Staying Positive in Your Senior Years

In a youth oriented culture, growing older can be challenging, to say the least. Youth is idolized in America, which makes it difficult for seniors to remain positive as they age, especially if they’ve been forced to retire or terminated, due to downsizing in failing industries. Facing an uncertain future in their golden years, some seniors have become depressed and even suicidal.

How can they regain a positive outlook? If you’re over 50, your health may be beginning to decline, but in most cases, you can regain health and vitality through lifestyle changes.
Becoming healthier can give you a more positive mental outlook. The longer seniors can stay active, the more quality years they will have.

Exercise builds bone mass, preventing fractures and it also releases endorphins or feel good hormones, which help you keep a positive frame of mind. Many seniors find it difficult to stay positive because they’re lonely. Whatever you do, don’t give up on enjoying life and being around other people. Connect with other seniors in your area. Don’t stay home alone. Get out and mingle.

Keep a youthful attitude. Being young at heart is often the difference between losing interest in life and living happily to a ripe old age. Having a young attitude comes from being around young people. If you don’t have grandchildren, adopt some and never act your age.

Dr. Roger Landry, a guest speaker at University Village continuing care community tells seniors, “When we keep active and socially connected with friends, family and the community, we act in a more positive, spontaneous way, which makes us seem younger. Seniors who have a wide network of friends tend to forget how old they are and get more out of life."