5 Secrets to Aging Successfully
70% of physical aging and about 50% of mental aging is determined by lifestyle…the choices we make every day.
Science has proven that we control how well we age. There are five things that you need to age successfully:
- A Growth Mindset
According to Carol S. Dweck, Ph.D., having a growth mindset allows you to see opportunities for change ahead rather than feeling you are stuck with the way things are. If you look at aging as a litany of aches, pains, and the things you can’t do any more, you will see more of just that. On the other hand, if you believe that you are in control of your life and choose to see possibilities for growth and enjoyment ahead, you will create a life that thrives in spite of the inconveniences of aging. The good news is that your mindset can be shifted rather easily. - A physically active and mentally stimulating lifestyle
We all know that regular exercise and a healthy diet are important. But there is more to it. You can’t exercise for 30 minutes and spend the rest of the day being a couch-potato. You have to fill you day with activities that you enjoy that keep both your body and your mind moving. - Strong social engagement
We are all social beings – even if you aren’t so sure you are. Research has shown that interaction with other people is a key ingredient to having a happy and healthy life. It improves your feeling of well-being and boosts your immune system. - Having Purpose and meaning in your life
Feeling that your life matters is as fundamental to your health as food and water are. You have to fill your life with things that matter to you and that has to include doing something that matters to others. It doesn’t have to be something as big as solving world hunger but it does have to be something that has a positive impact on someone else. - Living in an environment that supports that life style
When you are surrounded by people and places that support activities that contribute to your wellness, it’s much easier to make the healthy choice.
Sophia Loren said, “There is a fountain of youth: it is your mind, your talents, the creativity you bring to your life and the lives of the people you love. When you learn to tap this source, you will have truly defeated age.”