A lot of people say they’re scared of getting older, but what most of them mean is that they’re scared of aging. The truth about getting older is that your body and mind often become less sharp and capable than they used to be, and that’s hard to deal with. However, if you can relate to any of the following, you’re aging a whole lot better than you think. Spoiler alert: it’s nothing to do with wrinkles and joint pains!
1. You embrace your age.
You’re not trying to hide your birthdate or pretend you’re still in your 20s. You’re proud of the years you’ve lived and the experiences you’ve had. You know that aging is a natural part of life, and you’re not fighting it tooth and nail. Instead, you’re focusing on being the best version of yourself at every age. You’re not afraid to tell people how old you are, either, because you know that your age doesn’t define you. You’re comfortable in your own skin, wrinkles and all. After all, as the American Psychological Association (APA) points out, there are plenty of ways you change for the better as you age.
2. You’ve let go of toxic relationships.
You’ve learned that life is too short to waste time on people who don’t bring out the best in you. You’ve cut ties with friends who are always negative or family members who constantly criticize you. You’ve realized that surrounding yourself with positive, supportive people is essential for your mental health and well-being. You’re not afraid to set boundaries and say no to requests or invitations that don’t serve you. You know that the quality of your relationships is more important than the quantity.
3. You prioritize your health.
You know that taking care of your body is crucial for aging well. You eat a balanced diet, exercise regularly, and get enough sleep. You don’t skip your annual check-ups or ignore symptoms that could be a sign of a bigger problem. You’re proactive about your health, rather than waiting until something goes wrong to take action. You know that small, consistent habits can make a big difference in how you feel and look as you age. You’re not trying to be perfect, but you’re making a conscious effort to take care of yourself.
4. You’ve found your purpose.
You know that having a sense of purpose is essential for a fulfilling life, especially as you age. You’ve taken the time to figure out what matters most to you, whether that’s your career, your family, your hobbies, or your community. You’re not just going through the motions or living for the weekend. You’ve found something that gives your life meaning and makes you excited to wake up in the morning. You know that having a reason to get out of bed can keep you mentally and physically healthy as you age.
5. You’re financially stable.
You’ve learned to live within your means and save for the future. You’re not drowning in debt or living paycheck to paycheck. You’ve got a solid emergency fund and you’re contributing to your retirement savings. You know that financial stress can take a toll on your physical and mental health, so you’ve made it a priority to get your finances in order. You’re not trying to keep up with the Joneses or impress anyone with your lifestyle. You’re focused on building a secure financial foundation for yourself and your loved ones.
6. You’ve learned to manage stress.
You know that chronic stress can age you faster than anything else. You’ve developed healthy coping mechanisms for dealing with life’s challenges, whether that’s meditation, exercise, or talking to a therapist. You don’t bottle up your emotions or turn to unhealthy habits like drinking or overeating. You’ve learned to recognize the signs of burnout and take steps to prevent it. You know that taking care of your mental health is just as important as taking care of your physical health.
7. You’ve cultivated a growth mindset.
You know that learning and growing don’t stop just because you’ve reached a certain age. You’re always looking for new opportunities to challenge yourself and expand your horizons. You’re not afraid to try new things or step outside your comfort zone. You know that a growth mindset can keep your brain sharp and prevent cognitive decline as you age. You’re not stuck in your ways or resistant to change. You’re open to new ideas and perspectives.
8. You’ve learned to forgive.
You know that holding onto grudges or resentment can eat away at you from the inside out. You’ve learned to let go of past hurts and forgive those who have wronged you. You know that forgiveness doesn’t mean condoning bad behavior or forgetting what happened. It means choosing to release the anger and bitterness for your own sake. You’ve realized that holding onto negativity only hurts you in the long run. You’ve learned to practice compassion and empathy, even for those who have hurt you.
9. You’ve embraced your quirks.
You know that aging doesn’t mean losing your personality or becoming a generic “old person.” You’ve learned to celebrate the things that make you unique, whether that’s your silly sense of humor or your eclectic taste in music. You’re not trying to fit in or be like everyone else. You know that your quirks are what make you interesting and memorable. You’re not afraid to let your freak flag fly, even if it means getting a few funny looks from strangers. You know that life is too short to be anyone but yourself.
10. You’ve learned to ask for help.
You know that aging doesn’t mean you have to do everything on your own. You’ve learned to ask for help when you need it, whether that’s hiring a cleaning service or asking a friend to drive you to a doctor’s appointment. You’re not too proud to admit when you’re struggling or need assistance. You know that asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness. You’re not afraid to lean on your support system when you need to. You know that interdependence is a key part of aging well.
11. You’ve found joy in the little things.
You know that happiness doesn’t always come from big, life-changing events. You’ve learned to find joy in the small, everyday moments, whether that’s a beautiful sunset or a cozy cup of tea. You’re not always chasing the next big thing or waiting for something better to come along. You’ve learned to appreciate the beauty and wonder that’s all around you. You know that gratitude is a key ingredient for a happy life, no matter your age.
12. You’ve learned to embrace change.
You know that aging inevitably brings change, whether that’s retirement, health issues, or the loss of loved ones. You’ve learned to adapt to new circumstances and find ways to thrive, even in the face of adversity. You’re not resistant to change or stuck in your old ways. You know that being flexible and open-minded can help you navigate life’s challenges with grace and resilience. You’re not afraid to reinvent yourself or start a new chapter, no matter your age.
13. You’ve found peace with mortality.
You know that death is a natural part of life, and you’re not afraid to talk about it or plan for it. You’ve taken steps to get your affairs in order, whether that’s creating a will or discussing your end-of-life wishes with your loved ones. You know that facing your own mortality can be scary, but it can also be liberating. You’re not obsessed with living forever or avoiding death at all costs. You’ve learned to make the most of the time you have and find peace with the inevitability of the end. You know that a life well-lived is the best legacy you can leave behind.
