The adage you bring about what you talk about is not new. An example of this is that if you think you’re going to fail, you are more likely to.
The power of optimism and positive thinking is well documented, particularly when it comes to pursuing goals. New research indicates positive language can make for a better mindset and outlook on life. This can keep our brains and bodies healthier, and promote a more positive aging experience.
This key to a long life is accessible to us all. By changing our attitudes and actions, we can extend our life spans and health spans. Start small and start today. Make little shifts to increase optimism, find meaning, nurture happiness and embrace aging.
Optimism
Optimism improves physical and mental health. Understanding why and when we experience optimism is crucial to cultivating it.
Many seniors may have a diagnosis without a cure. It is important for those seniors and their caregivers to visualize the best possible outcome. Take time to visualize what is to come, by yourself or with a loved one. To gain these positive effects of optimism, imagine how you will react, no matter how things progress.
Meaningfulness
Ask yourself, “To what extent do I feel the things I do in my life are worthwhile?” Answer it on a scale of 1 (not worthwhile) to 10 (very worthwhile). Then ask yourself what you could change to make the answer closer to 10. We can all take manageable steps toward increasing meaningfulness in our day-to-day lives.
Start by defining what is meaningful to you. Then ask how you can incorporate more of that into your daily life. Maybe connections with friends make life feel worthwhile and you can make an effort to host a potluck once a week. Maybe creativity makes life feel worthwhile and you can add creating art into your daily routine.
Happiness
Work to increase your happiness and life span. What brings you down that you can cut out of your life? Maybe a relationship or a habit? What brings you joy that you can add more of? Can you put up photos of people you love to remind you of those relationships and memories? Can you make time to participate in a lost hobby or to call a friend? Many times, when we are depressed, it comes from ruminating on the past. What can you change right now to increase happiness and connectedness?
Embrace Aging
Often our culture promotes a story of aging that is all about decline and loss, which can become a self-fulfilling prophecy. Becca Levy has dedicated her career to exploring the psychosocial influences of aging. Her research at Yale supports the correlation between positive attitudes about aging and health, and life expectancy. A recent study of hers shows that having a positive view of aging throughout your lifetime increased life expectancy by 7.5 years!
Want to get a jump start on changing your attitudes about aging and fighting ageism? Check out oldschool.info, a clearinghouse of vetted anti-ageism resources.
If you need support caring for a loved one, call us. Our trained caregivers can provide support to fit your schedule and provide you with peace of mind. We understand aging and we can help your loved one age in a healthy manner.
Amanda Butas is a Certified Dementia Practitioner, and your Mesa client care manager. You can call her at (480) 699-4899. You also can visit Home Care Assistance at our new office next to Bed Bath and Beyond, located on Power and McKellips roads, at 2031 N. Power Road, Suite 103.