Getting older is a part of life. It happens to everyone! Sometimes the aging process is seen as something we want to deny or ignore. But really, getting older is something to be embraced. After all, when you’re older, you’ll have a lot more time to truly enjoy life.
There’s some evidence to suggest that how we think about aging might actually have an impact on how we physically age. The idea that “you’re only as old as you think you are” is behind a near 20-year study by Yale University Associate Professor of Epidemiology and Psychology, Becca Levy. Essentially, the results suggest that those who have positive images about aging (wisdom, self-realization, satisfaction, and generally being active) may actually live longer. That says a whole lot about the power of positive thinking! It also says a lot about how we, as a society, look at the concept of aging.
There are lots of myths about aging out there that are just that — myths. Here are a few truths about aging that just might make you think about getting older in a different, much more positive, light.
1. You’ll have a chance to get out and enjoy the world
Many seniors are extremely well traveled and make an effort to get out and about as often as possible. The senior years are a great time to make new friends and learn more about other cultures and share pieces of your own. In fact, in many ways, traveling in your senior years is much easier to organize! When you live at Bria Communities, it’s easy to pack up and go off on an adventure. You have the freedom to travel without the hassle of finding someone to take care of your home while you’re away, since we’re here to take care of everything for you.
Keep in mind that there are many amazing places to explore that are close to home. Who needs to travel great distances when there are plenty of local events and activities to enjoy and interesting new places for seniors to visit in every community.
2. You’ll form new friendships
As we age, our relationships go through changes. It’s only natural, considering you might spend more time apart from close friends and family. However, this is a great opportunity to establish new relationships. Many seniors have incredibly active social lives and spend time with friends every day.
Making new friends is easier than it seems. At Bria Communities, all meals are served in a group setting and the common spaces are designed with an open feel to make it easier to join in on conversations and activities. When you join clubs and take part in events, you’ll surely meet people who share your interests. Once you spend some time chatting and getting to know each other, you’ll find that friendships grow pretty quickly.
3. You’ll always be able to keep busy (if you want to!)
There’s a myth about aging that makes it seem as though all seniors become bored and inactive. The truth is, you don’t have to spend all your time watching TV if you don’t want to!
There are lots of ways you can get involved in the community around you, and at Bria Communities, there are lots of ways for residents to connect with others. At Sunridge Gardens, residents took part in The Silver Fox Walk as part of Terry Fox Day, walking to raise funds for cancer research. Then there are the residents at The Waterford, who gather each week to make sandwiches that are served to the homeless community of Vancouver.
Residents at the Wexford write letters to Canadian soldiers serving overseas to make them feel a little more connected to home. We also have residents who have spearheaded their own fundraising campaigns, like a senior at Magnolia Gardens who raised money for the Langley Food Bank this Christmas by knitting and raffling off gorgeous sweaters.
When you join clubs and groups or start a club of your own, you’ll find that your social calendar will fill up pretty quickly. Even if you prefer more quiet time, there are plenty of ways to stay busy. Activities like puzzles, reading, computer games, watching movies, and doing crafts are are perfect ways to keep busy when you want a little downtime. At Bria Communities, there are a wide variety of activity groups such as bridge, poker, choir, walking groups, and gardening groups. We also have lots of fun group outings for residents to take part in.
4. You’ll have plenty of opportunities to try new things
Trying new things can be good for the brain. It has been shown that changes in routine and learning new skills are great ways to keep our brains sharp. It’s fun to try new foods, play new games or try anything you haven’t done before. Learning new skills is good for the mind and the soul – you’ll have fun when you tackle something out of your comfort zone, like painting, photography, building computer skills, or learning a new language.
5. You’ll find lots of ways to keep fit and active
As we age, it’s normal to not be able to do the same things we did when we were much younger. However, this doesn’t mean we’re stuck being sedentary. Regular movement can improve coordination, make you stronger, and reduce the chance of injury. It’s important to stay active at every age, and there are plenty of ways to do it.
Walking is a wonderful way to keep fitness levels up, and it can be great for mental health as well. If you like peace and quiet, a solo stroll can be wonderfully meditative. If you like to be social, find a friend or a group of friends to walk with so you can socialize as you get your exercise in. You can also join fitness classes that are specifically designed for seniors to keep you healthy, fit and happy. At Bria Communities, our professionally-trained, certified recreation staff offer different types of fitness classes and activities, all designed to make exercise fun for everyone.
Aging is a natural part of life, but it certainly doesn’t have to hold you back from having fun and living your best life. When you approach the idea of getting older with a positive outlook, you’ll be much more likely to be happier and healthier in your senior years.
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