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How Negative Age Expectations Can Affect How You Age

Getting Older Does Not Have To Be A Bitch.

By The Green OwlPublished 4 years ago 3 min read
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Getting older is a fact of life for those of us who are lucky enough to make it past 60. I am well past that age, so I feel I have the knowledge to talk about old age. Personally I have found that as I get older, I still find life to be fun and exciting. However, some people I know do not share my outlook on what getting older means. They believe life after fifty or sixty will be full of challenges. Instead of concentrating on ways to remain active, they seem to fixate on the things they perceive they will eventually be unable to do. It drives me crazy to see how quickly they go downhill after they have constantly self-prophesied how they expect old age to affect them.

The negative thoughts on aging often start out with jokes about how old age is creeping up on them. For example, getting up and down stairs would become an issue. Then just as they had predicted, shortly afterwards getting up and down stairs did become an issue. They did nothing about this because to them it was just one of the pitfalls of aging. Then getting up out a chair becomes difficult. I can’t tell you how many times I have heard the response to this dilemma to be a wry smile while making the comment, "Getting old is a bitch. "

I have observed how the simple act of walking then becomes an issue. The distance that they feel comfortable walking becomes shorter. The pace of the walk becomes slower. Then the stride between steps becomes shorter. These people's age is around seventy. I feel hate seeing them fall apart through their self-destructive thoughts on getting older. The lack of movement then begins to take a toll on their health. Then the slippery downhill slopes really begins.

How To Overcome Self Destructive Thoughts On Aging

One of the most important things to do is to not let other peoples negative thoughts on getting older influence how you prepare for old age. You need to focus on ways to maintain your physical capabilities. Daily walking is an excellent way to exercise. Start off with short distances, then gradually increase the amount of time you walk. Walking can be good for you both physically and mentally.

Besides physical activity, social interaction with others is also important. "You can kill two birds with one stone" so to speak by joining an exercise class. Local community centers often offer exercise classes that are specifically designed for senior citizens. These classes can vary on the level of intensity. For this reason, you may want to try out several of the classes, to find ones that are a good fit for your level of fitness. I have observed some exercise classes designed for the older generation are a little too slow-paced for active seniors. You may find taking an exercise class that is not age specific to be enjoyable

There are also some very good exercise programs offered by various TV channels that you can do in the comfort of your own home. You will not, however, get the benefits of social interaction, but they can be a supplement to your exercise routine. As always though, it is suggested you check with your doctor before you embark on any form of exercise.

Mental exercise is also important as you age. Learning about subjects that interest you can be mentally stimulating. I know this is true from personal experience because I received my BA degree at the age of 54. I have continued to exercise my brain by researching and learning more about subjects that I have an interest in. Crossword puzzles and other brain games are also good for you mentally.

Do not let your age define who you are and what you can do. There is much truth to the old saying that "age is a state of mind.”

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