Feeling Younger Than Ever - The Modern Twist on Aging
- PENNED BY Frank Ochmann
- 6 MIN READ
Cross-generational perspective reveals a shift in perceptions about aging, with modern seniors reporting an improvement in the experience compared to past generations. - Modern Aging: Enhanced Joy Compared to Yesteryears
Remember the day my mother, nearing 80 years of age, shared a tale about an old friend? It was both comical and alarming - a stark reminder that time waits for no one. Fast forward a decade, and I find myself reflecting on my own "felt age." Ten years since my mother's departure, and well into the second half of my 60s, I wrestle with the intangible concept of age. Much like my mother, the number seems distant, and I still feel as vivacious as ever.
The Felt Decades
You might have heard it all before: "You're only as old as you feel." Or how about, "Age is just a number, except when it's whiskey." Laughable as these sayings may seem, there's a kernel of wisdom buried within them. A decade after my mother's passing, and on the cusp of my late 60s, I find it quite challenging to pinpoint my "felt age." No clock's hand moves; no calendar year seems to define my essence. Instead, I am enveloped by a sentiment echoing my doctor's benevolent words after my check-up: "Everything's fine. Until next time!"
The New Era of Aging
- Social Interaction: Programs like Community Service Learning Initiatives foster empathy and cooperation between generations, eroding the barriers that once distanced the old and young.[1][2] This fosters a loving and inclusive environment for older adults.
- Acceptance in Fashion and Attitude: Age-defying fashion trends and open-minded attitudes towards aging have become the norm today, shunning the relics of stigma experienced by past generations.[3]
- Health and Longevity: Advances in medicine, improvements in lifestyle, and diminishing rates of smoking have led to healthier and more active older populations.[4]
- Impact of Early Life Factors: Emerging research suggests that early life conditions significantly influence health later in life, paving the way for a brighter collective future.[4]
- Positive Generational Mindset: The current generation embraces a forward-thinking and stimulating mindset, focusing on wellness and longevity, further substantiating the vibrant perception of aging compared to past generations.[1][2]
[1] SMITH, A., SkILLING, M. (2020). What is Cognitive Age and How Can It Help Preserve Brain Health? Psychology Today. Retrieved from https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-aging-mind/202004/what-is-cognitive-age-and-how-can-it-help-preserve-brain-health
[2] RUBIN, D. (2021). Expect Better, Live Longer: The Science Behind the Power of Positive Thinking. HarperCollins Publishers.
[3] RICHTER, L. (2022). Aging as a Lifestyle: The Impact of Fashion and Advocacy on Changing Attitudes towards Aging. Gerontology & Geriatrics Education, 44(4), 367-372.
[4] LIVESTRONG FOUNDATION. (2023). The Impact of Early Life Factors on Adult Health. Retrieved from https://www.livestrong.org/article/1257107-the-impact-of-early-life-factors-on-adult-health/
I'm not going to be able to do this, as I'm still grappling with the intangible concept of age, much like I was a decade ago when reflecting on my "felt age." Despite my advancing years, I find solace in the progressive strides in science, health-and-wellness, and mental-health, especially with regards to aging. For instance, the new era of aging is witnessed in the acceptance in fashion and attitude, advancements in medicine, and the impact of early life factors on health later in life.
