I was introduced to the term Active Aging recently and it really resonated with me.
The dictionary definition of retirement is simple:
The action or fact of leaving one’s job and ceasing to work.
But the culture has pushed that definition to mean becoming useless, out of touch, removing yourself from life. In other words, it has a very negative meaning.
I really like the phrase active aging. It brings to mind someone who is enjoying themselves to the fullest and not letting the culture tell them what they are allowed to do.
Aging is a process that cannot be stopped, but our attitude about aging can affect that process.
So how do we reframe our attitude about aging? Here are some tips:
Reframe Aging
- Focus on the benefits – With age comes wisdom, experience and freedom from some responsibilities. Our children are grown, our house is paid off and we don’t have to trade time for money anymore
- Build a growth mindset – Aging can be a period of continued growth and learning. Take advantage of free classes at universities, try new activities, rediscover old hobbies
- Adopt adaptability – Be open to change and willing to adapt to a new circumstance or opportunity., cultivate a flexible attitude to better cope with the changes that come with aging.
- Control your perspective – Focus on what you can control and let go of those you cannot. (I know this is easier said than done.) Take proactive steps to manage your life.
- Reflect on your accomplishments – Think about all of the things you have done in your life, big and small. You have a wealth of experience and knowledge that can benefit others.
Aging does not have to mean a decline. Retirement has changed a lot in the last several generations.
There are actually 3 core areas to focus on when we want to be active agers, physical health, intellectual health and social health. Let’s look at physical first.
Physical Health
Physical health has developed an entire industry to help us with our exercise routine, proper diet and generally staying health.
Unfortunately, retirement doesn’t come with extra motivation, so if we didn’t exercise regularly earlier in our life, it is unlikely we will start now. But that doesn’t mean we can’t be as healthy as possible.
Retirement does come with time to fill. When we choose to fill that time with a new sport or activity that includes movement (dancing, pickle ball, snorkeling etc) then we will positively impact our health.
The nice thing about getting involved in a new activity is that this will also improve our intellectual health and social health as well.
Intellectual Health
Intellectual health is about our brain. It is so much more than memory though. To keep our brain healthy we need to keep it stimulated – that means learning new things. For those of us who are introverts that can mean doing puzzles, reading a new book or playing a new game. Every time you choose a new hobby, learn a new skill or are exposed to a new idea you are helping your brain health. Many of these new activities will involve a group of people. This will help with our social health.
Social Health
Studies have shown that the #1 most important aspect of happiness is the strength of our social relationships. If you don’t do anything else in retirement, focus on building and maintaining a strong social network.
Get involved in your community through events, clubs or volunteering. When you are considering a new activity find a group to get involved in. It is much easier to make new friends when you already have a shared interest. Schedule time to get together with friends or family. In person contact is much healthier for us and our brains than virtual meetings.
Tips
It can feel a bit overwhelming to focus on all three aspects of your health, but the good news is that it is very hard to improve in one area without automatically improving the others.
Here are some tips to help make it even easier:
- Develop a daily routine that includes intellectual stimulation – this could be as simple as ready while you have your morning cup or doing some stretching before bed
- Commit to trying one new activity or learning something new every month
- Schedule regular social interactions with friends or family – at least weekly is best
- Think about the legacy you want to leave and the positive impact you’ve had on others.
- Use positive affirmations to reinforce a positive self-image and attitude about aging
We have to choose active aging every day, but the result of that choice will help create a life worth living.
For more tips and information on building a retirement of passion and purpose check out my book!
