HOW YOU PERCEIVE ageing mainly depends on where you live, the people you hang with, and your outlook. When I was in my 20s and 30s, I would have said middle age begins at 40, and for anyone over 65, I would have said they were of old age.
Now that I have reached that perceived old age, there has been a shift in my views on ageing.
I’m not alone. When I ask friends and associates in their 40s, the majority believe 40 is the new 30, while people in their 70s are beginning to think that medical advancements mean they’re just leaving middle age.
This reluctance to identify as old isn’t merely vanity. Research indicates it can positively affect health. In 2003, researchers Hannah Kuper and Sir Michael Marmot discovered that those who believed old age started earlier were likelier to experience heart attacks or poor health within six to nine years. This conclusion came from the Whitehall II study, which involved over 10,000 London civil servants.
How does the age you view as old influence your health? One theory is that it reflects your health perception. Those who think old age arrives sooner might already feel unwell or have unhealthy habits. In contrast, those who see old age as distant may feel healthier and take better care of themselves.
People who consider themselves old earlier may adopt fatalistic attitudes, avoiding medical help or healthier behaviours, assuming decline is inevitable. Such actions could reinforce negative ageing stereotypes, potentially leading to actual health deterioration. Holding negative views on ageing might also contribute to stress-induced chronic inflammation and health problems.
On the flip side of the coin, those who believe old age starts later might actively maintain their health, fostering overall well-being. They may stay engaged, keep learning, and use optimism to create a positive cycle of better health and a youthful spirit.
This positive ageing outlook has tangible benefits. Yale’s Becca Levy found that individuals with positive views on ageing lived an average of 22.6 years post-study versus just 15 years for those with negative views. These findings suggest that a positive attitude towards ageing can contribute to a longer, healthier life.
Supporting this, Susanne Wurm’s study from the University of Greifswald in Germany found that while negative ageing views don’t necessarily shorten life, positive views correlate with longer lifespans. Believing in continued mental growth encourages ongoing learning and development in later years.
This research doesn’t imply that ageing can be halted. Physical declines, like loss of muscle mass, bone density, and memory, are inevitable, and older adults remain more vulnerable to illnesses. However, focusing on the positives of ageing and maintaining a positive mindset can enhance life quality, helping us make the most of our later years.
David Robson’s book The Expectation Effect advises focusing on the experiences and wisdom that come with age rather than lamenting lost youth. Older adults shouldn’t attribute every health issue to ageing but should strive to stay active and healthy. A positive approach to ageing can lead to longer, healthier, and more fulfilling lives.
In conclusion, maintaining a healthy lifestyle and positive outlook on ageing is vital for staving off premature ageing and its health-related consequences. Optimism and proactive health behaviours are strongly linked to better health outcomes and longevity, reinforcing the belief that you’re only as old as you feel.
