positivity in our golden years
THIRTY OVER FIFTY
The Power of positivity in our golden years
As we enter our later decades, maintaining an optimistic outlook and upbeat spirit can feel challenging.
Physical changes, loss of loved ones, and shifting social roles can dim even the sunniest disposition. Yet research reveals embracing positivity and youthfulness as we age provides tangible emotional, psychological, and even physical benefits. By focusing on silver linings, staying active and engaged, and keeping our inner child alive, our golden years can truly shine bright.
An Antidote to Anxiety and Depression
Mental health challenges disproportionately affect seniors. Over 7 million adults over 65 suffer from depression. Anxiety disorders impact up to 15% of older adults. Why such a strong link? As we age, losses accumulate, and spouses, siblings, and friends pass on. Health and mobility decline, while retirement removes structure and purpose.
These changes understandably impact mood and outlook.
However, studies confirm maintaining positivity and cheerfulness serves as a powerful buffer against anxiety and depression in later years. How so? Positivity boosts production of “feel good” neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine. It also lowers stress hormones that can drag us down.
Research by Dr. Ernst Bohlmeijer of the University of Twente found engaging in positive reminiscence halved depression risk in seniors. Reflecting on past happy moments “lights up” emotional brain areas linked to optimism. Intentionally revisiting positive memories builds cognitive resistance to anxiety and sadness.
Stronger Resilience and Coping Skills
Life presents inevitable setbacks and stresses, at every age.
Yet seniors able to roll with the punches and see silver linings cope better during hard times. Studies show positivity strengthens resilience and self-esteem, and optimistic seniors display greater determination in achieving goals despite obstacles.
How does cheerfulness yield greater resilience?
Positivity helps reframe crises as opportunities for growth. It builds confidence we can handle challenges. Moreover, upbeat people nurture wider social networks, and close supportive relationships are key to coping well during difficulties. A positive spirit draws others to us when we most need uplifting.
Research confirms resilient seniors share personality traits like humour, gratitude, and curiosity. Intentionally cultivating these qualities strengthens our capacity to cope well with life’s ups and downs.
Delaying Cognitive Decline
Use it or lose it, psychologists tell us. Positivity and mental engagement preserve cognitive functioning as we age. Happy seniors show slower memory decline and reduced dementia risk.
Studies by Dr. Helen Brooker of the University of Hull reveal optimistic older adults perform better on memory tasks. Maintaining hobbies and learning new skills also forge new brain circuits. This mental “exercise” builds cognitive reserve, allowing seniors to stay sharper longer.
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Living with purpose and meaning provides similar brain benefits. Seniors oriented toward future goals and making a difference show improved executive function. Volunteer work, passion projects, and classes create purposeful engagement that stimulates the mind.
Physical health perks
It’s no secret happiness and health intertwine.
Research confirms maintaining an upbeat attitude aids physical vitality as we age. Optimistic perspectives lower heart disease and stroke risk factors like blood pressure and inflammation. Positivity also boosts the immune system, enabling the body to fight off illness.
Cheerful seniors tend to practice other behaviours leading to better health. For example, optimists exercise more, eat healthier, and are less likely to smoke, and one study found optimistic women had a 16% lower mortality rate over a 10 year period.
Outlooks focused on silver linings literally extend our golden years.
Keys to unlocking our inner youth
Clearly, seeking positivity and cheer as we age provides significant benefits. How can we cultivate more light-hearted mindsets? Focusing on the following areas can keep us youthful in spirit:
Set goals for the future — having purpose and plans preserves a forward-looking mindset. Whether it’s volunteering, exploring new hobbies, or taking a dream trip, staying oriented toward tomorrow sustains optimism.
Surround yourself with positive people — emotions are contagious! Spending time with upbeat friends passes on a cheerful outlook. Starting a humour or gratitude journaling group creates joyful connections.
Practice gratitude — notice little blessings on a regular basis. Thanking others fosters generosity of spirit. Feeling appreciation for life’s gifts, no matter how small, boosts positivity.
Take on positive practices — meditation, mindfulness, affirmations, and visualization formalize positive thinking. Yoga and deep breathing reduce anxiety and stress.
Learn new things — novel experiences create fresh neural connections, keeping our brain young. Sign up for an art, music, or writing class. Read books on unfamiliar topics. Stay open to new ideas.
The golden years don’t have to lose their lustre.
With positivity, we can age with vibrancy, purpose, and grace. A cheerful spirit keeps us young, allowing us to fully savour each day,
References:
Life coach Martha Beck emphasises the importance of surrounding yourself with positive relationships in her book The Way of Integrity