Just about every day I read a post on Facebook or one of the many blogs I follow about getting older. And while many of them poke fun at the experience, most of the time the posts subtly (or not so subtly!) talk about the drawbacks to aging. But, when you think about it, every single day each of us is getting older—and thankfully so! Consider the alternative. So instead of thinking of life as a gradual decline, maybe it is time to start thinking of how life gets better as we go along—and that the advantages far outweigh the disadvantages. And even though I’m not facing a significant birthday for several months, I decided a good way to prepare was to start focusing on the benefits long before the day arrives.
Here are ten great benefits we gain as we age:
1) Less negativity—higher self esteem. Researcher Ulrich Orth from the University of Basel studied thousands of 18 to 89 year olds and discovered that regardless of demographic and social status, the older we get the more negativity diminishes and the higher our self-esteem climbs. He says, “With time, we hone qualities like self-control and altruism that contribute to overall happiness. The best is yet to come!” A large Gallup Poll done in 2008 confirmed that adults near 85 years old are even more satisfied with themselves and their life than they were at 18.
2) More positive wellbeing—greater emotional stability. Laura Carstensen, a professor of psychology at Stanford University recently published a study where she showed that as time passed over a 15 year period her study subjects reported more positive well-being and greater emotional stability as they aged—no matter what their age when they started the study. Carstensen’s studies show that negative emotions like sadness, anger and fear become less pronounced as we age as opposed to the roller-coaster drama-filled younger years. Even further, the Gallup Poll done in 2008 reported that stress and worry gradually decline from teenage years and reach a low point when a person turns 85 years old.
3) Brain plasticity. It was once believed that we were born with a certain number of brain cells that slowly died off as we age. Science now knows that our brains continue to grow neurons as we age and can reshape itself in response to what it learns. Even learning to juggle, learn a new language or play an instrument can cause significant brain changes in hearing, memory and hand movements. Plus, studies confirm that our vocabulary not only continues to grow as we do, it become richer and provides more subtle ways of expressing ourselves. As long as we use it, we won’t lose it!
4) Sync’d hemispheres. Brain scans show that while young people often use only one side of their brain for a specific task, middle age and older adults are more likely to activate both hemispheres at the same time—a pattern known as bilateralization. This process allows more mature people to use the full power of their brain when faced with problems or situations. Specifically, our reasoning and problem-solving skills tend to get sharper.
5) Clearer priorities. Studies done by Michael Marsiske Ph.D. suggest that older adults tend to perceive time in a way that makes them “increasingly aware that our years on this Earth are limited.” He goes on to say that, “This awareness helps explain the choices that older adults tend to make: to spend time with a smaller, tighter circle of friends and family, to pay more attention to good news than to bad news, and to seek out positive encounters and avoid negative ones.” In other words, aging helps us let go of the trivial and focus on what is most important.
6) Wiser perspective. A study done at the University of Michigan presented “Dear Abby” letters to 200 people and asked them what advice they would give. Those over 60, as opposed to younger participants, offered a wider variety of options showing different points of view, multiple resolutions and suggested compromise. One theory is that as we age we develop a multitude of brain maps that help us to recognize and respond to similar circumstances when we come upon them again. By midlife and beyond we have a stockpile of these maps, which offer us a sense of effortless mastery from our wealth of experiences.
7) Better Able To See Big Picture. Allison Sekuler, PhD did a study in 2005 where younger and older subjects were shown moving objects on a computer screen of varying shapes and shades. While younger people were able to point them out more quickly when they were small and gray, older subjects had the advantage when they were large and highly contrast. Sekuler noted that young brains seemed better able at focusing on details to the exclusion of their surroundings while more mature brains can take in the entire scene. Need some big picture thinking—ask a senior!
8) See the good—ignore the bad. As we age our brains gradually begin reacting less to negative input and are pulled more toward the positive. Laura Carstensen director of the Stanford Center on Longevity did a study in 2004 where younger and older volunteers were asked to observe happy, distressed and neutral photographs. The brains of younger subjects (18-29) were activated equally by happy or distressed images. Meanwhile, the brains of the older subjects (70-90) reacted much more strongly to the positive photos. Then later when asked to recall some of the photos, the older group conveniently were unable to remember having seen the distressing photos as opposed to the younger group.
