Growing better

We’re not growing older. We’re growing better!

There’s a lot wrong with getting older. The body begins to betray you. The mind may not be what it once was. Physical activity is more of a strain than it used to be. Then there’s the annoying ageism all around us, driven by media images of supposed vibrant youth. It’s as if some people think the desire to look younger is a universal force, shared by all.

The truth is, life can get so much better as we get older.

Happiness improves with age. That’s right! A recent study from the University of Warwick surveyed 10,000 people in the UK and the US. Their findings? People who were older expressed the highest level of happiness with their lives based on eight different mental and physical health factors.

You’re as young as you feel. Older people can feel younger – a lot younger – than they really are. Recent research has revealed that around 60% of people questioned age 65 and over said they felt between 10 and 20 years younger than their actual age. It seems there really is something to the saying, “it’s all in your mind”.

Your brain works better. We all know that forgetfulness can come with aging, but parts of the brain actually improve with age. The older you get the better able you are to problem solve and understand arguments. Judgment also improves with age, as does the ability to make financial decisions.

So as our years advance, perhaps we shouldn’t focus on the negatives, and instead look at the many positives and embrace the benefits of growing older or, dare we say it, growing better!