“Getting old is like climbing a mountain; you get a little out of breath, but the view is much better!” This quote from actress Ingrid Bergman alludes to the positive aspects of aging. Getting older may seem like a funny thing to look forward to, but the way aging changes you is almost always for the better.
Positive Aspects of Aging
Have you ever thought about the positive aspects of aging? People often discuss aging negatively, but research on aging shows us that it can bring many positive changes to people’s lives. Instead of dwelling on anxieties around aging, you can shift your perspective by focusing on what you have to gain from fully experiencing your golden years. Believe it or not, there’s a lot to be excited about!
Aging Teaches Us Patience
One of the best things about getting older is learning to stop sweating the small stuff. As we get older, our neurological makeup changes in ways that help us stay calm and spend less time getting stressed out. In addition, the more life experience you have, the more your wisdom and perspective can help you stay focused on the things that matter and less concerned with the things that don’t. As a result, seniors tend to be calmer, less impulsive, and better at problem-solving than their younger counterparts.
Seniors Have Interesting Social Lives
Did you know seniors tend to have wider social circles as they age? Social intelligence and emotional intelligence naturally develop throughout a person’s lifespan. So, by the time you reach your golden years, you’re often much better with people than you used to be. Seniors tend to have diverse groups of acquaintances as a result and are also good at seeking out new and unique opportunities to make friends and be social.
A Lifetime of Wisdom
While some changes in cognitive function can occur with age, it’s also possible for seniors to become sharper in their golden years. Do you find yourself giving a lot of advice to the younger people in your life? That’s because seniors have a lifetime of wisdom and experience to draw on when navigating their daily lives. This means that seniors already know how to handle many situations and have a substantial body of knowledge to work with when facing new problems. Senior wisdom is valuable to share with others, and it can make your life easier too.
Senior Resiliency Is Real
Psychologists measure the idea of “resiliency” based on a person’s ability to adapt to change, overcome challenging circumstances, and grow as a result. Because seniors have typically experienced a lot of life before they hit their golden years, they usually know how to get through the worst times intact and bounce back better than before. Seniors are often better at staying positive and finding solutions for problems than their younger counterparts. If there’s one thing we can say confidently about seniors, it’s that they know how to handle difficult situations and come out on top.
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Aging can feel intimidating, but focusing on the positive aspects of aging can help. What are you grateful for as a senior today?
Are you looking for a community providing a positive, healthy atmosphere where your loved one can live their golden years? The Shores of Lake Phalen is an assisted living and memory care community in a quiet, peaceful environment in Maplewood, Minnesota. Surrounded by a gorgeous wooded setting between two lakes, our residence offers the accessibility of apartment-style housing with the atmosphere and elegance of a resort. We offer numerous health and safety amenities, fun events and activities, a friendly and accommodating staff, and much more. Schedule a tour of the community to explore our spacious apartments and more. We look forward to hearing from you!