Practicing pro-age thinking is a great way to start changing our attitudes.
This simply means not falling for those old age myths: our brain cells will fall by the wayside, our bodies will let us down, we're doomed to a rusty existence, rather than a golden one.
Of course, there are some life changes that are not within our control.
But it's how we choose to face those changes that makes a difference in our aging.
10 Pro-aging attitude adjustments • Try a daily dose of laughter.
Laughter is infectious, so it's a great idea to socialize with people who have a good sense of humor.
According to experts, laughter relaxes us, gives our immune system a boost, releases those feel-good endorphins and protects our heart.
Laughter simply adds joy to life, and that's a wonderful attribute for positive aging.
• Develop a positive outlook.
When a problem occurs in life, as it always will, choose to look at it as an opportunity.
Problems and difficulties often end up being the best learning experiences.
If outright optimism just doesn't work for you, become an active pessimist.
With this outlook, you can be opinionated and feisty about life.
It's fine to complain about the state of the world.
After that, take action to make a difference.
• Become a lifelong learner.
Learning keeps those brain cells alive and kicking.
Online learning resources abound.
Some websites have online video lectures on a wide variety of topics.
Other sites provide "how to" projects and creative learning options.
Universities and colleges offer online classes and degrees.
Offline learning resources include reading books of all kinds, watching educational television, learning a new language, taking a continuing education class and so much more.
• Build vitality by taking charge of your physical and emotional health.
Aerobic exercise is good for the cardiovascular system and the brain.
Strength training is good for building muscle and bones.
Stretching is great for flexibility and daily functioning.
Emotional health is just as important.
Staying productive, managing stress, following your faith and connecting with others are all great ways to maintain good emotional balance.
• Maintain a circle of friends and other social connections.
Do you have a hobby or special interest, such as scrapbooking, walking, or cooking? There are groups of people out there waiting to connect with others who share common interests.
If you're religious, get involved in a church group.
Don't lose touch with old friends.
Get together for regular evenings out, or simply enjoy a phone conversation.
• Reconnect with that childlike sense of wonder and adventure.
Got a bucket list? Start following your dreams.
Try zip-lining, parasailing, or travel to an exotic place.
Take up a new hobby.
Write a memoir.
• Live life with enthusiasm.
What's great about aging is that we tend to become less self-conscious about what other people think.
So sing, dance, and have a good time laughing with friends.
Find new interests.
Stay in touch with family members, even if they live far away, by using social media to maintain connections.
Get involved with your community and make it a better place to live.
• Become a volunteer for a cause that's important to you.
Giving to others provides happiness for both the giver and the receiver.
If you have a talent for doing something, donate your time to help someone who needs your expertise.
Become a "foster parent" for cats or dogs waiting for their forever home.
• Live life with a "no regrets" attitude.
Time becomes more precious as we age.
Thinking about what might have been is self-defeating and a waste of that time.
Letting go of what can't be fixed and concentrating on what's going on right now is an important component of happier aging.
• Live mindfully.
While we are multi-tasking, life at this moment is passing us by.
Sometimes it's important to stop, breathe, and focus on one thing at a time.
Take time to watch the sunrise.
Play with your grandchild.
Listen to a loved one talk about what's important to them, without rushing in with a response.
Age can be empowering, or defeating.
It can be a time of growth, or a time of just getting by.
It all boils down to choices we make and the attitudes we hold about ourselves and about life.