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Did You Know That Changing Your View on Aging Can Improve Your Life in the Orlando, Florida Area?

Are you living with a loved one who is aging? Did you know that seeing the process negatively can lead to more stress? There was an interesting article in the Orlando Sentinel/Section 2 on Wednesday April 27, 2022 titled “Changing view on aging can improve your life” by Judith Graham of Kaiser Health News. Graham states that people’s beliefs about aging have a profound impact on their health, influencing everything from their memory and sensory perception to how well they walk, how fully they recover from disabling illness, and how long they live. 

Negative Perceptions of Aging

According to Graham, when aging is seen as a negative experience, characterized by by terms such as decrepit, incompetent, dependent, and senile, individuals tend to experience more stress later in life and engage less often in healthy behaviors like exercise. The author states that when views are positive, signaled by words such as wise, alert, accomplished, and creative, people are more likely to be active and resilient, as well as having a stronger will to live. 

These internalized beliefs about aging, Graham says, are mostly unconscious, formed from early childhood on as we absorb messages about growing old from TV, movies, books, advertisements, and other forms of popular culture. They vary by individual, and they are distinct from prejudice and discrimination against older adults in the social sphere.

Attempting to Change These Beliefs

Graham states that there are more than 400 scientific studies that have demonstrated the impact of the individual’s beliefs about aging. The author states that the question is now whether people can alter these largely unrecognized assumptions about growing older and assume more control over them. 

The author then points out what Becca Levy of Yale University states in her book titled Breaking the Age Code: How Your Beliefs About Aging Determine How Long and Well You Live. Levy, a leading expert on the topic, argues that you can, with the right mindset and tools, change your beliefs. 

This is a question to think about regarding aging and the elderly. 

If you have more questions regarding an Elder Law matter, you may call Ann Marie Giordano Gilden at Ann Marie Giordano Gilden, P.A. at 407-732-7620 and set an initial consultation. 

This article is for informational purposes only and does not form an attorney client privilege.