Successful Aging

Dear Dr. LeCrone:

I am a fifty something baby boomer looking for suggestions on psychological assistance for successful aging. I want my second half of life to be as healthy and happy as the first half.

-A reader in New York

Dear Reader:

Boomers who begin to make plans for their second half of life while they are still younger adults may find facing the future easier. Successful aging and quality of life issues in later years depend on more than how much money an individual has accumulated in the bank. Although this is certainly an important consideration, issues like personal health and well being, lifestyle issues, housing, leisure activities, and social relationships are of paramount importance.

Exercise can positively influence many aspects of aging including mental fitness. This fitness includes a good memory, emotional balance, healthy self-esteem and optimism. Exercise can also be of great assistance in maintaining healthy sleeping patterns and proper weight.

Many boomers overlook the importance that a healthy psychological perspective plays in successful aging.. Resistance to disease and disability is compromised by both the aging process and stress. Struggles resulting in chronic tension and fatigue, depressed and anxious moods, and feelings of discouragement and helplessness all increase the risk of a premature decline in health. A dedicated effort needs to be made in identifying and reducing areas in one’s life where stress, tension and unhappiness occur.

Begin to prepare for significant life changes before the events actually occur. Don’t wait for an empty nest before you begin planning and practicing activities to make the transition to later years smoother. Likewise, don’t wait until a month before retirement to start thinking about how you are going to spend your time when new opportunities and challenges may be made available to you.

Be diligent in maintaining friendships and social relationships as you age. Don’t rely on your children to provide all of your support and social activity. Death, divorce, and relocation after retirement can all separate older adults from the familiar friendships formed in earlier years. Meeting new people, making new friends, and developing new social activities will help avoid the isolation and loneliness felt by many older people.

During future columns I will revisit this subject and would welcome any input
from the readers now on good things you have experienced as you have grown older.