The Power of Positive Thinking About Aging

There’s an adage which promotes “the power of positive thinking.” Many of us have used this as a mantra to get through tough times in our lives. We have also been urged to view a challenging situation as if it were “a glass half full, not half empty” or to “make lemonade out of lemons.” I never thought these admonitions could have a real effect on my overall health and well-being. Recently, though, I came across an interesting long-term study which confirmed that positive beliefs, in this case about aging, can significantly boost the overall health of older adults.

Aging adults with more positive attitudes about getting older were more likely to see gains in physical and mental health. About 45% of adults over 65 years of age improved in one or both of these areas. Dr. Becca Levy, the lead researcher of this Yale University Public Health study, found evidence that aging does not necessarily mean cognitive decline and defies this stereotype in our culture.

Why do the researchers think this occurred? They hypothesized that an important factor could be participants’ baseline age beliefs—or, specifically, whether they had assimilated more positive or more negative views about aging by the start of the study. In support of this hypothesis, they found that those with more positive age beliefs were significantly more likely to show improvements in both cognition and walking speed, even after accounting for factors such as age, sex, education, chronic disease, depression, and length of follow-up.

Why does this matter? They believe that since age beliefs are modifiable, interventions at the individual and societal levels are needed to promote the positive aspects of aging and can help to support greater investments in preventative care and health-related programs for older adults. For example, Seattle and Renton are Age-Friendly cities with a wide array of programs that promote anti-ageism through community trainings, public policy changes, events, and activities to lift up the idea that older adults have value and continue to contribute to society.

Many older adults with a positive attitude about aging continue to contribute to their communities and improve their mental and physical health in the process. As an example, I suggest you read the article in this issue about the older adults who were recently honored at the Sound Generations’ “Inspire Positive Aging” awards. Prepare to be inspired about the great work each of them has accomplished in a variety of ways, from community organizing to advocacy and activism.

Another big anti-ageism proponent is writer and advocate Ashton Applewhite. She considers herself a pro-aging radical. Her book, “This Chair Rocks,” and TED talks and other speaking engagements are filled with humor and an energy that challenges age-based prejudice. The Yale study about positive attitudes on aging fits right into Applewhite’s premise about changing personal and societal norms through anti-ageist activism.

The lesson for me from this research and these examples is that, as Dr. Levy states, “There is often a reserve capacity for improvement in later life.” Though we may have more health challenges as we age, continuing a positive outlook can help mitigate many of the downsides. Senior Citizens Day is celebrated annually on Aug. 21, with the goal of raising awareness of aging, caregiving, accessibility and age inclusion. It is a day to remember that each of us can challenge ageist stereotypes that discount the value of lived experience and what older adults can offer to the community. It’s also a day to begin having a more long-term positive attitude about aging—it could improve your physical and cognitive health.

Contributor Alex O’Reilly chairs the Seattle-King County Advisory Council on Aging & Disability Services. She welcomes input from readers via email (advisorychair@agewisekingcounty.org).

A quick note: Joel Domingo’s Advocacy 101 column will be on hiatus this month. It will return in September.

Mark Your Calendars

The following are upcoming events of interest:

• ADS Advisory Council Meeting: Friday, Aug. 14 (12 p.m.–2 p.m.) virtual meeting. To receive the meeting link and information, email michael.adusah@seattle.gov in advance.
• Civic Coffee Tuesday, Aug. 25 (1 p.m.–2 p.m.) at Wallingford Senior Center, 4649 Sunnyside Ave N #140, Seattle, WA 98103, or online. Refreshments and light food will be provided. Contact agefriendly@seattle.gov for more information.
• Public Hearing 2027-2030 Area Plan for Seattle and King County: Thursday, Aug. 6 (5 p.m.–6 p.m.) online via Zoom. Aging and Disability Services invites you to share your feedback on the draft 2027–2030 Area Plan for Seattle and King County covering topics such as dementia support, nutrition programs, and local gathering spaces. Review the draft through August 17 and submit your comments in person, via Zoom, or by phone at the public hearing. Contact allison.boll@seattle.gov for more information.
• Building Accessible & Cohesive Behavioral Health Response for Older Adults: Monday, Sept. 21 (6:30 p.m.) The Wyncote Forum at Town Hall 1119 8th Avenue Seattle, WA 98101. Sound Generations invites you to a panel discussion, the first in a series of important community discussions on the challenges faced by older adults navigating our behavioral health systems.