Henry Ford supposedly said, “If you think you can’t—you can’t. If you think you can—you can.” While that statement usually applies to reaching our goals or persevering in spite of the odds, we seldom consider it in context with aging. Yet, growing research shows that our view of aging has a sometimes dramatic effect on the quality of our health, happiness, and wellbeing. Not only does what we each think about aging matter, how we feel about aging as a society influences the experience that each of us will have as the years add up. Fortunately, if we can learn to identify those stereotypical prejudices most of us hold about aging, we can halt and maybe even reverse many of the negatives formerly believed to be our destiny.
I’ll bet there isn’t a person alive in our country that hasn’t heard a good joke lately about a senior citizen. Facebook is full of funny photos and captions showing older people as buffoons. Just about every situation comedy on television portrays elders in a negative light. No wonder none of us ever want to grow old! Is it possible we do ourselves a tremendous disservice every time we pass those cartoons around or laugh along with others when another senior is the butt of a joke?
That’s what Becca Levy, an associate professor of psychology at the Yale School of Public Health and lead author of a current study on aging, believes. She is convinced that such negative stereotyping is a “public health issue.” Ultimately it is possible that such a constant cultural mindset perpetuates an age-based stereotype threat (ABST), along with a prejudice and discrimination that are nearly as insidious as those surrounding racism or gender inequality.
The good news is that during the last 20 years a growing number of studies clearly demonstrate that what we think about and how we feel about aging changes the outcome of our lives. Nine of the most interesting are: (note: links to the actual study available)
- A positive view of aging gives a person a 44% more likely chance to fully recover from a severe disability! (Link)
- Believing that aging offers opportunities for continued growth, rather than a decline or social loss, results in better subjective health, higher income, less loneliness, and greater hope. (Link)
- When trained in positive age stereotypes over the course of several weeks, participants began feeling more positive about their own aging self-image and then that, in turn, resulted in significantly improved physical functioning. Even more interesting is that when the training and messages were offered subliminally, rather than explicitly, the outcomes improved nearly 30%. (Link)
- Those subjected to negative aging stereotypes drive faster and much less safely. (Link)
- Negative aging stereotypes encourages poor and shakier handwriting. (Link)
- Being exposed to negative stereotypes about aging triggers added stress-heightened cardiovascular responses in the body, whether a person is aware of it or not. (Link)
- People who feel good about aging tend to take better care of themselves, practice preventative medicine, and eat better. (Link)
- Memory and brain function increased in older participants when subjected to positive aging subliminal messages that directly related to one’s self-image. On the other hand, negative aging subliminal messages resulted in poorer memory and brain function. (Link)
- Holding a positive view of aging gives a person an added 7.5 years of life over those with less positive views of aging! (Link)
The good news is, as Professor Becca Levy says, “What people aren’t aware of is that they have the ability to overcome and resist negative stereotypes” and “compensate for the ill effects of automatic ageism.” Now that we know about some of the results of current studies, here are six things we can do to reverse some of the trends of negative aging stereotypes and feel better about ourselves as we age:
1) Recognize the many benefits of aging. Continue to educate yourself about the realities of aging—rather than blindly accepting the cultural bias. Selectively read information that increases your knowledge about the positive aspects of aging, while refusing to read or study those that imply otherwise.
2) Exercise! Studies show that people (especially women) feel better about their age when they exercise regularly. (Link)
3) Stop watching so much television—especially comedies. A study done in 2005 shows that the more a person watches television the more likely they are to have a negative view of aging. Situation comedies are the worst. Also of concern is the invisibility of older adults and seniors on network programming in ways that contributes to the negative stereotyping of an aged population. (Link)
4) Refuse to blame some of your experiences on your age. Multitasking or not paying attention is usually the culprit behind memory problems, but many of us routinely blame it on our age. Stop it! In addition, many health issues like lack of flexibility, weight, and even poor health happen more as a response to our day-to-day life choices rather than our age. By recognizing the true cause of some of our experiences, we start realizing that age doesn’t have to be as negative as we’ve sometimes believed.
5) Hang around with people who see aging in a positive way and avoid those who don’t. Just like so many things in life, the people around us have a huge influence on our thinking and quality of life. While it might not be easy to break off from those who see aging in a negative way, our health and happiness actually depends upon it.
6) Make a habit of thinking of the benefits of your advancing age rather than the detriments. While thinking of ourselves as younger than we really are might be advantageous at times, as we age it is wise to stay open to the opportunities of continuous growth and possibility. Even when there are certain things we can no longer do like we did when we were young, if we continue to develop new ways to relate to the world and hold a positive perspective on that, the future can be hopeful.
