Written By Alan Good
We have discussed seniors and exercise, the idea of moving more for a longer period, in order to live longer and with more quality. As we age, depression can impact us as perhaps we believe we are useless, passed over, forgotten. Like changing your internet connection, you can change how you perceive things.
“It is sad to grow old, but nice to ripen,” said Bridgitte Bardot. People may call us old—even the word “senior” can carry a stigma for some. Stereotypes we assume, taken on from others, can be overcome. It’s not only their words. Perhaps your adult children or grandchildren step in to help when you already had it in hand.
My youngest had repeatedly moved in my path when he saw me carrying something in the yard. He would take what I was carrying thinking he was helping. Saying we need help occasionally is not the issue, especially after a surgery, say. But unsolicited assistance can be taken by us seniors as a slight of sorts.
I first took offense—at least inside—when helped by my well-meaning son. I had gone through several medical challenges, worked through physio, and was on track in my exercise program. I could do the task and so we discussed by abilities.
But I could have taken another direction and drank the Kool-Aid that was being unconsciously handed out. I could have folded my tent and retired to the rocker. I wasn’t ready for that.
One study suggested, “…stereotypes reflect self-perceptions and others’ perceptions about the ageing process and can have a strong influence on health and life satisfaction, specifically through self-fulfilling prophecy mechanisms.”
Many studies have demonstrated that age-related stereotypes form a key construct. Like any label, the term ‘elderly’ tends to confound us. Stereotypical images of ageing are recalled and may become a self-perception.
Job said, “What I feared has come upon me.” Many fear old age and anticipate their mental and physical deterioration. What they think, and feel, comes to pass. You grow old when you loose interest in life, when you cease to dream and plan for your future. When you believe what others say about that “large” number.
“There is increasing direct evidence that ageing is governed by a combination of psychological, behavioural and environmental factors within the individual’s control,” another study assured.
Our mindset, what we dwell on, can make or break us. Scientists have shown that our brains have neuroplasticity—the ability of the brain to build and improve new connections and synapses in response to training and new experiences—not just when we are young.
Taking on demanding and new situations is when the brain builds and makes new connections. Think of your brain as a muscle. As with, say, a bicep, it can grow when there is a demand that is optimally new and different.
Whatever your age, you can improve your mental and physical bandwidth. More next time.
