Aging can be difficult to accept. Our body might not be able to do the things it did when we were young. Bones break easier. Aches and pains can be a daily occurrence. Our vision becomes impaired. Our hair turns grey or white. Sometimes it falls out. Our noses and ears stretch. We get shorter.
These experiences have a psychological impact on us. This is especially true in cultures that don’t revere their elders.
As we age and become less valued in our society, we struggle to find our place. We have to redefine who we are and identify our purpose.
Maintain a positive attitude. If you’re negative, your body gets a surge of the stress hormone cortisol. This hurts your telomerase and telomeres. Violence, bullying, and racism have a long-term negative affect on a person’s telomeres. People living in dangerous neighborhoods with no sense of community, have shorter telomeres.
The activity theory proposes that aging adults who engage in daily activities, that they perceive as productive, age gracefully and successfully.
“Embracing age is an art to be savored and celebrated
lest we reach our end days in frustration, disappointment and fear.”
Regardless of what your view is on aging, never regret getting old, for it’s a privilege denied to many.
“Linda has published twelve books. She blogs about the publishing world, posts useful tips on the challenges a writer faces, including marketing and promoting your work, how to build your online platform, how to get reviews and how to self-publish.”