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How Your Mindset Shapes the Way You Age

Every time you say, “I am too old for that,” or “You can’t teach an old dog new tricks,” your brain is listening. Research shows that the beliefs you carry about aging can shape your health, especially negative thoughts. Changing those beliefs is something anyone can do at any age. 

What science says about positive thinking 

Researchers at Yale School of Public Health have spent decades studying the connection between how people think about aging and how their bodies actually age. Studies show that people who hold more positive beliefs about aging live an average of 7.5 years longer than those who hold more negative beliefs, even after accounting for age, income, gender, and existing health conditions. 

Beyond longevity, the research found links between negative beliefs about age and health issues including memory loss, hearing decline, and cardiovascular problems. Another study found that high anxiety about aging is linked to faster biological aging at the cellular level. Negative thoughts and fears about aging can directly impact your health.  

On the flip side, people with a strong sense of purpose and optimism showed healthier immune function as they aged. The good news is that those patterns can shift. With intentional practice, it is possible to retrain the way you think about getting older and potentially become a healthier person. 

People redefining “acting your age” 

Some of the best examples of positive aging are not in research papers. They are in the lives of people who simply refuse to let age slow them down. 

• Dolly Parton turned 80 in January and released a new book, announced a Broadway show about her life, and told People Magazine: “People say, ‘Well, you’re going to be 80 years old.’ Well, so what? Look at all I’ve done in 80 years. I feel like I’m just getting started.”  

• Viola Davis turned 60 last year and described it as the most freeing chapter of her life. “I feel happier than I’ve ever been,” she told People Magazine. “In your 60s, your life is yours. That’s the best part of it.”  

• Paul McCartney is 84 years old and still releasing music and performing. He released his 20th solo studio album this year and went on a full press tour to support it. When asked about retirement, he said simply: “I don’t feel old enough.” 

Simple ways to start shifting your mindset  

You can’t overhaul your entire outlook in one go. Small, steady changes in how you think and talk about aging can make a real difference in how you feel about aging. Here are some simple ways to reframe aging: 

• Use age-friendly language. Try replacing “I am too old for that” with “I have not tried that yet.”  

• Read stories about people who are living fully later in life. What you pay attention to shapes what you believe is possible.  

• Try something new, even something small. Learning keeps the brain engaged and sends a signal that you are still growing.  

• Focus on what you are gaining rather than what you are leaving behind. Experience, perspective, freedom, and personal growth are all things to celebrate.  

• Surround yourself with people who energize you. Community has a powerful effect on how we feel about ourselves and our lives.  

• Celebrate your milestones. Every year is worth celebrating with your loved ones. Celebrate birthdays, anniversaries, and little things that are meaningful to you. 

At Charlesgate, we see what a positive approach to aging looks like every day. Our residents are taking classes, building friendships, trying new things, and finding joy in this chapter of their lives. If you are curious about what that community feels like, we would love to show you around. 

Contact us to learn more or schedule a tour.