9) Higher Work Satisfaction. A recent study by the Associated Press & NORC Center For Public Affairs found that 92% of workers aged 50 or older say they are very or somewhat satisfied with their job. While only 80% of those under 30 report the same thing. Only 38% of young adults say they are deeply satisfied with their work, while 63% of those age 65 and older admit to such deep satisfaction. It is believed that by the time we age to a certain level we have found the type of work that we feel is fulfilling and satisfying.
10) Self-Appreciation And Acceptance. While this benefit is not a given for everyone who ages, those who age successfully and with contentment embrace the need for self-love. After a certain age the futility of trying to be someone else or to make others happy to our detriment become pointless, and the freedom and courage to be oneself becomes paramount. Often this means recognizing that our true value and worth has little to do with how we look or what we do in the world, and everything to do with who we really are on a soul level.
Sure there are some downsides to the aging process, but I’m convinced it is time to start focusing on the upside instead. Face it, when we point out the negatives without the benefits, we tell ourselves and those younger than us that the best part of life is over. And frankly, my experiences so far don’t even come close to that being true. Now at over 60, my life is at a wonderful place physically, mentally and emotionally. And even if I must gradually give in some on the physical side, the benefits on the mental and emotional side of the equation more than offset the trade. After all, the only way our culture will ever turn the tide to recognizing, honoring and valuing the experience of age is if we fearlessly face it ourselves. I think it’s SMART to be ready—what about you?
I do have to agree, things do get better as we get older, well at least to a certain point. Thanks for the list of 10, I do see truth in all of them. Retiring happy and healthy is a good way to see the upside of senior living. Cheers.
Hi! I think that it is so important for us all to remember that while not everything gets better as we age–what does get better helps us to offset some of the disadvantages. I’m the first one to admit that there are a few things that aren’t that pleasant about it 🙂 But by focusing on those things that are clearly better it helps us to remember that it isn’t all bad. I think it also gives us a much more optimistic perspective. Thanks for stopping by and commenting. ~Kathy
Didn’t know about 3 and 4 but like it! Guess they contribute to most of the rest of them. Great post, thanks.
Hi GypsyNesters! Thanks for stopping by SMART Living and leaving a comment. Yes, the fact that our brain continues to grow is so important for us to know. Of course it does require that we keep giving it something to learn and expand upon. That’s why staying active, curious and involved is so important. I too was unaware of the sync aspect of our two sides of our brain but it makes sense that this could be something that would evolve as we live. With so much focus on us all growing older I think that the news about the benefits of aging is only going to get better and better as we go along. Thanks again for stopping by. ~Kathy
Such an amazing post!
Thanks Vivienne!
Great post! You know what they say…youth is wasted on the young! I’m still a younging I guess (except when I’m surrounded by 20 year olds, then I feel old). But I do see the change in my mindset now compared to my teenage years and my 20s. #1 and #2 are very significant. I cared too much what others thought, even though it really shouldn’t matter that much. I thought that money bought nice things and in turn, that would bring happiness…but I’m a lot wiser these days. I’m a lot more comfortable with myself…though I still need some work. I guess it’s just a part of aging…you gain more wisdom.
Hi Andrew! Thanks for stopping by SMART Living 365 and joining the conversation. Like you say, it really doesn’t matter what age you are presently, all we have to do is look back at where we used to be and realize we’ve definitely changed–and in many ways for the better. I can’t even imagine going through my entire life and thinking and acting (not to mention doing!) the same things over and over again. While I don’t think we ever ARRIVE, there is no reason at all not to enjoy the journey! Thanks again for stopping by! ~Kathy
Hi Kathy,
Lovely post indeed 🙂
People often talk of the negative sides of growing old and they forget to see the benefits, just as you mentioned them so well here.
