What is There to Celebrate about Aging? Plenty

by Joseph M. Casciani, PhD

In the midst of the doctor’s appointments, forgetfulness, medications, and other setbacks, it’s easy to lose sight of the benefits of getting older. Here’s a short list of the many reasons to celebrate aging, and what to be mindful of.

• Yes, we can dwell on the losses and frustrations but we can also pay attention to all that is good about aging. For one, wisdom is a valuable quality. This mostly comes with a wealth of life experience, accumulated knowledge and insights. Other age groups do not have this extensive, accumulated experience that helps with decision making and problem solving. In addition, older adults can draw on past experiences and different perspectives to make more informed judgements. Wisdom is an asset when attempting to navigate conflicts.
• Let’s not downplay the joy of having more leisure time in our senior years. Whether it is rest and relaxation, or an active pursuit of favorite hobbies or starting new ones, getting older means more time to carve out for fulfilling, enjoyable activity. Just time for fun. This can translate into time for travel, learning a new skill like a language, sport, or a musical instrument. There is time for museums, classes and webinars, and a score of other pastimes. In addition to the enjoyment, both high energy and low energy leisure activities bring new social connections, mental enrichment, positive mood, and a richer quality of life.

Greater Appreciation for Life

• With advancing years, there is a greater appreciation for life. This encourages us to savor the present moment, as we become more acutely aware of not only our mortality, but the preciousness of each day. We can find joy in simple pleasures, such as spending time with loved ones, and special hobbies and interests. The striving and yearning of our younger years can give way to a greater appreciation for one’s own journey and a feeling of fulfillment and accomplishment. There can also be a deeper sense of reverence for all living things and holding dear the sacredness of life. This is a rare perspective earlier in life.
• Second careers bring excitement and risk for the 55+ age group. There are financial risks of supporting oneself during a transition period, and the impact on one’s family, and the time needed for self-assessment. One has to also consider the necessary research and decision-making, and the expense of learning or updating skills required in the new career. Just the same, this is an opportunity that a resourceful senior may want to consider in pursuit of a new chapter. It is possible to leverage accomplishments, networks, qualifications, and passions to land a rewarding second career. Age is only a number, and age alone should not dissuade anyone from a second or third career.

Richer Relationships

• With advancing years, seniors develop stronger and richer relationships with family and friends, and communities. These relationships strengthen our connection to others and form the foundation for trust, stability, confidence, and emotional support, especially in trying times. These relationships help with mental stimulation and have a positive effect on brain health and longevity. From conversations and debate to sharing observations, humorous events, and companionship, our relations bring meaning to our lives. These are another reason to celebrate getting older.
• One thing that can be celebrated about getting older is the time spent on personal reflection and spiritual growth. When opportunities and resources present themselves, older adults can take the time for inner exploration, grapple with existential themes like death, the afterlife, and the meaning of suffering and joy. Spiritual and religious retreats offer moments to contemplate one’s life purpose and the legacy he or she will leave behind. Mostly, seniors can take the time and initiative to explore practices like meditation, journaling, prayer, and mindfulness when this may not have occurred earlier in life.

Modeling and Mentoring

• Older adults have the opportunity to serve as a role model to those in younger age groups. Seniors can support younger generations and offer guidance to those facing challenges and obstacles of their own. There are formal mentoring programs that allow us to share our guidance and support, whether in our area of expertise or not. And there are informal mentoring and counseling opportunities with those who are open to listening and learning. We should not dismiss the upsides to serving as a role model for others, but rather welcome this as another reason to celebrate getting older.
• With advancing age comes a broadened perspective and increased tolerance of differentness — different viewpoints, lifestyles, and beliefs. By experiencing these diverse situations throughout our life journey, we naturally become more accepting and tolerant of them. Linked with this tolerance are an increased patience with and compassion for others. And there is the understanding that prejudice and stereotyped beliefs can be harmful. Another positive feature of this growing acceptance is a greater appreciation for other cultures and traditions. This brings a sense of greater inter-dependence among different groups.

The Value of Our Legacy

• Another upside to aging is recognizing the value of the impact we have made on others around us. This is our legacy. The opportunity to share and pass down our values, our wisdom, and our traditions to future generations is priceless. This legacy is also seen as one way to feel a continuation with successive generations. This is done by linking our values and memories with those who follow us. Today, there are even formal systems in place to record and share this legacy with others. These are sometimes referred to as video biographies.
• Included among the many benefits of getting older, it is important to include the myriad ways older adults are contributing to society. Participating in local government, community organizations, and advocacy groups can tap into the life experience and talents of the 55+ population. Volunteering and community engagement are always available. Professionally, many older adults continue to work right along in their lifelong careers or start a new business. They contribute their expertise by serving as consultants, educators, and advisors and are regarded highly for this expertise.

Resilience May Rank Highest

• Resilience is the ability to adapt to storms and challenges, and not only survive them. It allows us to come away from these events stronger and more motivated and determined. Resilience is an inherent quality that accompanies aging, though not everyone can easily tap into their resilience — but is always there, maybe blocked, but it is always there. Older adults especially have the ability to rely on this vast reservoir of energy and creative spirit they have accumulated. With this perspective, they continue to view themselves as strong and capable. We can embrace this ability to adapt to change and overcome adversity and keep it near the top of the list of reasons to celebrate getting older.
• With all of its drawbacks, aging also brings with it a sense of independence and freedom. Being able to live on our own terms, having control and mastery over the direction we take in life has value. The autonomy in managing our own affairs are the hallmarks of personal freedom and independence. Of course, the extent of freedom in our later years can be impacted by extenuating circumstances. However, even under less-than-ideal conditions, freedom and choice cannot be over-emphasized as an upside to getting older.

Yes, there are negatives but there are also positives. An 8-ounce glass with 4 ounces of water is both half-full and half-empty. Which do you want to focus on? With a clear picture, there is a lot to celebrate about aging. The Living to 100 Club helps to keep raising our awareness of these positives.

This article is a composite of several cards in Module #12, What Opportunities Lie Ahead? The Modules are found in our new card deck series, Better, Longer & Happier. It is a collection of educational, inspirational, and activity-oriented programs. They are written for life enhancement and program directors in senior communities and organizations. The program aims to help seniors stay engaged, overcome obstacles, and stay positive about their future.