This is a well thought out essay on an issue we all hope to need knowledge of as we hope to stay alive and active into older age. I am “only” 73 and think about my future and how to adapt frequently. My current plan is to work into my 80’s with a tentative goal of 84. I have already said that I will work so long as I am competitive intellectually and operationally in my field of experimental high-energy particle astrophysics. It helps me to have a planned horizon so I can plan my multi-year projects. This plan, if I can pull it off physically will also support my desire to see my grandson, now 15 months old, grow into a young man. Thanks!
Thank you, John, for your compliment. "Only" 73 is a good way to look at your age. I won't even pretend to know what your line of work involves but I hope you continue to do it as long as you want. Having a purpose to get up every day way into older age is half the battle.
I love the Dali Lama but his quote about staying optimistic is only half his teaching. He also teaches “that it’s not always that easy.” In fact, he’s been known to be overtaken by sorrow in the middle of a talk. After a good but brief cry, dries his eyes and gets on with it. I believe he’s teaching us that there is something even better than being upbeat all the time. And that is growing whole.
I'm sure you understand that being upbeat all the time does not describe a positive mindset. Those of us who aspire to it don't float around on cloud cuckoo land! It's about facing challenges positively and not giving in to negative outcomes. Growing whole involves self-growth and that's a whole other essay. Thank you for commenting.
I find I am getting more optimistic as I age, the realisation that the years ahead are precious has made me want to do more and more, try new things and keep myself as healthy as I can without feeling as though I'm depriving myself of the things I enjoy. I take my hat off to Graham below starting a company at 70, it is so important to keep busy and engaged, it stops the doom and gloom of getting older creeping in. Unfortunately some people seem to find it difficult to see anything positive about ageing which is such a shame as there is so much out there to enjoy and learn ,no matter how old we are. Thank you Patricia for making us optimists even more optimistic! x
I'm happy you enjoyed the read, Lindsey and thank you so much for commenting. When I was seventy I decided to keep myself positive and forward looking by giving myself twenty years of life. That way, I wouldn't be waiting for the grim reaper but would always be looking ahead with optimism. Of course, I might not make it, but I will have lived the time I had more fully, was my reasoning. I'm 77 now and still have that mindset. I might have to stick when I get to 80!
Like all studies of course, it gives generalisations. Not everyone will suddenly hit a wall at the same age. We are all different. What it is of course is a guide. I remember reading about how little our strength decreases up to our mid forties. Certainly, in my early seventies, I seem to be ‘feeling my age’ more than I did in my late sixties. That may be because of a car accident I had aged 29! I do however remain optimistic and am aware the impact mental wellbeing can have on health.
Following the positive part of my mindset, when I turned seventy I started my first Company. It’s a part-time business from something I’ve enjoyed almost all my life. It brings me pleasure and most importantly it gives others pleasure. It’s still running as a hobby (i.e. at a loss) at the moment but it keeps my mind active and gives me purpose. Purpose is important. My purpose is for it to become what is now known as a ‘side-hustle’. Which to me means ‘profitable fun’.
I have always felt that optimism is the best path forward but it’s not always easy. Especially as I have had self-doubt in many areas. Often I find meeting them head on has been successful. It’s what I’m doing with my business challenge. Certainly it’s keeping my brain active and giving me little wins to celebrate. Celebrating the little wins is so important. Little wins give us confidence. They aren’t always easy to spot, but they are there when you look for them.
Your business is giving you pleasure and enjoyment, Graham, and that is so worthwhile as we age. It's probably your ikigai, your reason for getting up in the morning, the Japanese secret to a long and happy life. Those of us with self-doubts will always struggle with optimism. It's worth it though for the sake of your health to keep positive. Thanks for your thoughtful comment, I appreciate it.
Part of the study fit my experience, parts don't. There's plenty of evidence that over time relationships matter. In my case, they may be at or near the top of the list, as they were in the Harvard Longitudinal Study on Aging. Yes to the positive effects of optimism, and looking on the bright side, not with rose colored glasses but finding that which is good, true and beautiful and focusing on those. That doesn't mean to avoid the negative. Deal wiith it and move on. An attitude to gratitude helps and I was sorry to see that lifestyle was not included. If an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, why wouldn't you take those steps toward maintaining good health practices, exercise, eating and sleeping being among the good activities. Genetics play a role. As for the glass being half full or half empy, how big is your glass? What I know for sure is that time is a precious gift and I'm happy to have another day to make the most of it I can. Here's a longer take on my view of my own aging: https://garygruber.substack.com/p/chapter-88
Thank you for the link, Gary. I'll check it out. Sounds like you have the right attitude to face life's challenges as you age. Thank you for reading my post.