I think you are so much more maturer, wiser, and patient. I’ve seen my grandparents and how gracefully they conduct themselves, whether it’s the way they walk, talk, communicate, and even play with their great grandchildren. The world is a much better place because of older lots among us 🙂
Thanks for sharing. Happy weekend 🙂
Hi Harleena! Thank you for coming by and joining this conversation. I do think that people from different cultures and backgrounds have different points of view on the aging process so that likely helps for some people. But the western culture has become so obsessed with youth that it not only seems to negate the benefits of aging, but terrify many into thinking there is nothing good about it. Hearing your words saying older people are, “so much more maturer, wiser, and patient. I’ve seen my grandparents and how gracefully they conduct themselves, whether it’s the way they walk, talk, communicate, and even play with their great grandchildren. The world is a much better place because of older lots among us,” is so important to us all. Thank you so much for sharing… ~Kathy
This is a discussion we all need to have more often!
No one is comfortable with the idea of having an “expiry date”, but aging does have its benefits, for sure.
Aging shouldn’t be a taboo. There will be losses, better embrace that fact.
I do wish that we remain healthy for as long as possible, because being sick might be the worst part of aging… luckily, it doesn’t have to happen.
Hi Happiness! Thanks for stopping by SMART Living and joining the conversation I’m glad you appreciated the topic and yes, isn’t it rather silly that we don’t talk about his more–especially in a positive and optimistic way? Usually the topic of “seniors” is about the ain’t it awfuls or all the medical issues that can arise. That’s when any younger person (and anyone who thinks younger) runs for the hills. We train each other that it is all bad and then wonder why so many are scared to get older. I think we can change it but we have to stay awake and aware and focus on the benefits rather than the downside. And yes, I realize that health can effect everything, but most of the time as long as pain isn’t involved, we can still be happy right? Thanks again for stopping by! ~Kathy
Amen! Soon, I will be a rather young retiree and I am looking forward to aging healthily with my husband.
I am glad I found your blog and look forward to reading more of your positive posts!
Hi Janis! Thank you for stopping by SMART Living and adding to the conversation. As a young retiree you have SO MUCH to look forward to and I hope you help spread the word. It’s definitely time for us to start thinking of aging as a good thing and something to look forward too. Thanks again for coming by and I look forward to checking out your blog too! ~Kathy
Excellent post, Kathy, with some great research. All good reasons to embrace our age. I LOVE the photo of your friends. I think you should do a separate post on them.
As long as we have a decent quality of life, aging is something to look forward to!
Hi Cathy! Thanks for stopping by and joining the conversation. Yes, the photo of our friends was taken at the gentleman’s 90th birthday party last summer. I didn’t even think of talking specifically about them until after I had written the article and was thinking about what photo to use. You’re correct that they would make a wonderful article. They both are VERY inspiring people.
And I also agree that health can have a big influence on aging…but I sort of think that health can have a big influence on our entire life….I think aging just get associated with gradually diminishing health so it gets the brunt. I think a big part of staying happy no matter what our age is staying as healthy as we are able. And if something unavoidable comes along, doing our best to not let it take over our lives so that we still can’t have a good one. Thanks as always for your thoughts…~Kathy
Hi Kathy, just wanted to say what a refreshing perspective this is! So many people worry about their age as they grow older. I love the point about brain plasticity – I too thought that our brain cells die off as we get older! How wonderful to read that this isn’t the case!
Hi Haley! Thank you so much for popping over to SMART Living from your great site. I am so glad that I gave you some positive and uplifting news about growing older. It really can be amazing…but I think it’s similar to what you write on your site about debt. If you don’t stay aware to the very best things in life and monitor yourself enough to refrain from getting sucked into things like heavy debt, your life is so much better. By the same token, staying aware to the many things we can do to stay healthy, active and vibrant are all things to a long, healthy and happy life. Thanks for your comment! ~Kathy
Thank you, Kathy. Yes I have found happiness and wish often I could have let myself enjoy life more when I was younger and not worried so about what others thought or expected of me.
