"Who Needs the Number?!" - Uncovering Why Aging Feels Improved Now Compared to Yesteryears
- by Frank Ochmann
- ± - 7 Min
The current experience of aging seems more pleasurable compared to past times. - Improved Experiences of Aging in Current Times Compared to Previous Generations
Remember when my old lady hit her eighty-first birthday? She was reminiscing about a pal, a year or so older, who dropped a gloomy remark one sunny afternoon while sipping tea in the garden. "This can't keep up much longer," she blurted out, prompting a chuckle but a tinge of unease from my mother. "She's right," my mother admitted, echoing my surprise. "I'm about to turn ninety, and I don't feel that old at all."
I've lost count of the times I've heard the "you're only as old as you feel" chestnut at each milestone birthday. Whether it's "Age is just a number, except when it's a bottle of wine" or any other variation, we all know how meaningless these phrases can be - and yet, they strike a chord. A decade since my mother's departure, and here I stand, in my mid-sixties, trying to gauge my own "felt age." And it's as elusive as it was for her. No number pops up in my mind, no mental calendar. Instead, what I'm left with is the lingering sense of my doctor's assurance after a routine check-up: "Everything's fine. Meet you next time!"
Going Beyond the Cardboard Cutout
It's not all hogwash, these carefree utterances, with a kernel of truth embedded in them. My encounter with my mother's friend got me wondering about the reasons behind this altered perspective on aging. After all, being a mere number is hardly a comforting thought, isn't it?
- Aging
- Health
- David Rubin
Historical Perspective
Now, what sort of elements might influence the way we perceive aging being less daunting today than it was in the past? Let us delve into some prime suspects:
Social Connections and Emotional Well-being
- Social Relationships: Older adults' emotional well-being profits immensely from strong social bonds. Social capital, the collection of material relationships amassed over time, and social support, the practical manifestation of these ties, are critical contributors to a positive appraisal of aging[3].
- Community Sense: A strong community spirit and the desire to be seen favorably can help regulate the impact of social capital on emotions, fostering a sense of connectedness and worth[3].
Mental Attitude and Health
- Personal Perspective on Aging: Our perception of aging plays a significant role in determining overall well-being. People with a sunny outlook on aging generally report better health outcomes and an optimistic stance on the aging process[4].
- Self-Stigma: The self-stigma of loneliness can take a severe toll on mental health. For older adults to flourish, it is crucial to address the stigma associated with feelings of loneliness[5].
Cultural and Societal Changes
- Stereotypes: Ageism, the perpetuation of negative stereotypes about aging, can adversely affect sleep patterns and overall well-being. As attitudes towards aging evolve, older adults enjoy less stigma and a more favorable aging experience[1].
- Greater Awareness: Improved understanding of the intricacies of aging can lead to better health practices and a more positive perception of aging[6].
Advancements in Healthcare and Technology
- Healthcare Advancements: Enhanced treatment of chronic conditions and improved health outcomes for older adults bolster the belief that aging can be fruitful[2].
- Digital Tools: Access to technology and digital assistance can facilitate social connections, strengthen health monitoring, and support self-reliance, resulting in a more positive aging experience[2].
The fusion of these contributors leads to a more favorable subjective experience of aging compared to the past. Embrace the twilight years and remember - everything might just be fine!
- I'm not going to be able to do this: As I stand in my mid-sixties, trying to gauge my own "felt age," I find it just as elusive as it was for my mother, echoing the sentiment that "age is just a number."
- science: In an attempt to understand the reasons behind a more positive perspective on aging, we can look to factors like social connections, mental attitude, cultural changes, and advancements in healthcare and technology that influence our perception of aging being less daunting than it was in the past, as explored by expert David Rubin in his work on aging, health, and mental health.