Thanks, Patricia. I am not ever sure about the "right attitude" although I believe attitudes are an accurate reflection of our behaviors. It iis easy to distinguish a good, positive attitude from a bad, negative attitude and see the difference in the results. You make your choice, you get the result.
I read this earlier (I am in England, so get up earlier than others) and was sorry to see no comments, so made a point of coming back to say I enjoyed reading it, so at least someone did. (I've had a day full of interruptions and nary a free moment.) Clearly, not necessary, but hello anyway. I do appreciate keeping abreast of latest scientific information, especially as it pertains to me.
I don't know when I started subscribing to you - it's gone a bit crazy in the last week - but I am 82 and, as it says on my title, stand on my head. This is because I love my yoga, not because I read Lewis Carroll as a child, although I did know and even recite that poem "You are old, father Wllliam..." I am also an optimist and, like your earlier commentator, suspect I was born that way. But I have also had a very very lucky life – adoring and adored husband for 61 years, two terrific children, two terrific grandchildren (now both teenagers), interesting work and amazingly good health.
I believe we're quite recent subscribers to each others newsletter, Ann. I love yoga, too but gave up classes last year because I have an eye condition that could be exacerbated by certain poses (asanas). So, after 30 plus years, of attending classes I gave up and now practice alone at home. I'm sure that the years of doing it have helped me be the flexible person I am today. I never could stand on my head, though. Thank you for coming back to ensure I got a heart. You never can tell what's going to be popular, can you?
As an optimist, I enjoyed patting myself on my back for hitting all the to-do's to becoming one (although I also feel strongly that a lot of my optimism is genetic.) Of course chicken and egg conundrum here. If I inherited a strong natural tendency to optimism, I can see how I then naturally gravitated towards taking those steps when life did throw obstacles in my way. Anyway, as usual, thanks for the thought-provoking post!
It was when I was in my late sixties that I decided to be positive about ageing as I could see being negative about it wasn't going to be helpful. So maybe I, too, had that dramatic spike in ageing then, like you, Pamela. Thank you for reading my post.
Sometimes it’s hard not to be negative, but being positive helps with anything in life. I think any type of health issue can also speed up aging. I had surgery last December and that really did a number on me. However, in August I just had my best month of walking in a year of stepping up my walking so that makes me happy!
I agree, being positive is hard sometimes. I'm sorry to hear you had to have surgery and hope that you're completely well again. I'm happy for you, too, that your walking is back up to speed. Having the stamina for regular walks is a good measure of how fit you are. I can't wait to go for a long walk when I've been stuck indoors.
I don’t like being stuck indoors either. Last winter I pushed myself out to walk in the cold with a friend who also needed to walk. It felt great. I sued to walk in the winter, I am looking forward to doing it again this winter.
I wonder if more women, on the whole, take part in health studies, Pamela. Men are notoriously reluctant to face their health issues, and maybe that applies to taking part in health studies, too. Stay positive, indeed! ;-)
The study about the two points of life when ageing accelerates corresponds to what we philosophically accept about ourselves. The first is when we realize "I am what I am" and start being more of our true selves than some unattainable persona. The second is when we say, "It's been a good ride" and start slowing down for the inevitable exit.
That's interesting! I agree with your first observation, our forties is a time to accept who we are. The second about slowing down and waiting for the inevitable exit - at 60? I haven't reached that stage yet and I'm 77. Probably doesn't apply to everyone. Thank you for reading my post.
This is a well thought out essay on an issue we all hope to need knowledge of as we hope to stay alive and active into older age. I am “only” 73 and think about my future and how to adapt frequently. My current plan is to work into my 80’s with a tentative goal of 84. I have already said that I will work so long as I am competitive intellectually and operationally in my field of experimental high-energy particle astrophysics. It helps me to have a planned horizon so I can plan my multi-year projects. This plan, if I can pull it off physically will also support my desire to see my grandson, now 15 months old, grow into a young man. Thanks!