Hi Kathy and thank you for a very insightful and fun to read post 🙂
For the longest time I had fought with getting older and would lie about my age as well as dye my hair from grey to it’s natural color of medium brown. Within the past few years though, and once I hit fifty, I stopped doing such silly things and accepted myself (#10 on your list).
I am now looking forward to the coming years and will do what I can to journey through them “au naturel” as it were. It’s the old “if you can’t beat ’em, join ’em” 🙂
Thanks again and take care. My best to all.
Lyle
Hi Lyle! Nice to hear from you. I’m glad you’re getting more and more comfortable with your age (hopefully we all are.) It’s great that you like letting go of certain “requirements” on your list–but I personally think it just depends on why we are doing what we do. As for me, yeah, I still color my hair because I like the way it looks for me. I would have turned all gray about 20 years ago and I wasn’t ready for that then or now. I take the approach that says as long as it makes me feel good for me–not for what others think of me or for fooling myself or others into thinking I’m younger than I am–it’s okay. I think those choices are ones that only each of us can decide for ourselves. The challenge as always is to stay aware and conscious with our choices and be willing to take full responsibility for them as they come. And THEN enjoy the process. Thanks again for adding to the conversation. ~Kathy
Thank you for sharing this great information. I recently crossed over into my 5th decade and am still getting used to the idea of aging.
Hi Mary! Happy aging! And thanks for stopping by SMART Living and leaving a comment. I hope that my post gave you some encouragement for the exciting and wonderful experience of growing older. Honestly, there are so many benefits that it’s important to keep remembering that, no matter what your age or experience. I’m convinced that what we expect will play out in a big way in our lives in so many areas….why would the process of aging be any different. Thanks again for stopping by. ~Kathy
Hi Kathy!
Loved these points! I totally agree that we should embrace this time in our lives-esp if we are lucky enough to be healthy. And I have always felt that the brain is a muscle and needs to be exercised to stay in shape. Your article confirms my belief. My mother was very sedentary & dreaded growing older- the cup was always half empty. I was so sad that she wasted time on fearing aging instead of making the most of it. Then she died at 71 of a rapid Alzheimer’s. I strongly believe if she would have pushed herself to live a more active, vibrant life she may have lived longer. And she would have been happier. Thanks for spreading the word that our kids shouldn’t be making a reservation for us at the nursing home! 🙂
Hi Barbara! Thanks for stopping by SMART Living and joining the conversation. I agree that it is MUCH easier to see the good in this time of life (and older) when we are relatively healthy and pain freed…but there ARE benefits and it’s good to keep our minds on them. I also had a similar story with my mom. She not only had Alzheimers but because she was a smoker she had several mini-strokes that took it’s tool. She made it to 73 but not in any way that I would want to replicate. She told me one time that she had no interest in living to even be 90 and I think she got her wish. As harsh as it sounds, I do believe that we either enthusiastically look forward to the journey or we start telling ourselves we are ready for it to be over and done with. I plan on making the most of it and it sounds like you do too! Thanks again for your comment! ~Kathy
The perspective from senior eyes offers so much more than ever experienced during my younger years. Too bad it took me so long to understand the benefits of these famous words of wisdom: “Don’t sweat the small, stuff, babe”.
I used to get so irked when my previous husband would utter those words.
He learned them the hard way – in Vietnam.
I learned them another hard way: through the school of hard knocks!
Hi Julie! Thanks for stopping by SMART Living and sharing your thoughts on this. You are so right that when we are younger we often don’t know what we don’t know…especially if we don’t ask or listen to those that have gone before us. I loved you previous post about having a great sex life–and like I said on your blog–that could be number 11 on my list! 🙂 I also appreciate the words, “Don’t sweat the small stuff..” and yeah, as we eventually learn, most of it is small stuff. Thanks again for coming by! ~Kathy
Kathy, I can relate to so many of these points. I may have been slimmer or had more physical strength when I was younger but I am enjoying life more as I get older. I accept where I am and am comfortable with who I am whereas I was very self conscious and insecure when I was younger.
