The idea of ageing can be unsettling…

Everyone wants to reach a good age, but the actual process of ageing can be challenging, both physically and mentally. How can we age in a positive way? 

The habits you form now, in midlife, are the things that are going to make or break the positivity of your later years.

Ageing is the natural physical and mental process of becoming older. And in recent years life expectancy globally has hit an all-time high. This means that due to childhood immunisations, universal healthcare, and medical advances in treating diseases, people are living longer.  

Whilst this is – in most cases – a good thing, it has meant that society’s views surrounding certain age groups have changed, particularly towards those in their mid-life. Balancing work, family life, and your own ageing is challenging. But there are approaches you can take to improve how you age.

Welcome to conscious ageing. 

Conscious acceptance is one of the most vital tools in your arsenal

We can’t just pause time, and there’s little point in fighting it. You might hold off the visible signs for a while but eventually, time is going to get you! But there’s enormous positivity to be had from embracing the idea, and bringing some mindful consciousness into the process instead of fighting it.

Whether it’s focusing more on your health and nutrition, your chakras, finding new hobbies, or delving into philosophy, there are ways to age consciously. 

Growing old is a blessing that not everyone has the privilege of experiencing, and it’s worth remembering that

In reality, it is a miracle we even exist. We are spinning on a rock in space, one of billions and billions which just so happens to have the right conditions to create life. Or at least life as we know it, Jim. This is so rare, in fact, that we are the only life forms we know of. So, to experience our surroundings, even just being here in the first place, is a miracle.  

It might not feel like that when the face in the mirror changes, or the bodywork is slowing down, or you’re more frequently unwell. But there is always stoicism… 

Harness your inner stoic 

Joyce, 90, highlights the importance of stoicism when approaching the matter of ageing. Stoicism encourages people to focus on what they can control, and accept what they cannot, teaching emotional resilience and strength. A lovely philosophy to embrace when accepting ageing, and in fact just for appreciating the little things in life.  

Stoicism harnesses rationality, understanding, and strength as key principles

This teaching encourages us to focus on what is within our control. As people age it is common to feel a lack in agency, but when using philosophies like Stoicism, it is easy to find things you can control. Choosing to age consciously means recognising the inevitable, just as Stoicism teaches. 

Practicing self-acceptance is another great way of ageing consciously. By taking control of your decisions, and reflecting upon them, you can make choices which are more authentic to you. Self-acceptance is important, as it doesn’t just mean accepting what one may deem a ‘negative’ quality. It means being aware of these qualities without emotional attachments to build better habits. If we cannot accept the natural ageing process, it can be harmful to mental wellbeing. 

And talking about your mental wellbeing… 

It’s perfectly normal to grieve the body and lifestyle you once led. Millions of us have stood in front of the mirror and wondered where that sprightly young thing went.

Understanding that things have shifted is a normal part of life that no one can escape from. Ageing is the most natural thing in the universe, and it’s unavoidable; death catches up with us all in the end. Which makes it all the more important to make the most of the life we have!  

Accepting that your body has changed is challenging, and brings its own mental health issues

According to the World Health Organisation approximately 14% of adults over the age of 60 live with a mental health disorder. There is plenty you can do to stay positive. But don’t white-knuckle this on your own.

Simply talking to others who are going through the same thing can be wonderfully helpful. The internet is a great tool for communication. Support groups for issues such as menopause, ageing, loneliness, or specific illnesses like bowel cancer can be found both online and in person. Having someone to talk to can make a world of difference.  

Staying physically active

Although you may be able to delay facial signs of ageing through cosmetic treatments such as Botox, fillers and chemical peels, there is no real easy fix for the rest of your body. You’re just going to have to put the work in. Staying fit, healthy, and active is important no matter your age, so plan some movement and exercise into your life.

Not only will this benefit your mental wellbeing, but it will enable you to remain as active as possible for as long as possible. Although changes are inevitable with ageing, exercising regularly, eating little processed food, and giving up smoking will help your body to stay in the best possible shape for as long as possible.  

As we age, our fitness requirements change, and intense aerobic activities such as running tend to be harder on the body. Swimming, tai chi, dancing or nice long walks are better for your knees, and your cortisol production. More important awe we lose strength is muscle building activities such as weights, and doing squats or lunges will keep those joints moving. 

In a study of adults aged 55-79 with longstanding exercise routines, researchers at King’s College London and University of Birmingham found they had the immune systems of much younger adults. Through incorporating physical activities into your day-to-day life you can stay healthier for longer, allowing you to work on the aspects of ageing that you can control.  

A philosophy for life 

Changing your outlook on ageing through various philosophies and working on improving your mental and physical health will allow for you to age consciously. But also with positivity.

Preparing yourself for the future helps create the right conditions to enjoy and embrace ageing as just another part of life. Your age does not define you. 

Books on conscious ageing:  

Conscious Living, Conscious Ageing – Ron Pevny 
Aging Thoughtfully – Martha Nussbaum and Saul Levmore 
Lifespan: Why We Age – and Why We Don’t Have to – Dr David A. Sinclair