You’re one of billions of people on this planet and there’s something quite incredible about that when you think about it. We’re all different ages, we’re all different races, creeds, and nationalities… but we’re all aging, one day at a time! That might be difficult for many people to accept, but I have 10 tips to help you maintain a positive attitude about aging.
Believe it or not, mindset is a big part of it because your mindset matters in every area of your life, so of course it matters to the aging process as well. The way you think about yourself and the way you think about the world can significantly influence your happiness and health. So, adopting a positive mindset can be a powerful way to extend your life.
1. Address Negative Stereotypes
In the West, we often have negative stereotypes about aging and the elderly. Sadly, ageism is a largely accepted form of discrimination, and that probably feeds into your own feelings about getting older. Age didn’t stop Kimani Maruge from starting school, aged 84, or 89-year-old Dorothy Hirsch from visiting the North Pole. Take inspiration from those people instead of falling for the negative stereotypes.
2. Exercise
Exercise is a great way to stay young, it’s good for your body and mind. However, it’s also a great way to maintain a positive mental attitude. Exercising relieves stress, stimulates your brain, and helps reduce the symptoms of anxiety and depression. So, go dancing with your partner, hit the streets on a power walk with a friend, do yoga, or try swimming!
3. Get a Pet
Whether you’re a cat person or a dog person, a pet can provide you with social support and stress relief, which is key to reducing blood pressure, and boosting your mood, and a dog will ensure you get plenty of physical exercise as well. If you want to maintain a positive attitude about aging, treat yourself to a pet.
4. Learn More
By engaging in new hobbies, trying new activities, and learning about new subjects, you’re exercising your brain, which is a great reminder about how capable you are no matter how old you become. Why wouldn’t you maintain a positive attitude about aging when you finally have the time to enjoy your hobbies? Go to a lecture, watch a webinar, do puzzles, take a cooking class, learn a language, whatever you want!
5. Surround Yourself With Positive People
Emotions are contagious, so if you spend your time with miserable people, you’re more likely to feel miserable. Instead, try to surround yourself with positive people who spread their positive energy and good mood to you. You’ll feel happier, healthier, and more comfortable about aging.
6. Nurture Solid Relationships
It isn’t enough to surround yourself with positive people, you also need to nurture solid relationships with the people you love and care for. Friendships are more fragile than we realize and it’s easy to go too long without seeing each other. Even if you check in with your friends regularly, make an effort to meet up in person to have a proper catch-up. In the meantime, make sure you text and call as often as possible, it’s good for everyone.
7. Focus on the Positivity
Positive thinking can build a positive mindset, and you have to start somewhere – so, try to focus on thinking positive thoughts in every situation. When you encounter a difficult situation, find the silver lining. When you face a challenge, find the positive. It does a body good.
8. Explore Your Spirituality
Spirituality and faith can be powerful in the face of aging and if you want to maintain a positive attitude, it’s worth tapping into yours. Faith can have a positive influence on your mindset, so if you hold a specific belief, make sure you’re feeding that part of yourself regularly.
Don’t worry, you don’t have to be religious to explore your spirituality – there are plenty of ways to tap into that side of yourself with nature or mindfulness.
9. Give
Generosity and happiness go hand in hand, and when you give yourself to others, you build confidence and develop a greater sense of self-esteem. You don’t have to give your money if you don’t have a lot of it, you can give your time or your talents. Heck, you can give your blood or plasma! There are so many different ways to give. A single plasma donor saved more than two million babies by regularly donating for six decades. You can make a difference no matter how old you are.
10. Meditate
If you want a cheap, effective way to maintain a positive attitude about everything, including aging, meditation is a great tool. You can do it on your own, you can find a guided meditation class, or use an app.
Final Thoughts
Aging with a positive attitude doesn’t mean ignoring the challenges—it means choosing to focus on the growth, beauty, and blessings that come with time. With these 10 tips, you can shift your mindset, embrace self-love, and create a fulfilling outlook that carries you through every season of life. Remember, aging is a sign that you’ve lived—and there’s so much more life ahead to enjoy with joy, wisdom, and gratitude.
