How will you spend your 60’s, 70’s, 80’s and even perhaps your 90’s. If you believe the rhetoric about aging you will presume your life is over once you turn 50. Yet the research does not support this. There are amazing examples to inspire us into action for a happier and healthier aging journey.
Living longer is a relatively new phenomenon. When we look at photographs of people in previous generations, they look much older than their modern-day counterparts. One of the benefits of current times is the medical advances in preventing and treating ailments that would previously have led to our demise. With the prolific nature of online information, we have more knowledge about remaining active and nurturing our well being. We have more information and access to healthy dietary choices. We believe in the adage ‘use it or lose it’ for both our physical and mental abilities.
The notion of ‘being old’ is a mental perception. If our focus is on negative beliefs such as boredom, failing health, lack of purpose and inactivity; we soon become what we think. Unfortunately, we live in a world that tends to idolize beauty and youth. This makes it difficult for people approaching middle age to accept and embrace the idea of getting older.
Turning 50 may be a watershed moment in time when a lot of people try to ‘stay young’, to do things the way they did before, to follow the same goals, to live with the same values based on the worship of youth. Alternatively, 50 can herald a new stage of life which needs to be explored and redefined. We are among the first of a generation with increased longevity. We are breaking new ground on what it means to get older. 50 may only be the midpoint of your life.
Studies dispute the negative conditioning we have toward aging. Two distinct age groups score highest on levels of happiness. The first is those in their early twenties who tend to overestimate the possibilities of their future. They believe the world is their oyster and they are invincible. Yet life experiences and responsibilities that follow tend to dampen the over enthusiasm of this age.
It is not until the late sixties that another peak in happiness occurs. This time the elevated score is based on a more realistic assessment of life. A gratitude and acceptance of our lived experience; appreciating the wisdom gained and lessons learnt. It can also be a time when, no longer held down by responsibilities of work and family, people hit their stride. They remember passions and interests they now have time to enjoy. Thankfully, this elevated level of happiness is maintained until well into old age.
A good self esteem is based on accepting the life stage you are inhabiting. Yes, we are still the older generations that inhabit this world. Our images and role models need to be encouraging, inspiring and heart-warming. Younger generations want to know that life can be lived fully through all decades. Russian journalist and photographer Vladimir Yakovlev developed the international ‘Age of Happiness Project’ to highlight examples of finding new interests and purpose in later life. He told stories and photographed older people pursuing their passions, many of them physically demanding. The 78-year-old skate boarder who took up skateboarding for the first time at 65, the 72 year old DJ and the 102 year old cyclist are just a few of the inspiring examples.
Psychologist Eric Erickson identified the late adult stage of life as a time of personal reflection. People can either look back on their life with integrity if well lived, or with despair if they focus on their failures. The following questions can inform our reflection: –
- Have we lived life to the full, retaining good physical fitness for as long as possible?
- Have we accepted life for what it is, enjoying the ‘ordinary’ everyday experiences, rather than longing for an alternate reality?
- Have we contributed to the wider community beyond ourselves?
- Have we continually expanded our mental and physical horizons?
- Have we found a deeper meaning and purpose that leaves a legacy beyond our physical existence?
The years beyond our 50th birthday will continue to inform our perception of life. If we see this time as valuable and one to embrace, there is an opportunity to continue to lead a life well lived.