5 Powerful Reasons to Embrace Your Golden Years

Age is just a number. Life and aging are the greatest gifts that we could possibly ever have.”

– Cicely Tyson

Aging is a beautiful thing, but it’s a privilege not everyone receives. It’s not without challenges. The older we get, the more aches and pains we experience, among other issues. But the good news is there is an upside to growing older.

Several years ago I woke up in a panic when the reality of my age sunk in. I hadn’t given it much thought until then. But I was coming to terms with a harsh reality. Much of my life was behind me.

In the years since then, my perspective on aging has changed. I’ve witnessed others in their later years living a joyful and vibrant life. They’ve inspired me to see the golden years in a positive light.

In this article, I will share 5 powerful reasons to look forward to your golden years if you haven’t already.

1. Wisdom

We become wiser the older we get. There is no hard and fast rule that younger people can’t be wise, they can. But, in general, wisdom comes from life experience.

Older adults have been through trials and tribulations and understand that almost everything works out for the best.

When I was younger, unfortunate events seemed far more catastrophic. Over the years I have learned that life has a way of working out. Although I haven’t reached the pinnacle of wisdom, I can see the progression towards being wiser.

2. Inner peace

The wisdom we achieve over time leads to greater inner peace.

Our emotions become steady despite the potential stress we may experience, leaving room to appreciate the simple joys in life.

Over the years, I’ve noticed a natural calm spirit in many seniors. They’ve accomplished milestones and are satisfied with their journey. I remember staying with my Grandparents as a child and feeling a sense of peace while being around them.

This often comes with age, but I have known a few gifted young souls who naturally have inner peace.

3. Confidence

In our younger years, we often get caught up in impressing others and fitting in. We feel a need to be in the in-crowd.

But over time, this begins to shift.

We know our value and the desire to be loved by many gives way to the real and tangible experience of being loved truly by a few.

According to a study by APA PsycNet self-confidence and happiness peak around sixty years old. Their research indicates this peak is the result of a more stable environment.

4. Resilience

With age comes resilience. Once we reach a certain age we aren’t as emotionally tossed around by life. Our emotions are like a buoy anchored in the ocean. The crashing waves of life may jostle us around a little bit, but they don’t knock us straight to the next millennia.

At times life is hard and we often face difficult decisions and losses. Yet, these experiences instill resilience in us that becomes strongest in our later years. We don’t sweat the small stuff and take difficulties in stride.

5. Gratitude

The longer we live, the more we are grateful to be alive and grateful for life’s little blessings.

According to an article by silvercentury.org, research shows that gratitude develops with age because older adults are more aware they have a limited number of years.

I didn’t become fully aware of gratitude and its effect on my life until my 40s. Over time, I have learned to feel grateful for everything in my life and appreciate its life-changing effects.

Conclusion

Getting older takes work. We experience aches and pains and the loss of friends and family. This is not about painting old age as picture-perfect. But the positives we gain as we age are valid and must be celebrated. With time, we garner wisdom and inner peace. We gain confidence and become resilient. Our beauty shines, and we have a pure appreciation for life.

How do you feel about aging? Is it something you fear or look forward to? I would love to hear your comments.

This article was originally published by the author on medium.com

References:

Jacobs, M. (2022, March 3). Getting Older with Grade — and Gratitude. Silvercentury.org. Retrieved May 2, 2024, from https://www.silvercentury.org/

Orth, U., Erol, R. Y., & Luciano, E. C. (2018). Development of self-esteem from age 4 to 94 years: A meta-analysis of longitudinal studies.Psychological Bulletin, 144(10), 1045–1080. https://doi.org/10.1037/bul0000161