Successful aging is simpler than it sounds. Aging well means aging with a sense of peace, joy, and fulfillment. It all comes down to these two critical factors: Self-acceptance/self-contentment & engagement with life/self-growth.
Self-acceptance & Self-contentment:
At age 18 all you can worry about is “what are other people thinking about me?” At age 40 you think, “I don’t really care what people think about me!” At age 60 you realize, “no one is thinking about me!” because everyone is thinking about themselves. It’s easy to allow thoughts like these keep us from being our authentic selves.
64% of the 55+ community mentioned a comfort with self and self-confidence. For some, this was a newfound feeling. One said, “I’ve never felt more authentically me, ever, than I do right now. And it’s just so cool. It’s very cool.”
Achieving Self-contentment: Make the best of what you have
A survey for the 55+ community revealed feelings of happiness and enjoyment with life as well as the value of not worrying too much.
A Personal sense of inner strength and accomplishment, along with the sense of having “had a good life” are the foundation to self-contentment. Talk about past accomplishments and be proud of your experiences instead of regretting that you can no longer do those activities.
Focus on the Present: 95% of successfully aging individuals noted their tendency to focus on the present. These individuals put to practice the mindset of “living one day at a time” and not worrying about the future.
“I just keep putting one foot in front of the other and facing life as it comes to me. I don’t worry about dying. It’s coming and I just don’t want to rush it.”
Self-growth:
95% of successfully aging individuals mentioned the importance of remaining engaged with life and discussed a “can do” approach to self-growth and successful aging.
“Do things you really want to do. I mean if it’s you’ve got the money and you love to take cruises, for God sakes, take cruises!”
Fill your days with novel pursuits, giving to others, social interactions, and a positive attitude.
At Tealridge Assisted Living and Memory Care we strive for successful aging for all of our wonderful residents. Contact us here for more information.
