Chillin' with the Big 8-0 - A Modern Approach to Ageing
- Written by Frank Ochmann
- Approx. Reading Time: 7 Minutes
Experiencing aging currently seems more enjoyable compared to previous times. - How Modern Aging Offers Improved Experiences Compared to Older Times
I recall my old lady reminiscing about a chat with an octogenarian pal that had me cracking up as much as it made me shudder. Despite the sun shining in the garden, her mate blurts out, "This can't last much longer." A belly laugh escaped my mum as she regaled the tale, but later on, her eyes lost their humor. "She's right," she said, reflecting on her own impending nineties. What was I supposed to say? I channeled some wit and said, "Well, no one's keeled over from a number." Nevertheless, the number seemed to hit her fast like a rogue wave, and my mum admitted, "I'm close to ninety, but I don't feel that old at all."
Felt Years
It seems every birthday milestone means enduring the old cliché, "You're only as old as you feel." Or, "Age is just a number (when it's not a vintage wine)". Yes, it's baloney - but who am I to argue when there's a hint of truth hiding in the twaddle? April saw my mum's day of departure, and I've passed the halfway point of my sixties. Yet, when I tune in to my inner self in a quiet moment to figure out my "felt age," I hit a mental blank. No prancing numbers come alive in my mind's eye or pop up on an imaginary calendar. All I can sense is a feeling - a sentiment that sighs, "Everything's fine. Until next time!"
- Aging
- Aging Process
- David Rubin
The Feeling Age
Decades of hearing the silliness hasn't hindered the fact that there's something to the phrase "You're only as old as you feel." My mum's death anniversary came and went, and despite hitting the second half of my sixties, I, too, can't put a numeric value on my "felt age." What I sense in the deep recesses of my soul is a sensation akin to my doctor's closing words after the examination – "Everything's fine. Until next time!"
Dead Ringer for Dementia? Or Stereotypes Shaping Our Thoughts?
According to research, the subjective experience of growing older is a complex mixture of biological, psychological, and social factors. Let's dive into the key insights behind this perception.
Cognitive Realities and Perceived Decline
- (False) Memory Lane: People experience self-reported concerns about their mental prowess, even when objective assessments reveal no decline. The more ageist biases a person encounters, the greater their distress[1].
- Problems Solved, Questions Not Asked: Cognitive processes like formulating questions and addressing challenges may undergo alterations with age. However, these changes can differ from one person to another, depending on factors like cognitive reserve and lifestyle choices[3].
Emotional and Mental States
- Senescence and the Blues: Older adults may experience persisting inflammation due to senescent cells, which can trigger emotional states like depression or emotional numbness — feelings that might seem existential but have biological roots[2].
- The Influence of Attitudes: Negative attitudes towards aging can impact sleep quality and overall emotional well-being. Negative self-stereotypes can lead to reduced healthcare-seeking actions and overall health engagement[4].
Society's Role in Aging Perceptions
- Ageism Echoes: Prejudice and negative attitudes towards older adults are called ageism. These biases can affect emotional well-being, impose restrictions on behavior, and limit engagement with healthcare services[1].
Aging: A Whole New Ballgame
Delving into the psychology of aging reveals a complex tapestry of factors shaping our perceptions of the aging process. Armed with this knowledge, healthcare providers and policymakers can develop strategies to improve the quality of life for older adults. Nonetheless, without the specifics of Frank Ochmann's article, it's tricky to create a direct analysis based solely on that text.
- "Frank Ochmann's reflections on ageing echo the notion that 'Age is just a number', suggesting that his 'felt age' may not align with his biological age, touchings on the idea that 'You're only as old as you feel'."
- "In the light of Frank Ochmann's article, it seems plausible to speculate that the octogenarian's statement, 'This can't last much longer,' might have not originated from physical health concerns, but rather from mental health, wellness, or even a sense of self, as discussed in the context of science and ageing, and the relationship between 'felt age' and perception of well-being."
