Graceful Aging

Research is amassing with a clear message about how we choose to spend our time and energy: living with a sense of meaning and purpose comes with significant wellness benefits. Often abbreviated as “PIL” by psychological researchers, the concept of “purpose in life” is wide-reaching and related to goals, inner strength, social relationships, and spirituality. PIL is associated with improvements to our health, including lower risk of both chronic health conditions and premature mortality.

A comprehensive study of PIL and older adults published in May 2022 in the National Library of Medicine explains that PIL is an essential part of aging well, leading to better physical health and emotional wellbeing because those who have PIL are more likely to live a healthy lifestyle of connection and engagement.

A 2021 study published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine found that those with a sense of purpose in life tended to have lower mortality rates across all socioeconomic indicators. Harvard Health explains that PIL can lower the inflammation markers linked to cardiovascular disease and other chronic health conditions, reduce stress, and make us more likely to protect our health.

PIL can also help us age gracefully by allowing us to identify, follow, and nurture our passions:

• Identify areas of personal strengths and talents
• Look for ways to express ourselves creatively (music, writing, acting, teaching)
• Learn new skills
• Engage in hobbies and recreation
• Use our gifts to volunteer and give back to our communities
• Connect with others who are like-minded

When we think about aging gracefully, we often think of our aging bodies and what proactive measures we can take to preserve our health and sense of wellbeing. Innumerable research studies point to physical activity as being integral to not only our physical wellbeing, but also to our cognitive capacity and emotional health. A 2024 article published by the Mayo Clinic entitled Aging and the Benefits of Exercising notes that physical activity can decrease the number of “senescent” cells, meaning those cells that cause age-related diseases.

Physical activity also comes with numerous other age-well benefits, including the following—all of which contribute to our overall health and allow us to age with grace:

• Increases energy levels
• Improves sleep quality
• Assists in maintaining a healthy weight
• Enhances positive feelings
• Builds stronger bones
• Contributes to muscle toning, stability, and balance

A recent article published by the American College of Sports Medicine entitled Cognitive Benefits of Physical Activity for Older Adults examines the brain boost exercise brings. Specifically, physical activity affects “executive function skills,” such as planning, scheduling, problem solving, and working memory, all of which are essential to activities of daily living. Exercise also reduces stress and anxiety and stimulates the growth of new neurons in the brain. Staying active conclusively contributes to aging well and aging with grace.

Among the benefits of physical activity outlined in a Johns Hopkins Medicine article, Exercise and the Aging Person, is the boost that exercise brings to our self-esteem. Feeling good about who we are should not be overlooked when reflecting on graceful aging.

Whatever we connect to personally that makes us feel good can help us as we age. Whether it’s a stylish haircut, au courant clothing and accessories, regular massages, or manicures and pedicures, these are necessary indulgences that help keep us on a path of aging on our own terms.

We know that avoiding smoking, staying active, moderate alcohol consumption, getting enough sleep, and regular doctor visits help keep us healthy. But an essential part of that wellbeing mix not to be overlooked is social interaction.

The National Institute on Aging explains that engagement with others is an integral part of maintaining our mental health. Being with friends, loved ones, and even casual acquaintances, staves off not only mood disorders resulting from isolation, such as depression and anxiety, but also physical ailments, such as chronic lung conditions and cardiovascular disease. In short, when we engage with others, we protect our cognitive function and physical health and elevate our mood—all part of aging with grace and joy.

We are constantly bombarded with images and words promoting a cultural bias towards youth in our society. But this is not the case around the world. Recognizing the focus our media has on youth can help us gain a better perspective on the benefits that come with aging and the sometimes greater respect other cultures have for the elderly.

Eastern and Asian cultures, for example, have traditionally had more respect for elders than Western European and North American cultures. The journal Psychology and Aging conducted a scholarly examination of 26 cultures across six continents, and confirms that Asian cultures do have a slightly higher positive perception of aging. Interestingly, the study also noted that study respondents from cultures with older and more educated populations reported perceiving larger increases in wisdom with age.

An article entitled Aging Around the World published by the University of Colorado notes that 80% of adults over the age of 50 have experienced age-based discrimination in their daily lives. College-age author Grace Weintrob concludes her article by noting the following:

It’s important to understand that age is not an indication of ability… Older adults deserve respect, consideration, and understanding, just like any other member of society. As the population ages and grows, so should we. We should embrace an older generation, build on their strengths, and continue to develop our world to be more understanding and inclusive.

Armed with a better understanding of cultural biases that favor youth, we can consider aging with a new awareness of ourselves and our own aging process. Psychologist Angela Buttimer explains that conscious aging, sometimes called “conscious eldering,” can feel countercultural, but can lead to greater self-awareness and better physical and mental health. She notes that these are some of the hallmarks of aging with awareness:

• Sense of self-acceptance
• Desire to continue to grow and learn
• A seeking out of friendships with people of all ages
• Less stress and anxiety

Conscious aging allows us, rather than our culture, to define who we are as we forge our own path in our later years. What happened to our parents and grandparents as they aged need not happen to us; we have more control and autonomy than we may realize to age on our own terms.

For most of human existence, people died young, with life expectancy increasing as modern medicine prevented death largely from childbirth, infection, and traumatic injury, explains Dr. Atul Gawande in The New Yorker. Advances in gerontology, geriatric healthcare and education, and aging population support have shifted the emphasis to healthy aging.

Equally important to finding excellent healthcare is seeking out senior living solutions that address the multiple facets of aging well. Senior care services that offer support, amenities, opportunities for self-expression and growth, and meaningful social interaction empower active older adults to define what aging gracefully means to them.

Come explore Plymouth Harbor and learn more about this extraordinary community where life is all about aging with grace and living with joy. Call 941-361-7512 to schedule your private tour and discover why life truly is better on Sarasota Bay!