I was checking out at the grocery store yesterday when the “bagger” asked me if I wanted help out to my car. I thought, “Do I really look that old, like I need help to my car?” I think I am a bit sensitive because today is my birthday. Aging gracefully, how to do that is the question.
Yes, I am aware that I am not forty anymore. The funny thing is that I think of myself as I was in my forties, except when I look in the mirror.
Do you ever wonder how people make assumptions about capability and age? I have experienced ageism and being stereotyped because of how I look. It's not that easy for someone who feels 40 inside.
There is a more positive way to look at my grocery store situation. Maybe the “bagger” was using their manners to offer assistance. Perhaps it had nothing to do with my age. There is always more than one perspective from which to view a situation.
Age Is Just A Number
We've all heard the saying, “Age is just a number.” But how do we translate that into everyday life? How do we dismantle ageist stereotypes and cultivate a genuinely inclusive mindset for ourselves and those around us?
Statistics Paint A Different Picture
Forget the image of the forgetful grandparent struggling with technology. Consider Johannes Mallow, the 48-year-old world memory champion, or the countless older adults mastering new languages fluently.
Studies even show our brains retain their remarkable plasticity, the ability to adapt and form new connections, throughout our lifespan. Aging gracefully is possible for each of us.
Our physical ability, too, can defy expectations. Marathon legends like Fauja Singh, who tackled the London Marathon at 100, are testaments to the human spirit's enduring strength.
And Ernestine Shepherd, who became the world's oldest competitive bodybuilder at 86, proves that physical peak performance can blossom even in life's later chapters.
The world of innovation and achievement follows suit. While we often glorify youthful entrepreneurship, the average age of successful startup founders sits closer to 40 than 25.
It seems that experience outshines youthful energy when building high-impact companies. And let's not forget the late Bloomers, individuals who find their creative voice or professional calling later in life. Helen Frankenthaler, who redefined abstract expressionism at 50, is a powerful example.
Even happiness seems to take flight with age. A study in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences revealed that people over 85 reported higher levels of life satisfaction than their younger counterparts. Perhaps wisdom helps us understand what truly matters and appreciate the richness of each moment while aging gracefully.
But these statistics are merely stepping stones to embracing the “Age is Just a Number” philosophy. It's about dismantling the ageist narratives in our society, from hiring practices based on arbitrary dates to the limiting expectations we place on ourselves and others.
Recognize that a 25-year-old can be a seasoned artist, a 60-year-old can still be an agile athlete, and an 80-year-old a tech-savvy entrepreneur. It's about understanding that potential knows no age, and limitations are often self-imposed.
How To Create A Positive Mindset About Aging
So, how do we genuinely internalize this transformative message? It starts with a shift in perspective. Imagine age as a spectrum, not a rigid ladder. Let's celebrate the wisdom gained with each passing year while nurturing the curiosity and spirit of adventure within us all. Let's champion lifelong learning, embrace new challenges, and redefine what it means to “age gracefully.”
The good news is, it's not magic; it's action. Here are some practical steps you can take to embrace an age-positive mindset and discover how aging gracefully is positive:
Challenge your own biases:
- Awareness is key. Take time to reflect on your own subconscious biases about aging. Do you associate youth with energy and potential while linking older age with decline and limitations? Recognize these thoughts as internalized stereotypes and actively work to challenge them.
- Flip the script. Instead of focusing on perceived limitations, consider the strengths and wisdom that come with experience. Consider older adults as mentors, resource pools, and valuable societal contributors.
Embrace lifelong learning:
- Curiosity is ageless. Never stop learning, growing, and exploring new interests. Whether taking a class, picking up a new hobby, or simply engaging in stimulating conversations, keep your mind active and receptive to new ideas.
- Become a mentor. Share your knowledge and experience with younger generations. Volunteering as a tutor, coach, or community leader can be mutually rewarding, creating connections and breaking down age barriers.
Challenge ageism in everyday life:
- Use inclusive language. Eliminate terms like an older person or over the hill. Instead, use respectful, person-centered language focusing on individual identities and contributions.
- Challenge ageist assumptions. Stop making assumptions about what someone can or cannot do based on age. It would help to treat everyone with respect and dignity, regardless of their years on the planet.
- Advocate for positive change. Speak up against age discrimination in the workplace, healthcare system, and other areas of society. Support age-inclusive policies and initiatives that promote fair treatment and opportunities for all.
Build bridges across generations:
- Seek out intergenerational connections. Spend time with people of different ages, from young children to older adults. Share stories, learn from each other, and celebrate each generation's unique perspectives.
- Organize intergenerational activities. Participate in events or programs that unite different age groups, such as community service projects, cultural celebrations, or intergenerational learning initiatives.
- Embrace family connections. Cherish relationships with grandparents, parents, children, and other family members across the age spectrum. These bonds offer invaluable support, love, and a sense of belonging, regardless of age differences.
Remember, embracing an age-positive mindset is a continuous journey. There will be stumbles and challenges along the way, but every step you take towards breaking down age barriers and fostering inclusion makes a difference.
Let's celebrate the richness and diversity of human experience, regardless of the number on the calendar. Together, we can create a world where age is truly just a number, and everyone has the opportunity to thrive at any stage of life. Embrace the tips, and aging gracefully is possible for you too.
My Inner Peace Challenge may be helpful for you
Nancy Dadami is an Intentional Creativity Guide, Feng Shui Specialist, and cheerleader for your dreams. Her passion is to empower seekers, conscious creators, and entrepreneurs called to growth, learning, service, and freedom. This results in living the best version of themselves, creating a life of abundance, self-awareness, purpose, and inner peace. Linktr.ee/nancydadami