It’s good to know my brain will only get better with age too. 🙂
Hi Lois! How are you? Thanks for popping by and sharing your thoughts. After over a year of reading your blog I think your example is another good one for someone who has learned how to appreciate the good that you have right now–be it aging or any other experience in your life–and make the most of it. In so many ways I think learning to love our age is also an important “simple living” idea because it gets to the heart of that mind set by suggesting that we don’t have to run around being something we’re not, or buying stuff to be otherwise, or caring what others think of us. If everyone who embraced simple living and minimalism realized that the simple benefit of aging with happiness was important, we’d all stop pursuing things we can never recapture (like youth) and simply be ourselves right here and now. And yeah, a healthy and happy brain is good too! 🙂
This is a terrific post! I am much happier and more comfortable in my skin than I was at age 20, even though that skin does not look nearly as good. As we age, we learn the difference between things that matter and those that don’t, and we let that little stuff go. At least that has been my experience. Thanks for reminding us of the benefits that growing older brings.
Hi Kathy D! Happy aging! Isn’t it the truth about feeling so much happier and “comfortable in our skin” these days. And part of the problem was I didn’t even appreciate my skin that much when I was 20 with all the comparing and fretting that you do at that age. I so agree like you say that, “we learn the difference between things that matter and those that don’t, and we let that little stuff go.” Let’s keep remembering that and please help me share the word about the advantages! ~Kathy
It is so refreshing to see a list of the positive aspects of aging! There is so much to look forward to. I love #10. The more we start to love ourselves, the more positive energy we bring into the world.
Hi Karla! Happy aging and thank you for dropping by and joining the conversation. I don’t know your age yet (I’ll definitely be by your blog to check it out!) but I know that this post helped you to feel more positive about your growing older. I think we need to put that message out into the world and spread it around as much as possible. A big part of that is #10 where we love ourselves at any age to recognize that our positive energy can have a huge impact when we let it. Thanks again for your comment. ~Kathy
Great article. Thanks for stopping by my blog to share your insights on aging. I love these Top 10.
Hi Jenn! Happy Aging! And thanks for stopping by SMART Living and joining the conversation. I know from your blog that you are just hitting 45 so you have SO MUCH to look forward too! I’m hoping that I’ve helped you realize that life just gets better and better. Thanks again for your comment! ~Kathy
That is a great list of reasons for embracing our age and making the most of it. Great post Kathy!
Hi Kathy M! Happy Aging and glad you liked the post! I’m doing my best to share the GOOD NEWS about getting older. Let’s start a trend okay? ~Kathy G!
Wow! Those friends of yours look so elegant and vibrant….I hope that is me when I am 90!
Good article. We all have to get older or the other option is to die young. So its not a great choice. With age I think most of us learn to appreciate the little things in life and appreciate other people.
Hi Marla! Happy Aging! As long as we constantly remember that the option of not aging is not a “great choice” then how can we not enjoy being here right now for as long as possible? Of course taking good care of yourself and eating right (like you write about on your blog constantly) certainly helps make the journey more wonderful, I’m convinced that the only thing holding us back from an amazing future is ourselves. Thanks again for sharing your thoughts. ~Kathy
The future looks so bright I better wear sunglasses! 🙂 Thank you for the wonderful points and perspectives. For me one of the true benefits of aging is learning to roll with the punches. The little things are just that – little things. We may stumble a bit but we get back up and keep on. Knowing that we have been through so much just getting to this point makes me less fearful of the future, prepared for whatever (I hope!). Time to enjoy…
Hi Dave! Happy Aging! And you are so right to have the attitude of a bright future. (Yeah, I remember the song too!) I’m glad you appreciated my points because I know you write about this and so much more on your blog about successful retirement. And yes, even science is proving that we have the ability to be more flexible, more forgiving, and more tolerant as we age–so learning to roll with the punches is definitely a gift we don’t often get until we have a few years on us. Thanks for coming by and joining the conversation. ~Kathy
I love this column because I love getting older. At each stage of life I think “this is my favorite time” and then the next stage I say “no this is my favorite time” and it just keeps on being true.
