Do We Naturally Slow Down As We Age?

Many people dread the thought of ageing, mainly because our society does not reward older people, but tends to treat them as surplus to requirements. Hence there is a lot of needless fear around the process.

Yet we just don’t wake up one morning and find ourselves ‘old’. Getting older is very subtle and gradual, so that ‘slowing down’ is not an automatic state. It really depends on the individual and their lifestyle.

Hence the answer to the question is: Yes and No.

Let’s start with why it is ‘Yes’.

It’s ‘Yes’ because we will always act according to how healthy we are, and according to the ageing process itself. Some people do slow down more than the norm when they are ageing, for a variety of reasons, but the idea of everyone automatically slowing down is a negative stereotype that fulfils the apprehension and dread of those who fear ageing, and tend to imagine it in its worst light.

Many older people are not as quick in their thoughts and actions because they have not regularly exercised their brains and bodies when they were younger. For those whose bodies are supposedly ‘falling apart’, it is likely that they have not treated their bodies well, with limiting thoughts around ageing. It gradually becomes difficult for them to be in top form when their bodies get older.

By that time, a lot of their muscles would have slackened and become weaker because they have not been used enough. They would also have lost brain cells for that very reason: not keeping themselves constantly in an active learning mode, and being more passive in their attitude and activities than is necessary to keep them youthful.

It’s also ‘No’ because, if you have been active in your life, you would have built up a lot stamina and strength to carry on at a rate which would be even faster than many other people.

For example, this photo of me included in the post was taken of me at 62, and I am very happy with my life. I have always loved disco dancing, which has given me an amazing shape. Even in my late 50s, I used to go discoing every fortnight, and only stopped because my current partner doesn’t like dancing. It stands to reason that I would have danced much better than younger people, simply because of my constant practice and fitter body.

I also walk up to three miles each day, I hula hoop between 700 and 1000 times routinely on workdays, and I am positive in my thoughts with no barriers in my head about ageing. There have been times when I see people, who are clearly older than me, walking quickly past me, and I wished I could walk as fast. But perhaps they don’t have diabetic complications to cope with!

Despite that drawback, I still walk fasert than many older people I see, and I have yet to see any one of my age who can dance as well as me! That’s why I try never to compare myself with anyone else, because we all have our strengths and weaknesses, and I probably have more resilient genes, too, apart from looking after myself.

In effect, I am enjoying whatever age I am, while being voracious in my appetite to learn new things: constantly reading, writing, engaging others in discussions, and testing myself on trivia.

Not surprisingly, I look and sound much younger than my age, and am very quick at whatever I do. In fact, when I had my business my young staff found it difficult to keep up with the rapidity of my thoughts and ideas. All this with a chronic illness that has had various complications, often leaving me feeling fatigued and debilitated.

However, I also notice that the things that take me longer to do I either have little experience in, or I am fearful of doing. But my age has little to do with it, because, with the greater wisdom and the liberated feeling that comes with it. I cannot remember when I have been so happy and contented in my life.

I have no wish to be younger simply because there is nothing I cannot do now that I used to do back then, if I really wish to do it. The fact that I am also in a fantastic relationship is testament to that as well. It really is about personal activities, positive thoughts and a great ATTITUDE, and not labelling ourselves in ageist ways, because we are all unique in our genes and approach. After all, if you think in a decrepit way, just because you are getting older, the body will gladly oblige and behave in a way to match those thoughts!

In summary, there is no automatic slow down in the ageing process. You are likely to act to suit the lifestyle you already have. If you are used to keeping yourself fit and active, you are likely to remain that way for as long as you maintain your condition. You will naturally lose some speed as you age, and your cells stop rebuilding themselves, though it will match the state of your body and mind.

However, the bottom line is this: Ageing is inevitable, unless you die early. But the rate at which you age is mainly down to you, and you generally match the age you are.

So, ask yourself this question: How do you see yourself? As 40 years young, or 40 years old?

Only you can decide your direction.