Our Mindsets and the Ageing Process

You’re only as old as you feel. The Irish-born artist Francis Bacon put it this way: “I will never be an old man. To me, old age is always 15 years older than I am.” 

The big question is really this- can we hold back the sands of time by staying young at heart? Even if that’s not technically possible, a positive mindset can help us get more from life and be curious and engaged in the world around us. 

Read on to find out why it’s important to combat negativity and discover practical steps to stay healthier as you get older and create a positive mindset.

How Negative Stereotypes Influence Ageing Health

A study on ageism highlights how negative stereotypes of ageing can lead to prejudicial thoughts and discriminatory actions against middle-aged and older adults. These stereotypes, such as viewing older people as weak, sick, or tired, simplify and overgeneralise complex traits. 

Internalising negative ageing stereotypes is linked to poorer walking speed, cognitive decline, mental health issues, and even the accumulation of brain plaques associated with Alzheimer’s disease.  

In short, negative attitudes in society can create an older generation that feels negative about itself. The study concluded that the way we think, talk, and write about ageing may have direct effects on health.  

A Collective Responsibility to Stay Positive 

Trinity College conducted a longitudinal study on the consequences of carrying negative attitudes towards ageing throughout life. It found that such attitudes can have a detrimental, measurable effect on our mental and physical health, as well as cognitive well-being. 

It’s a view shared more broadly by the World Health Organisation (WHO). Interestingly, one of its findings was that ageism is most prevalent in high-income countries.  

One could well argue that there’s an irony here. That’s because, as the WHO itself points out, society would benefit from an ageing population if everyone were to stay healthier for longer.  

Reducing Ageism Across Society

There’s a collective need and responsibility for all corners of society to reflect on how to reduce levels of ageism. This applies to:  

1. The media 

2. Policymakers 

3. Practitioners 

4. Ourselves, our families, and our friends 

Those behind the Trinity College study are calling on researchers and policymakers to work together. They seek to implement interventions that challenge ageist attitudes and promote better health in later life, including for those receiving homecare.

Practical Steps to Positive Outlook

Surrounding ourselves with negative age stereotypes makes staying positive even harder and can lead to unhealthy mindsets. Begin by removing negative age beliefs that bring you down. These can also include: 

1. Reducing the number of tragic news stories you digest  

2. Surrounding yourself with people who make you feel good 

3. Limiting the time you spend in front of a computer screen  

4. Not engaging too heavily in social media 

A key driver of ageing gracefully in mind and body is to take as much exercise as possible. We all have different physical abilities, and some may find exercise challenging. The important thing is to do as much as we can.  

Why Regular Exercise is Important 

Taking regular exercise pumps up our endorphins, which are neurotransmitters that increase feelings of pleasure and well-being. They can also help to reduce pain and discomfort.

When possible, you should set aside time every day to exercise. If you are receiving homecare, talk to your carer about ways to achieve your fitness goals.  Comfort Keepers can help here. 

Physical Activity and Wellness

Many adults over 65 spend 10 hours or more a day sitting or lying down. Recent research shows that active people have a lower risk of developing long-term illnesses. They’re less likely to suffer from heart disease, strokes, type 2 diabetes, cancers, depression, and dementia.  

Exercise also reduces the risk of falls, plus it’s a great way to stay in touch with your community, friends, and neighbours. 

Simple Ways to Keep Moving

Get your body moving with activities like walking, gardening, or sports. Older people should aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate activity every week. You could do this in short bursts of 10 minutes at a time. 

Clearly, not all of us will be physically able to do these activities. Here are some examples of moderate-intensity aerobic activities: 

1. Walking Briskly  

2. Aqua aerobics  

3. Riding a bicycle on level ground  

4. Pushing the lawnmower 

At the same time, try to limit the time spent sitting during the day. Break the habit of long periods in front of the TV, computer, driving, or sitting to read or listen to music. Another study shows it’s never too late to reap the health benefits of a more active lifestyle and changing our mindsets.  

Start Living with a Positive Attitude

Mindfulness is a technique that steers us away from concentrating on things we can do nothing about. It promotes relaxation, connects us to nature, and enhances our outlook on life.  

The great thing is that you can practise mindfulness anywhere and at any time. It can help us to sleep better and get back to sleep if we wake up during the night. As with physical exercise, try to set aside some time each day for some mindfulness.  

How Does Mindfulness Work?

Sit quietly and focus your thoughts on what you can hear, feel, and touch. These could be things like the sound of a radiator, traffic, or children playing. Feel the fabric of a chair on your hand or the sensation of your clothes against your skin. 

Don’t worry if your mind wanders off at first. Learn more about mindfulness and how to practise it. It can be especially useful if you are receiving homecare. 

Thriving at Any Age with Comfort Keepers

There’s no question that staying positive and maintaining both physical and mental health can help us live happier, more fulfilled lives. 

Comfort Keepersis here to give you or a loved one any extra support needed to reach their full potential. Get in touch to learn more about the homecare services we provide.