We live in exciting times because the overall view of aging and what it means to all of us as we grow older is more positive than ever. Finding out why some people age in a positive and healthier way compared to others is under study by dozens of organizations on a regular basis. Learning to make the most of every stage of our lives is always SMART. And just like at all ages, staying aware of what we think and feel about others and ourselves is a key to a healthy and happy life.
Wow, I am right in tune with this article. I do not feel my age. My health is excellent, I sleep well, I sing sometimes, and dance a little (not in front of anyone). I read, I blog, I have a website, (I designed the website and put it up all by my older self), lol, I write, of course since I have a website and blogs, and I pray. I do not dwell on being ‘older.’ I try to keep my mind on good thoughts and know that we are whom we are because of our thoughts.
It is time for the people who have in mind that an older person walks with a cane. The brain does NOT stop functioning and life is as good as it gets. The wisdom we have learned does not just fly away, it stays, thank the Lord. Right? Sure I am and I would not go back for the life of me.
Hi Linda! Thanks for stopping by SMART Living and sharing your thoughts on this. I so agree that we need to promote the idea that, “the brain does NOT stop functioning and life is as good as it gets.” Congratulations on living a full and happy life at ANY age. ~Kathy
Such an eye-opening post, Kathy! I just love when science backs up intuitive thought 🙂 I’ve been following all the new aging studies as well, and am just tweaked by them. We know that how we think about things changes the things we think about, along with ourselves.
I especially love: “Make a habit of thinking of the benefits of your advancing age rather than the detriments.” Now that’s a practical tool I am going to adopt!
As we focus on opportunities rather than obstacles, our lives grow stronger and richer.
And thanks for the Betty Friedan quote to open! Love her 🙂
http://www.susanmarymalone.com/avoid-negative-thinking/
Hi Susan! That’s such a great way of putting it, “…when science backs up intuitive thought!” For those of who love this sort of information, it just makes so much sense doesn’t it? And while I think many of us knew that this was likely true, seeing the studies and being reminded of how important it is, helps even more. I so agree that “as we focus on opportunities rather than obstacles, our lives grow stronger and richer!” Thanks for adding that all to the conversation. ~Kathy
Great post and great resources! I think older people that only associate with people their own age, age faster. And I find it really interesting, the fact that so much of what we take in is subliminal. Words aren’t even necessary for us to be severely influenced by negative stuff. Thanks.
Hi Anita! I agree with you that people who just hang out with those there own age are sort of “stuck” in that particular age. Far better to mix it up and especially to reach for the best examples possible. And yes, as you say, “words aren’t even necessary for us to be severely influenced by negative stuff.” ~Kathy
This doesn’t surprise me a bit. I agree that what we think matters. I know it’s hard not to associate negatives with aging, but there are so many advantages, as you point out.
Hi Carol! I think you write about these ideas yourself a great deal, and I also KNOW that you realize how important our thoughts are. Let’s just do our best to remember it okay? ~Kathy
Such an inspiring post. I am embracing growing old. At 47 years old, things aren’t what they once were but I still have my health and am able to get around by myself. “Age is but a number.” I’m a firm believer. Thanks for shedding light on the subject.
Hi Brenda! Welcome to SMART Living and thanks for joining the conversation. How great to learn this while you are still so long. Just remember it no matter what! ~Kathy
This is such a good and much needed positive message. Thanks for sharing!!
Hi Michelle! Thank YOU. Best to remember this as much as we can. ~Kathy
Great points Kathy. Mindset and attitude have a major impact on how we experience everything – including getting older. So important to foster a healthy mindset on this subject as it really does drive our experience and results.
Hi Ali! Thanks! I so agree that mindset and attitude play such an important role in this and just about every other area of our lives. Now all I have to do is remember it every single day. ~Kathy
So much has to do with attitude, hey? It really does drive me a bit nuts when I hear people blame things on getting old (although I am not totally innocent of this!).
