My peers seem to be turning grumpy and sour as years go by, and I don't want to be like that! How can I stay positive and happy in old age?

All around the world, we see a trend in the decreasing birth rates, and the subsequent longer lives of the older generations. According to the World Health organization, there will be 2 billion people who are older than 60 years old, more than the number of children who are younger than 5 years old. 

We are seeing an unprecedented number of people who are living longer, making societies rethink what it means to age and to achieve a happy life as an older individual. 

What does it mean to be old? 

Positive. Happy. Old age. Are these words that we normally link with one another? 

Our personal view of aging largely depends on how our culture defines aging. In the US, high emphasis is placed on aging well, not merely avoiding being sick or disabled, but maintaining physical and mental health and function, while being socially active and productive. 

For many, old age is associated with becoming grumpy, mean, unhappy, or lonely. The psychology of aging has long been an interesting concept because it is something that we all go through, yet it is hard to accept. 

What leads us to think negatively about aging? 

• Aging increases our risk for illnesses that require more care. It might cause older people to be anxious or depressed. 

• Age-related diseases are also related to loss of independence, frustrations, anger, and conflict with caregivers that negatively affect mental health. 

• Loss of loved ones (friends, family, and community) might lead to loneliness. 

So now the big question is, how do we maintain happiness and age well? 

• Positivity in the mind, positivity in the body. 

Our thought life is alive and active regardless of our age. One important thing that can keep our body healthy is cultivating our thought life. Do we feed our thoughts with affirmation, inspiration or positivity? What we think consistently then becomes our habits and lifestyle. 

One principle that I keep in mind is “garbage in, garbage out” which means that what we watch, listen to, engage our mind in will also be what we produce in our words and actions. 

Replaying and revisiting unpleasant memories that trigger unpleasant emotions like unforgiveness and guilt, grudges and regrets, and perceived personal failures in the past might be harmful. 

Try to look at it in the lens of your future. What can you be grateful for now? And What can help you be a better person? 

• Good physical activity and lifestyle translates to great mental activity. 

It is common for people transitioning to old age to drop the habit of being physically active. But by maintaining and even improving your fitness level through exercising as you age, you also maintain the youth of your mind.

Do not neglect your nutrition. Being older does not mean needing less nutrition, but choosing healthy food groups that will continue to nourish and support your changing needs. Get good quality sleep as well. 

A lot of people also associate aging with memory loss, but that is simply not true. By keeping your brain sharp through brain training, learning, and nutritional support, you can still experience healthy brain function and good memory! 

• Continue to learn new things. There is no age limit in learning. 

People who have aged well will tell you that they are still able to feel fulfilled, successful , and rewarded by continuously honing and contributing their skills and talents. They have learned to share their skills with added wisdom and experience that come with age. 

Learning how to cope with aging and the changes that go with it may mean you do not grow sour or grumpy, but it may lead you to become such a positive-minded, grateful and happy person to be around. 

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