7 Pointers for Successful Aging

They say change is one of life’s inevitabilities. So is getting older, and this makes successful aging all the more important.

There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens: a time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to uproot, a time to kill and a time to heal, a time to tear down and a time to build, a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance. – Ecclesiastes 3:1-4, NIV

You may have heard the old saying, “A change is as good as a holiday,” but often we may feel that the older we are the harder it is to accept, embrace or make the most of change in our lives. Despite the consistency of it, change is difficult to get used to. Sometimes it is forced upon us, through disability, divorce, poor health, or a financial disaster. Other times it just happens for no apparent reason, and sometimes we are the cause of it.

In turbulent times it is good to be reminded of Romans 8: “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose” (Romans 8:28, NIV)

It is also clear that along with new beginnings, change also brings an end to things. This can be an end to a particular role at work or a difficult season there was no getting around. Good things also come to an end, such as once-healthy parents growing weak, or the time when your children were at home. If you’re struggling with these transitions, Thousand Oaks Christian Counseling can offer the support you need during these challenging times.

It may tragically mean the death of a loved one, or moving from the family home where the children grew up to a smaller house more suited to people who face changes to their aging frames.

“What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger,” is another wisecrack at aging. Along with “chicks dig scars”. Both lose their humorous edge as you get older and you realize that while change may not kill you, it may still hurt a lot. As for the scars, we know how they come about and we may not feel particularly strong for having received them.

Tips for Successful Aging

Outside of these wisecracks, there are several suggestions for dealing successfully with age-related changes to consider:

Get sleep and exercise

Aging and change bring stress. Sleep and exercise help to balance out this stress, both are effective at reducing stress. By closely following a routine where you go to sleep and wake up at a regular time each day, you will tap into the stress-reducing effect of good sleep.

Getting regular good sleep is key to successful aging as it not only restores your body but enables you to concentrate better, regulate your mood, improve your judgment, and help you make better decisions. Each of these helps you to cope better with stress.

Build a support network

It is common sense, and studies agree that a good support network present in your life is key to successful aging. Particularly when it comes to our stress and mental health, the relationships we hold are a basic and core need. Maslow’s hierarchy of needs put love and belonging just above our need for safety.

Remember your lifetime of experience

When looking out at the horizon shows storm clouds of change heading toward us, then it is useful to tighten your grip on your optimism by looking back at how you have successfully handled past crises. Do not be fooled to think you do not have the strength to handle the approaching storm. It is likely you felt the same when faced with previous situations that are now remembered as successful challenges you made it through.

Don’t forget to pray

Do you recall Joshua 3 when the Israelites were crossing the Jordan River? They were faced with the hugely difficult task of bringing an entire nation across a large river. The Lord stopped the flow of the river and all the people crossed over on dry land.

At the bottom of the river were enormous stones, twelve of which were collected and were to be a reminder of how the Lord provided for his people. Look back on the stones of remembrance in your own life. Recall how the Lord has answered your prayers previously, and pray in faith again.

Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. – Philippians 4:4-7, NIV

Stay open to learning and growing

While interests change as we get older, the curiosity we had when we were younger is still a characteristic you can foster and encourage. By learning new skills, particularly in language and in learning a musical instrument you strengthen and maintain your cognitive abilities.

If, like many people, you need to work past the traditional retirement age for financial reasons it may be interesting to look for jobs that are challenging in different ways. This could be in training for a post in a different division in the company that you work for. If you have been desk-bound in front of a computer then look to do something in the service industry or caregiving or if you have experience in caregiving, then perhaps look at a role in the office.

Developing a second career later in life is often used by people who contribute to areas where they feel they can have a meaningful impact on the world around them. This is often in sectors such as social services, education, or non-profit organizations.

Learn to adapt to change

When you age your body and mind change, it is something to expect. Changes in memory or realizing your body is not keeping up with you and tires out much quicker than you would like are perfectly normal parts of aging.

Some ways to compensate are simple, such as using a notebook and writing things down that you would like to remember. If the changes are physical, you could make different activity choices. Instead of being frustrated that you cannot play competitive tennis anymore, rather sign up for social games or start walking with a friend.

Experts say that having creative ways to deal with your losses does not mean you stop participating, rather you try something new to achieve the desired result.

Fix your eyes on eternity

We are reminded of what is most important in God’s Word.

Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal. – 1 Corinthians 4:16-18, NIV

This passage says that it is important for us to look for and see the big picture. There is an eternal glory that is far more significant than our present light and momentary troubles.

Christian Counseling in Thousand Oaks, California

If you’re looking for additional help to teach how you manage as you or those you love work to experience successful aging, contact me or browse our online counselor directory at Thousand Oaks Christian Counseling in California to find out how we can help you. We would be honored to walk with you on this journey.