Hi Laura! Yes, it all does come down to attitude doesn’t it? And I admit that I have been attempting to be a bit more careful about how I address my inadequacies these days. 🙂 It’s funny how easy it is to use age as an excuse huh? ~Kathy
Last week I got first-hand proof that age is just a number. Many of our daily hiking guides ranged in age from mid 60s to mid 70s – and believe me when I tell you I was struggling to keep up with them. I’m not looking for eternal youth – but I am looking to be the healthiest I can at whatever chronological age my passport tells me I’m at. 🙂
Hi Nancy! Isn’t it wonderful to find such great role models for aging? I believe the more we can surround ourselves by people who are living the way we hope to far into the future we are so much better off! And I agree with you….staying healthy at every age is my goal too. ~Kathy
I believe that age is relative. I recall tending to the graveyard in the presence of my dad. He was looking at his father’s headstone and commented – when my dad died, I thought he was an old man. He was you kids’ age. In a sociology of the aging course I learned that only 10% of the elderly are in care. I like to focus on the 90 yr old who’s building a new house and the 83 yr old who’s participating in track and field competitions.
I think I have a pretty healthy view of aging. I’ve waited a long time for my own to my own. (Of course, I didn’t plan to spend it caregiving, but what can you do?) I am still determined to make this time the very best of my life. I have a long life ahead (I hope) and I am looking forward to every single second of it!
Hi Rena! I think that us writers have an advantage over many others because we get to process our thoughts and emotions on a regular basis. A real key to this positive aging thing is staying awake and mindful to our thoughts. In spite of some of the challenges you face you do consistently stay positive. The good news is that will help you for the rest of your life. Thanks for joining the conversation. ~Kathy
This resonated so much with me, Kathy. Last week, my Dad celebrated his 90th birthday. I know I’m biased, but I haven’t met another 90-year-old who is still so mentally sharp. My nephew put it well when he said that my Dad believed that age is a question of mind over matter, and if you don’t mind it doesn’t matter. Everyone in his circle, many several years younger than him, contact him for their pension calculations. He helps all these brother Army officers, does all the pension calculation for their widows and is active in our housing society affairs.
I hope that I have inherited the same genes and attitude! 🙂
Hi Corinne! Happy birthday to your dad! How great that he is around to be such a positive role model for you and the rest of your family. I think someone like that does more to keep us optimistic and dozens of articles and stories. Hopefully we can spread the news about that attitude, and the awareness that it can indeed keep getting better and stay good for the remainder of our lives. Thanks for sharing this with us all. ~Kathy
I love all of these Kathy – every one of them rings true. We are going to get older whether we want to or not, so why not find blessings in the process rather than focusing on the stuff that isn’t so fabulous? It’s a nice added bonus to think that it improves our physical health at the same time 🙂
Hi Leanne! Yes, I think there are a number of us who make the effort to stay healthy and energetic, so it’s nice to know a component of that is also how we think about the process. And I don’t know about you, but I appreciated being reminded that even subliminal messages of aging in a negative way can affect us. All the more reason to stay mindful, right? Thanks for joining the conversation. ~Kathy
1. I think Becca Levy is wrong. Cartoons are just something to laugh at, they could do the same cartoons about younger people and people would still pass them around and laugh.
2. I think my biggest benefit is I don’t often think about aging, just get on with doing all the things I have to do, same as always. And I do still laugh at and pass on those cartoons. Laughing is good for you.
Those who see such things as negative are those who already think aging is a negative process and fear it.
Hi River! I agree with you that laughing is nearly always good. But then I thought about how it used to be perfectly acceptable to make rascist jokes or jokes about people with disabilities too. While those jokes may have seemed funny at the time, and most of us laughed anyway in a crowd, they are definitely laughing AT a group rather than with them. That’s why there is something to be said for making jokes about older people. If we make more jokes about what they/we can’t do, then we are perpetuating a mindset that might be critical and sometimes downright mean. I agree that if we don’t find aging to be negative it is just about the laugh. What’s most important IMHO is to be mindful of our actions. Thanks for adding this to the conversation though because chances are there are others thinking the same way. ~Kathy
Kathy, this was a great article on aging. I remember so vividly thinking my grandmother was very old when I was young yet she was only 42 when I was born. But even at 42 she wore what I saw as old lady dresses, had her hair set and sprayed every week in that “old woman” style. She had it in her mind that once she reached a certain age long hair was not allowed or colorful clothes said she was a harlot. Once married she felt she had to wear the required under clothes of a mature woman (long bra and girdles), it didn’t matter if you were thin or heavy a woman wore a girdle at all times. There was a very real definition, as I saw it, that said how a woman should be at each age.
I don’t think we feel the same way our grandmother’s did. We do what we want with our hair, wear what makes us feel comfortable and so on. I don’t remember my grandmother ever allowing herself to play or just have a good laugh either. She didn’t put on music and dance around the house or play in the autumn leaves, yet I still allow myself to enjoy these things.