Thank you, John, for your compliment. "Only" 73 is a good way to look at your age. I won't even pretend to know what your line of work involves but I hope you continue to do it as long as you want. Having a purpose to get up every day way into older age is half the battle.
I love the Dali Lama but his quote about staying optimistic is only half his teaching. He also teaches “that it’s not always that easy.” In fact, he’s been known to be overtaken by sorrow in the middle of a talk. After a good but brief cry, dries his eyes and gets on with it. I believe he’s teaching us that there is something even better than being upbeat all the time. And that is growing whole.
I'm sure you understand that being upbeat all the time does not describe a positive mindset. Those of us who aspire to it don't float around on cloud cuckoo land! It's about facing challenges positively and not giving in to negative outcomes. Growing whole involves self-growth and that's a whole other essay. Thank you for commenting.
I find I am getting more optimistic as I age, the realisation that the years ahead are precious has made me want to do more and more, try new things and keep myself as healthy as I can without feeling as though I'm depriving myself of the things I enjoy. I take my hat off to Graham below starting a company at 70, it is so important to keep busy and engaged, it stops the doom and gloom of getting older creeping in. Unfortunately some people seem to find it difficult to see anything positive about ageing which is such a shame as there is so much out there to enjoy and learn ,no matter how old we are. Thank you Patricia for making us optimists even more optimistic! x
I'm happy you enjoyed the read, Lindsey and thank you so much for commenting. When I was seventy I decided to keep myself positive and forward looking by giving myself twenty years of life. That way, I wouldn't be waiting for the grim reaper but would always be looking ahead with optimism. Of course, I might not make it, but I will have lived the time I had more fully, was my reasoning. I'm 77 now and still have that mindset. I might have to stick when I get to 80!
Like all studies of course, it gives generalisations. Not everyone will suddenly hit a wall at the same age. We are all different. What it is of course is a guide. I remember reading about how little our strength decreases up to our mid forties. Certainly, in my early seventies, I seem to be ‘feeling my age’ more than I did in my late sixties. That may be because of a car accident I had aged 29! I do however remain optimistic and am aware the impact mental wellbeing can have on health.
Following the positive part of my mindset, when I turned seventy I started my first Company. It’s a part-time business from something I’ve enjoyed almost all my life. It brings me pleasure and most importantly it gives others pleasure. It’s still running as a hobby (i.e. at a loss) at the moment but it keeps my mind active and gives me purpose. Purpose is important. My purpose is for it to become what is now known as a ‘side-hustle’. Which to me means ‘profitable fun’.
I have always felt that optimism is the best path forward but it’s not always easy. Especially as I have had self-doubt in many areas. Often I find meeting them head on has been successful. It’s what I’m doing with my business challenge. Certainly it’s keeping my brain active and giving me little wins to celebrate. Celebrating the little wins is so important. Little wins give us confidence. They aren’t always easy to spot, but they are there when you look for them.
Your business is giving you pleasure and enjoyment, Graham, and that is so worthwhile as we age. It's probably your ikigai, your reason for getting up in the morning, the Japanese secret to a long and happy life. Those of us with self-doubts will always struggle with optimism. It's worth it though for the sake of your health to keep positive. Thanks for your thoughtful comment, I appreciate it.
Part of the study fit my experience, parts don't. There's plenty of evidence that over time relationships matter. In my case, they may be at or near the top of the list, as they were in the Harvard Longitudinal Study on Aging. Yes to the positive effects of optimism, and looking on the bright side, not with rose colored glasses but finding that which is good, true and beautiful and focusing on those. That doesn't mean to avoid the negative. Deal wiith it and move on. An attitude to gratitude helps and I was sorry to see that lifestyle was not included. If an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, why wouldn't you take those steps toward maintaining good health practices, exercise, eating and sleeping being among the good activities. Genetics play a role. As for the glass being half full or half empy, how big is your glass? What I know for sure is that time is a precious gift and I'm happy to have another day to make the most of it I can. Here's a longer take on my view of my own aging: https://garygruber.substack.com/p/chapter-88
Thank you for the link, Gary. I'll check it out. Sounds like you have the right attitude to face life's challenges as you age. Thank you for reading my post.
