By Dr. Jessica Pae, Psy.D
Aging is inevitable, but how you experience it is up to how you think about it. A positive view on life is linked to better health outcomes, from reduced chronic illness to improved mental health. Feeling younger than your actual age can even boost resilience, serving as an adaptive strategy in society.
Younger subjective age has been tied to flourishing mental health and a lower risk of major depression. This isn’t about pretending you’re 25 forever—it’s about embracing possibility and curiosity, no matter your age.
Shifting the Lens: From Deficits to Strengths
Positive aging moves you from a deficit mindset (focusing on loss) to a strength-based one (focusing on growth). It’s not about resisting aging but embracing it with optimism and intentionality. Each season of life offers opportunities for growth, wisdom, and contribution.
- Growth means continuing to learn and challenge yourselves.
- Wisdom comes from the lessons you’ve learnt.
- Contribution allows you to give back—sharing our time, talents, and insights with others.
Here are some practical ways to promote a shift from a deficit mindset to a strength-based one.
A Couple Healthy Habits to Include in your Daily Routine
Mindset matters, but healthy habits are the foundation for longevity. Health psychologists would say that these three practices make a major difference:
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Maintain a Healthy Weight – Supports heart health, lowers disease risk, and helps you stay active.
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Get Up and Move – Walking, swimming, or even gardening strengthens your body and lifts your mood.
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Make Healthy Food Choices – Whole foods like fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats fuel your body and brain.
Keeping Your Mind Sharp
Not only should you focus on your body’s health but also your brain’s. Your brain thrives on novelty and challenge. Here are a few ways to protect and grow your mental fitness:
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Keep Learning: Try new skills or hobbies.
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Use All Your Senses: Engage in activities that stimulate sight, sound, taste, smell, and touch.
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Believe in Yourself: Confidence in your learning ability improves cognitive performance.
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Prioritize Your Brain: Protect sleep, nutrition, and manage stress.
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Repeat to Remember: Repetition strengthens neural pathways.
The Power of Social Connection
The last aspect you need to consider in aging well is maintaining relationships. Humans are built for connection. Friendships, family, volunteering, or community groups protect against depression, reduce stress, and may lower dementia risk. Isolation, on the other hand, is linked to poorer health.
Social engagement also supports a younger mindset. When humans connect, we often feel more energized, purposeful, and excited about life.
So, reach out to a friend you haven’t connected with in a while. You might be surprised at how much it means to both of you. A simple message, phone call, or coffee date can spark joy, strengthen bonds, and remind you that it’s never too late to put yourself out there again.
Final Thought
Aging well isn’t about stopping the clock—it’s about making the most of the time you have. Combining a positive outlook with healthy habits builds resilience, deepens wisdom, and helps us continue contributing in meaningful ways. The goal isn’t just to live longer—it’s to live better, every single day.
Remember that you’re not going through it alone. At Restoration Psychology conveniently located on 6855 S Havana Street Suite 645, Centennial, CO 80112, we’re here to walk with you through every season—together, we can restore your heart, mind, and soul.
Contact us:
(720) 647-1522
info@restorationpsychology.com