The Emotional Challenges of Aging

In the United States, youthfulness is revered. Senior adults are often not treated as the wise and experienced mentors one might expect. Although aging is a natural part of life, the anti-aging industry has record-breaking profit margins. For many Americans, the cognitive dissonance created by aging in a culture that marginalizes seniors often leads to emotional and mental health challenges. The challenges of aging are more easily navigated when you have support, a community of friends, and are free from anxiety about physical wellness, safety, or financial security. Seniors deserve to have access to the things and people that amplify their quality of life.

The Emotional Challenges of Aging 

An individual’s senior years can be emotionally challenging in a variety of ways. Although life can still be quite meaningful and satisfying, it’s often full of major changes in lifestyle. Here are a few of the things that may be impacting you or a loved one experiencing the emotional challenges of aging:  

• Mental health challenges – This includes anxiety or depression symptoms. 
• Lack of social connectedness – The death of loved ones, including family and friends. 
• Physical limitations – Being unable to easily perform tasks that used to be simple. 

Depression is not a normal part of aging, but it is all too common among those who are facing the things mentioned above. Anxiety about the future, your family, or the health of a spouse can become chronic and debilitating. 

No matter how old someone is, they should be encouraged and supported in maintaining interests, passions, hobbies, dreams, and enjoyments that have sustained them throughout life. It is possible to continue enjoying life well into the senior years of life.  

Aging Gracefully 

There are numerous strategies to help you shift the way you see and understand the aging process, as well as to help you live a more present, fulfilling, purposeful life now, exactly as you are. Some things to consider are: 

1. Connect with People  

Don’t limit your friend group to people of a certain age or who act and think in familiar ways. Reach out to people from all stages of life, different upbringings, experiences, and worldviews. Mental and psycho-social stimulation helps your mind stay sharp, and your emotional flexibility expand. 

2. Keep Learning 

Curiosity is one of the most fundamental traits of human beings. Reading, visiting museums, having wide-ranging conversations, taking online classes—all of these can help sustain the one organ that is capable of growth throughout life—your brain. 

3. Move Your Body 

Your mind and body depend on movement. Whether it’s walking daily, taking a fitness class, strength training, or gentle yoga, exercise helps you stay on an emotionally balanced and increases your general sense of well-being. 

4. Love Yourself  

Practice acceptance of yourself. Listening to messages that start with “you should” or “now that you’re old…” can be detrimental to your confidence. Your experience in life have given you the wisdom to make the decisions that feel best for you.  

5. Feel Empowered  

Feeling helpful, productive, creative, and purposeful—all of these can make waking up in the morning joyful and exciting. If you want to continue pursuing your career, follow an artistic dream, become a volunteer, or finally learn to fish, dance, or garden—go for it. 

Purpose and acceptance, curiosity and enthusiasm, movement and laughter, community and security—all these things reduce stress and amplify your quality of life. Source