Thanks, Patricia. I am not ever sure about the "right attitude" although I believe attitudes are an accurate reflection of our behaviors. It iis easy to distinguish a good, positive attitude from a bad, negative attitude and see the difference in the results. You make your choice, you get the result.
Excellent thank you
Thank you for reading it, Laura
I read this earlier (I am in England, so get up earlier than others) and was sorry to see no comments, so made a point of coming back to say I enjoyed reading it, so at least someone did. (I've had a day full of interruptions and nary a free moment.) Clearly, not necessary, but hello anyway. I do appreciate keeping abreast of latest scientific information, especially as it pertains to me.
I don't know when I started subscribing to you - it's gone a bit crazy in the last week - but I am 82 and, as it says on my title, stand on my head. This is because I love my yoga, not because I read Lewis Carroll as a child, although I did know and even recite that poem "You are old, father Wllliam..." I am also an optimist and, like your earlier commentator, suspect I was born that way. But I have also had a very very lucky life – adoring and adored husband for 61 years, two terrific children, two terrific grandchildren (now both teenagers), interesting work and amazingly good health.
I believe we're quite recent subscribers to each others newsletter, Ann. I love yoga, too but gave up classes last year because I have an eye condition that could be exacerbated by certain poses (asanas). So, after 30 plus years, of attending classes I gave up and now practice alone at home. I'm sure that the years of doing it have helped me be the flexible person I am today. I never could stand on my head, though. Thank you for coming back to ensure I got a heart. You never can tell what's going to be popular, can you?
As an optimist, I enjoyed patting myself on my back for hitting all the to-do's to becoming one (although I also feel strongly that a lot of my optimism is genetic.) Of course chicken and egg conundrum here. If I inherited a strong natural tendency to optimism, I can see how I then naturally gravitated towards taking those steps when life did throw obstacles in my way. Anyway, as usual, thanks for the thought-provoking post!
Thank you, Louisa. I'm happy you found the post thought-provoking.
Thank you for this interesting post. I feel as though I have aged most dramatically in the past 2 years. I'll be 68 in November.
It was when I was in my late sixties that I decided to be positive about ageing as I could see being negative about it wasn't going to be helpful. So maybe I, too, had that dramatic spike in ageing then, like you, Pamela. Thank you for reading my post.
Sometimes it’s hard not to be negative, but being positive helps with anything in life. I think any type of health issue can also speed up aging. I had surgery last December and that really did a number on me. However, in August I just had my best month of walking in a year of stepping up my walking so that makes me happy!
I agree, being positive is hard sometimes. I'm sorry to hear you had to have surgery and hope that you're completely well again. I'm happy for you, too, that your walking is back up to speed. Having the stamina for regular walks is a good measure of how fit you are. I can't wait to go for a long walk when I've been stuck indoors.
I don’t like being stuck indoors either. Last winter I pushed myself out to walk in the cold with a friend who also needed to walk. It felt great. I sued to walk in the winter, I am looking forward to doing it again this winter.
There were a lot more women than men in the study, interesting. Stay positive!
I wonder if more women, on the whole, take part in health studies, Pamela. Men are notoriously reluctant to face their health issues, and maybe that applies to taking part in health studies, too. Stay positive, indeed! ;-)
Truth. I finally got approval from my husband to make a dental appointment for him.
The study about the two points of life when ageing accelerates corresponds to what we philosophically accept about ourselves. The first is when we realize "I am what I am" and start being more of our true selves than some unattainable persona. The second is when we say, "It's been a good ride" and start slowing down for the inevitable exit.
That's interesting! I agree with your first observation, our forties is a time to accept who we are. The second about slowing down and waiting for the inevitable exit - at 60? I haven't reached that stage yet and I'm 77. Probably doesn't apply to everyone. Thank you for reading my post.
You don't slow down; you stop looking over your shoulder, or even ahead. I am 73 and I put in a full day, but of things I like to do.
Very interesting post Patricia. I am surrounded by very optimistic animals 😁 I believe we have a friend in common 😘
I didn't know what you meant, Jo - a mutual friend? But I've since read your latest post and I think I know who you mean.