Being prepared for the opportunities and challenges of aging requires us to be flexible, real and positive.
Research shows adults who approach aging with fl exibility and positivity are better equipped to handle the physical, emotional and social changes that accompany later life. Let’s unpack why it’s important to move forward into the future with these essential traits as a guide.
Flexibility/Adaptability
Flexibility, or adaptability, allows us to accept change with grace. If we are facing a decline in physical abilities, a shift in social dynamics or major adjustments to our financial planning, being flexible provides a safe, open door to changing circumstances.
A September 15, 2020 article in Psychology Today says adaptation is the key to accepting change and growth and lists five techniques to strengthen it including: asking additional questions, looking through a different lens, learning through experimentation, getting comfortable with discomfort and accepting that change is inevitable.
Strength
Strength is the ability to recover from setbacks and it is a cornerstone of healthy aging. In many scientifi circles strength is associated with better mental health, lower depression rates and improved physical health outcomes and it may help you live longer!
Realism
The American Psychological Association defines realistic thinking as “thinking that is based or focused on the objective qualities and requirements that pertain in different situations. Realistic thinking permits adjustment of thoughts and behavior to the demands of a situation; it depends on the ability to interpret external situations in a fairly consistent, accurate manner.”
Positivity
A positive mindset is not about ignoring challenges and throwing on those rose-colored glasses again. Instead, it’s about focusing on opportunities and gratitude. There are tons and tons of scientifi c and practical studies out there that support optimism as the key to life happiness and success. Being fl exible, open, and realistic is the bottom line for successful grand planning right next to being communicative and trusting of those who love and help us. With these strengths, we can reach toward the orbit with all the opportunities, and workarounds in our sights.