I don’t think everyone of my generation has allowed themselves to enjoy living life regardless, or i spite of aging. So many of my friends and acquaintances have tried to suppress the fun side of their personality even today and it’s those individuals who complain about how old they feel or how bad the arthritis is that day.
One thing you mentioned surprised me and that was one drives faster and with less safety if they view aging negatively. I’m not sure I would agree with that because I have always had a heavy foot and used to race cars, but I cared about safety, maybe that’s the key difference.
Hi Lois! Yes, isn’t it weird how we used to consider people younger than us today as way=ay older when we were young? I suspect that’s what all the younger people today do to us too. And who knows for sure if they didn’t, every now and then, put on the music and dance with wild abandon? (but chances are good they didn’t right?) But I also agree with you that most of us don’t remember to have fun on a regular basis–especially those of us that have added on quite a few years. Thank YOU for reminding me to have fun as much as I am able.~Kathy
P.S. And yeah, that was sort of an odd study about the aging and driving. What I didn’t mention is that most of the time it was men that drove faster and more erratically when aging messages were suggested. Maybe they were reacting with a, “Well I’ll show them attitude!”
This is an interesting post and study. I rarely hear friends or family say they feel as old as they are unless it is after a big physical event and realize we don’t bounce back as quickly. The handwriting decline is fascinating!
Hi Haralee! Yes isn’t this info fascinating. I know it is a bit “technical” but I just couldn’t help but include all the amazing studies that are being done in this area. And just taking the time to realize how insidious the derogatory messages in our culture are around aging is eye opening. Even as “positive” as I am on a regular basis I too am guilty of telling jokes or sharing cartoons that are less than flattering to older people. But at what cost? While most of us are aware of our culture’s obsession with youth, much of the time we ourselves perpetuate that obsession. I’m going to do my best from now on to turn it around. Wanna help? 🙂 ~Kathy
Great piece! I decided long time ago never to blame my age…especially while talking with the youngsters…ha ha ha. This really is a great piece. Thanks for writing it.
Hi Karen! Thank you. When you think about it, the messages we share with the “youngsters” just might be what sticks in their minds. I think most of us like to believe we pass on some wisdom to those younger than us. Maybe this news (and adding up to 7.5 years to their lives) is more important than we know. Thanks for adding to the conversation. ~Kathy
Kathy, it is so true.
Not only is our perception key, but also the messages we get from our culture and social ties.
I remember hearing once about a tribe that believes everything — including physical performance — gets better with age. This tribe uses ‘runners’ to carry communications long distance between groups and it’s the oldest members of the tribe who run farther and faster. Naturally … because that’s what they expect.
I’m not sure if that tribe has been able to sustain their belief. I imagine they’ve been exposed more and more to “western” notions of aging since that report came out, but what a great example of the power of state of mind + cultural dogma.
Thanks for another great post!
Hi T.O.! I LOVE that story. I would like to find out more about them and remember to include that in a post sometime in the future. Just knowing stories like that, no matter how many times we hear them can switch our thinking around. While I think we all hope to stay as healthy as possible as long as we live but that may or may not happen. On the other hand, staying optimistic, hopeful and looking forward to the future is something that is within the reach of every one of us! Thanks for joining the conversation. ~Kathy
It’s a great story and I have the visual in my mind. It was in a video. Funny – this week, as you know, I’ve been working more in images with my “PintMo” project, and the research says our brain process most things visually. LOL
I’m searching my brain to remember where it is. Let me work on that.
Kathy, I’m still trying to find the video that tells the story of that tribe and, as I was looking this morning, I re-watched a video I shared on my blog a while back.
While it doesn’t share that tribe’s story, it’s a great one for shifting perceptions around age. As the speaker says, “age is the advantage”. It’s a good one. I’ve linked to it using Comment Luv.
LOVE THIS! I am so tired of hearing middle aged women whine about how “old” they are! My goodness we are just beginning! Great health doesn’t come without a lot of effort and I believe some people are just lazy and blame it on “age”. I am 54 and feel better than ever, the best is yet to come. Great post!
Hi Suzanne! Hahahaha…I so agree! My husband Thom works with a man who is 93 years old and he and his wife (who is 92) meet monthly to talk business. This couple is amazingly sharp and active (I actually wrote a blog post about them before http://smartliving365.com/ten-awesome-benefits-growing-older/#comments) and they are still going strong. If Thom ever says anything whiney about age, they give him the hardest time! They are 30 years older than Thom and refuse to listen to anything that limits their good life. They continue to be the BEST role models imaginable. And look at you at only 54! As you say, “The best is yet to come!” ~Kathy
Just what I needed to read today. Especially the comments about hanging out with negative people.
