The Surprising Positive Impacts of Aging
In a youth-obsessed culture, aging is often represented as something to dread or even fear. But those who have been there have some great things to say about aging, and there are some great perks to getting older.
More seniors want to age positively. They want to make a difference in their communities and families, enjoy more free time, and improve your well-being. These are some of the biggest positive changes that come with aging.
You Can Do More with Your Time
The biggest benefit of aging might be retiring, and suddenly having more time to do what you want. There are several ways you can use the extra time that will improve your quality of life and mental well-being.
1) Spending Time with Grandkids
Studies show that older adults who spend lots of time with their grandkids feel younger and may even live longer than those who have a less active role in their grandkids’ lives. Not only is taking care of grandkids good for your own well-being, with childcare costs higher than they’ve ever been, it’s a great way to help out your kids now that they’ve started their own families.
2) Volunteer in Your Community
Have you always cared about a civic or social issue but never had time to do anything about it? Retiring means you can devote more time to volunteering in your community, participating in local politics, or giving back.
3) Follow Your Dreams
When you’re busy working for a living, you don’t have the time to do the things you always dreamed about: taking that dream trip, getting serious about a hobby, or turning a passion into a profession.
You Get Happier as You Age
As it turns out, people tend to be happier as they age, not the other way around. There’s even a fairly linear relationship to age and happiness. As people get older, their happiness increases. They feel more comfortable about who they are, what their values are, and what they’ve accomplished.
Starting at around age 50 and increasing from there, you don’t have to do so much to pursue happiness; it comes to you. However, there are some ways you can maximize your happiness as you age:
- Staying physically active
- Keeping up with a busy social life
- Having fun with friends, family, and especially grandkids
- Keeping your brain alert and active
You Get Better at Problem Solving
Did you know that in your late 60s is when you’re at your cognitive best? For many seniors that peak lasts into their retirement years too. Seniors find that they can grasp arguments faster than they could in their youth. The brain becomes excellent at figuring out connections and recognizing patterns, so they can more swiftly come to sage conclusions. Use this mental prowess and keep your mind active to prevent cognitive decline in your older years.
Aging is a great thing. Take advantage of all the benefits of aging and enjoy your retirement years to their fullest.