It does just keep getting better….more freedom, fewer concerns, more authentic relationships, more time to pursue my own thoughts and diversions. If this keeps going like this, I cannot imagine how great it will be when I am 90 if I last that long. 🙂
Hi Kelly! Happy Aging! And I LOVE your great reminder that “this is my favorite time!” Whenever I hear that question, “what was your favorite age?” I just about ALWAYS agree with your statement, “this is my favorite time!” And while I’ve had some amazing times as I’ve gone along….my 40s were fabulous and my 50s are also awesome…as long as we continue NEXTing…how can it not get better? Did you see the photo of our friends on the front page of this blog? These friends are absolutely amazing and show us all what is possible at that age. Thanks for your thoughts! ~Kathy
Hey Kathy,
Great post and an excellent perspective! It is super easy to either poke fun at or be negative about the effects of aging, but you’re so right, there are many, many benefits and positive outcomes to aging (not the least of which is the fact it means we’re still breathing!!!).
I see 70 year old’s all hunched over, seemingly in pain as they move, while others are out running marathons. Same age, different results.
I think that our outlook /mindset and our lifestyle are two key determinants in how happy we are as we age, and how good (or not) the quality of our life remains.
Great piece of reading to remind everyone how much good can come from aging!
xoxo nancy
Hi Nancy! Happy aging! You’re so right about how easy it is to poke fun at aging (when I was researching this I came across some really funny jokes!) but I think we do ourselves a big disservice if we continue to perpetuate the negatives without at least trying to offset them with the benefits. I think I’ve mentioned to you before how very fortunate Thom and I are to live in a big retirement area where there are literally thousands of active, vibrant, intelligent and energetic people living far into a senior demographic. Of course we also have the benefit of seeing lots of people who have spent tons of money doing whatever they could to LOOK young–unfortunately just about every one of us can tell that they were only marginally successful at the work–and often sadly so. While I’m all for looking as good as we can for as long as we can, I really believe that the internal benefits to aging offer us great rewards that we need to keep focused on as time goes by. Thanks again for throwing in your thoughts on this! ~Kathy
I love this list! Thank you, although of few of them surprised me. I never considered #9 as a benefit of aging before.
Hi Barbara! Happy Aging….and thank you for stopping by SMART Living and joining the conversation! And yes, wasn’t that interesting about #9? Until I came across that study I would never have guessed it. But in some ways it makes sense from the perspective of when we are older we have either decided to pursue our passions and dreams and are living that life (and therefore love it!) or we realize that we are happy and content just contributing in ways that come to us through our regular work. I think when we are younger we tend to think we have to change the world to be happy–and when we get older we can just be willing to find our happiness in regular things? Would you agree? At any rate, I appreciate your comment and hope to hear from you again! ~Kathy
I’m already anticipating my 70th birthday in 2015. The compilation of your research demonstrates what I am experiencing…and reminds me to stay focused on those positive aspects of ages rather than my aching knees! Thank you!
Hi Nancy! Happy Aging! Thank you so much for affirming the points I make in this post. I agree that most of the time it is easy to remember the little aches and pains that pop up now and then, but I am determined to do what I can to remind myself–and anyone who is listening–that we have a right to be proud and happy for what we have going on in our lives right now. Thanks again for commenting. ~Kathy
Excellent post…I learned so much about my brain that is hopeful! Great info to share! Thanks!
Hi Pam! Happy aging! I’m doing my best to spread the good news about aging so I too was thrilled to hear all the great benefits! Thanks for coming by and leaving a comment. ~Kathy
Even though I’m one of the people who loves to poke fun at aging, I agree with every one of your points. Love this post – And especially #3!!!
Hi Mona! And happy aging! I’m glad you like the post and I’ve decided that this year I’m really going to focus on helping to turn the tides on what it means to age in our culture. While I completely agree that it is good to laugh at ourselves at any age–let’s start looking for jokes that show that being young isn’t as cool as we are normally conditioned. Heard any good ones about that???? Please let me know if you do! Thanks as always for your comment! ~Kathy