Aging is a universal part of life, yet our society often frames it as something to fear—an inevitable decline into irrelevance, diminished capacity, and loss. But is this really how it has to be? What if, instead of bracing ourselves for the worst, we approached aging with optimism, strength, and opportunity?
In the latest episode of The Health & Wealth Power Hour, host Harlon Pickett explores these questions with special guest Dr. Corinne Auman, author of the insightful book “Keenagers”. Together, they take a deep dive into ageism, mindset, and how rethinking our approach to aging can add more vibrancy and even more years to our lives.
The Power of Mindset in Aging
One of the most compelling points raised in this episode is the impact of mindset on the aging process. Drawing from the pioneering research of Dr. Becca Levy, a professor at Yale School of Public Health, Dr. Auman explains how our internal perceptions of aging profoundly shape our physical and mental well-being.
Dr. Levy’s research has shown that individuals with a positive outlook on aging tend to live 7.5 years longer on average than those with a negative outlook. These people also:
- Walk faster, showing greater physical mobility
- Recover better from injuries or surgeries
- Experience fewer cognitive declines as they age.
The key takeaway? The way we think about aging has a direct effect on how we experience it. Those who see aging as a time of growth, learning, and value tend to make healthier lifestyle choices, stay engaged in meaningful activities, and maintain stronger social connections—all of which contribute to longer and healthier lives.
Dr. Auman emphasizes that mindset isn’t just about being blindly optimistic. It’s about choosing to stay active, mentally engaged, and socially connected, despite the challenges that may come with age. The idea is that if we expect decline, we may unintentionally bring it about. However, if we expect vibrancy and longevity, we make decisions that foster those outcomes.
The Role of Ageism in Society
While mindset is essential, Dr. Auman and Harlon also tackle the issue of ageism, which continues to plague both social and professional environments. Ageism refers to the stereotyping, prejudice, and discrimination against individuals based on their age. It manifests in many areas of life, from the job market to healthcare, and impacts how older adults are treated and how they view themselves.
In the workplace, for instance, older adults often face barriers to employment or advancement. Many employers view older workers as less adaptable, too expensive, or out of touch with new technologies. This leads to missed opportunities for businesses that could benefit from the vast experience and skills these individuals bring.
Dr. Auman points out that these stereotypes not only harm older adults but also deprive society of the wisdom, creativity, and mentorship they could provide. Businesses are particularly affected by this bias, as they lose out on dedicated and skilled workers who, with the right support, can thrive well into their later years.
Ageism in Healthcare
Perhaps even more troubling is how ageism manifests in healthcare. Harlon and Dr. Auman discuss how older adults frequently face dismissive attitudes from healthcare professionals. Doctors may attribute symptoms to “just getting old” rather than investigating potential underlying issues, leading to inadequate care.
One example they discuss is the denial of preventative screenings under Medicare once patients reach a certain age. For instance, older adults may be told that screenings for cancer or other diseases are no longer necessary past a particular age. This can leave patients feeling devalued and overlooked, even though early detection of diseases remains as crucial in later life as in youth.
Dr. Auman and Harlon agree that older adults—and their families—must be proactive advocates for their healthcare. Asking questions, seeking second opinions, and pushing back against dismissive attitudes are critical steps to ensuring they receive the care and attention they deserve. They urge listeners to challenge these ageist practices, not only for their loved ones but for themselves.
The Key to Longevity
One of the key themes in this episode is the importance of staying active, both physically and mentally, as we age. Harlon shares a personal story about her father, who retired at the age of 58. Instead of succumbing to a sedentary lifestyle, he became more active, staying in better shape than when he worked full-time. Even now, at 81, he remains sharp and full of energy.
This is a crucial point that contradicts the belief that aging inevitably means slowing down. On the contrary, staying active can enhance the quality of life well into older adulthood. Physical activity not only strengthens the body but also improves cognitive function, mood, and overall well-being. In fact, Harlon’s father is a living example of how choosing to remain active can drastically alter how we experience aging.
But activity doesn’t just mean going to the gym. Dr. Auman highlights the value of lifelong learning and staying socially engaged. Whether it’s picking up a new hobby, volunteering, or simply spending more time with friends and family, these activities stimulate the mind and help older adults maintain a sense of purpose.
Planning for Aging
As Dr. Auman wisely points out, planning for aging is essential to ensuring a high quality of life in later years. Far too many people wait until a crisis—whether it’s a health scare or financial instability—before making critical decisions about where and how they want to live as they get older.
By planning early, older adults can maintain control over their future. Whether it’s discussing housing options, like senior living communities, with family members or ensuring they have the right long-term care plan in place, taking these steps early on reduces stress and improves quality of life in the long run.
Dr. Auman and Harlon also encourage listeners to consider their financial health. By saving and investing in their retirement years early on, individuals can afford more choices and maintain a greater sense of independence as they age.
The Language of Aging
Another fascinating discussion revolved around how we talk about aging. Language has a powerful effect on how we perceive aging, both for ourselves and others. Dr. Auman advocates for changing the way we refer to older adults, pointing out that current terms like “senior” or “elderly” can carry negative connotations.
Her book, “Keenagers”, challenges these outdated terms and suggests new ways to talk about aging. The title itself is a play on words, aiming to inject energy and a sense of youth into the conversation about older adults. Dr. Auman hopes to inspire people to rethink aging, not as a decline, but as a continuation of life’s journey with its own set of opportunities and growth.
Rewriting the Aging Narrative
As Harlon and Dr. Auman conclude, it’s clear that our mindset about aging needs to shift—not only on a personal level but across society. Aging is a natural and often empowering phase of life, one that can be filled with growth, learning, and value if we choose to approach it that way.
By breaking down the barriers of ageism, advocating for better healthcare, staying active, and planning for the future, we can transform how we experience aging and help others do the same.
Ultimately, aging is what you make of it. The power to shape a vibrant, fulfilling life as we grow older is in our hands, and it all starts with how we think about it.
Aging is inevitable, but how we approach it is entirely up to us. The key lies in cultivating a positive mindset, challenging societal stereotypes, and making conscious decisions that allow us to thrive in our later years.
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