My family is filled with negative thinking and I find it hard to be around them too long.
I retired in May at 60 years old and I am starting to find my path into this new phase of my life. I have been told by those who remain positive that it takes some time to make the transition. You’re article will help in my choices that I make and the way I choose to think about this part of my life.
Hi Janet! I so agree that it doesn’t really matter WHAT our age is, hanging around with negative people never helps. It can be tough though, especially if it is family members, but if it can add 7 and half years on your life to avoid them, then we have motivation right? And yes, I agree that it takes time to switch our motivation–but a HUGE key is staying as aware and conscious of our thoughts as possible. Maybe finding a local group of people who want to do the same could be helpful? And any time you need some reminders or support check back here on SMART Living because I will continue to do my best to share the news! ~Kathy
Wonderful Kathy! I always enjoy your inspiring articles, that encourage me to leave in a position where I am and enjoy the time. This one of the most useful article. Thousands of thanks and wish you keep uoof your precious ideas to encourage……Amin
Hey Amin! Thank you for your thoughts. You are one of the most encouraging people I know so I consider your words to be high praise indeed! ~Kathy
This was really a timely post for me. I’m 61 and in the process of finally being able to pursue my dream of building my own business as a jewelry designer. I still work part time too, do shows particularly at this time of year, haul my display in and out, stand for hours selling, use all manner of tools while standing at a jeweler’s bench, and otherwise work like I’m still young and tough. Despite being tired at the end of the day, the exhilaration I feel more than makes up for any fatigue or sore muscles. I’m in touch with many high school classmates (via Facebook) and often saddened at the illnesses, frailties, problems and disabilities some of them have. Yes, I won the genetic lottery but I also know that attitude is a bigpart of my success. This post just confirms my experience and gives me hope that I can continue to work well into whatever age I reach. Thank you for a great post. I intend to share some of these links with friends.
Hi Sheila! Good for you for pursuing your dreams! I think anytime we work to share our creativity and stay active it can be challenging (like feeling tired and “spent”) but IMHO that is still so much better than sitting around wishing we had done something we always dreamed of doing–don’t you? We can always hire someone (or talk someone into helping us) no matter what our age–but that exhilaration of creativity and contribution to the world is worth it all! Thank you so much for sharing that with us all. ~Kathy
Good article. I’m one of those who may be 50 but my mind is definitely younger …. probably helped by the fact that I am an optimistic person who believes that each day should be lived to the full.
Hi Linda! Thanks for jumping in here with your thoughts. I agree that staying as positive as possible is a real key for us all. Of course I’ve run into others who refuse to even admit or talk about their age and the research seems to suggest that we don’t deny it, only that we refuse to focus on the negative aspects. I think that is a challenge for all of us as we add on the years…but I plan to do my best and spread the word! ~Kathy
Great post, Kathy! I’d read about Levy’s study and bookmarked it for a future blog of my own, but you nailed it with a wonderful explanation of all the reasons why we shouldn’t buy in to all the age-related stereotypes. We may not be able to turn back the clock, but we sure can control how we think about getting older, and take care of ourselves. Well done.
Hi Roxanne! I honestly don’t think any of us can hear this message enough so please let me know when you write your “take” on the info so I can read it! I think I, and most of us, have gotten fairly lazy about letting the topic be “less than positive” and now I know that all that still affects us. Even if we aren’t overtly negative about aging, all those messages from others and the media is seeping into our consciousness. While we would NEVER stand for such derogatory remarks about other races or minority groups, most of us are quilty of letting it “slide” when it comes to age. Thanks for joining the conversation! ~Kathy
I’m going to be positive from now on so I can live an extra 7 1/2 years!! Actually, I’m going to do everything you suggested. I’m 50 and don’t feel it at all, so hopefully when I’m 80 I’ll still feel 50! #blogsharelearn sent me! Stacie xo
Hi Stacie! Yes, isn’t that incredible? I had to reread the study over several times to make sure that I was understanding it correctly! It doesn’t really matter how young or old you are today. What matters the most is the minute we hear this info we begin to start monitoring our conversations and thoughts around aging. That’s not denying that things change as we age, but instead of whining about the changes, we take the time to seek out the advantages as well. Thanks for stopping by! ~Kathy