Our society shuns aging and favors youth. That’s no secret, but what should you and I do with this real yet unfortunate truth? Develop an "aging with gusto" mindset. "How we think about aging has a big impact on how we age," says Donna Comer, coordinator/facilitator for Aging with Gusto, a Vital Aging Network program focused on how we can maintain positive views of ourselves and others as we grow older. Such views can be extremely powerful. In fact, research shows that people with more positive views of aging live an average of 7.5 years longer than those with more negative views. What’s more, people who perceive their elder selves as a burden to others tend to view their lives as less valuable, which in turn increases their risk of depression and social isolation, both of which have proven to be "silent killers" for older adults.
The Shifting Landscape of Aging: Beyond Stereotypes
The prevailing societal narrative often paints aging as a period of decline, dependency, and diminishing vitality. This perception, deeply ingrained in cultural consciousness, contributes to ageism, a form of discrimination based on age. However, a growing body of research and advocacy is challenging these outdated notions, emphasizing the potential for vibrant, fulfilling lives well into later years. The "Aging with Gusto" initiative, spearheaded by the Vital Aging Network, is at the forefront of this movement, aiming to cultivate a more positive and empowering perspective on growing older.
Donna Comer, a key facilitator for the Aging with Gusto program, articulates the core philosophy: "How we think about aging has a big impact on how we age." This seemingly simple statement carries profound implications. The program’s foundational belief is that by fostering positive self-perceptions and a greater appreciation for the contributions of older adults, individuals can significantly enhance their quality of life and longevity.
The Science of Positive Aging
The impact of positive attitudes towards aging is not merely anecdotal; it is supported by robust scientific evidence. A landmark study published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology revealed a striking correlation: individuals who held more positive beliefs about aging lived, on average, an additional 7.5 years compared to those with more negative outlooks. This finding underscores the powerful influence of mindset on physical and psychological well-being.
Furthermore, the detrimental effects of negative perceptions are equally stark. When older adults internalize the idea that they are a burden to their families and communities, their sense of self-worth diminishes. This can lead to a heightened risk of depression and social isolation, conditions that have been identified as significant contributors to morbidity and mortality among the elderly. These "silent killers" can erode health and happiness, often unnoticed until their effects are severe.
Challenging Ageist Perceptions: Real-World Examples
The Vital Aging Network’s "Aging with Gusto" program is not alone in its mission to redefine aging. Jo Ann Jenkins, CEO of AARP and author of Disrupt Aging: A Bold New Path to Living Your Best Life at Every Age, has been a vocal advocate for this paradigm shift. Jenkins emphasizes that individuals are not only living longer but are also experiencing greater vitality and actively defying stereotypes.
The effectiveness of challenging ingrained perceptions was vividly demonstrated at an arts and aging conference several years ago. The keynote speaker invited audience members to portray individuals of different ages – 70, 80, and 90. The volunteer embodying 70 moved with tentative, small steps. The 80-year-old character used a cane, pausing frequently to catch their breath. The 90-year-old was confined to a make-believe wheelchair. This carefully constructed tableau of decline was dramatically interrupted by the entrance of a real 90-year-old participant, a marathon runner, who jogged onto the stage. Her energetic arrival instantly shattered the audience’s preconceived notions of what "old" looks and acts like.
AARP itself has played a significant role in illustrating this contrast through its own initiatives. A notable video produced by AARP featured millennials tasked with demonstrating what "old" looks like. Their portrayals included fumbling with text messages, struggling to navigate imaginary stairs, and being unable to perform a single push-up. The subsequent segment showed these millennials interacting with actual older adults who effortlessly performed these tasks and more, leaving the younger generation astounded. This visual disparity serves as a powerful testament to the disconnect between societal stereotypes and the lived realities of many older individuals.
The Pervasive Nature of Ageism
Ageism, defined as the tendency to regard older persons as debilitated, unworthy of attention, or unsuitable for employment, remains a significant societal challenge. However, the "Aging with Gusto" philosophy, along with the work of AARP and other organizations, posits that ageism and the reality of aging do not have to be synonymous. The program advocates for a conscious effort to dismantle these prejudiced views and embrace a more nuanced understanding of the aging process.
The Blue Zones: Lessons in Longevity and Well-being
The pursuit of a longer, healthier, and more fulfilling life is further illuminated by the research of longevity expert Dan Buettner. In his influential book, The Blue Zones: Lessons for Living Longer from the People Who’ve Lived the Longest, Buettner identifies geographical regions where people consistently live to be 100 years old and beyond, often in remarkable health. His extensive research has distilled nine key habits that contribute to this exceptional longevity. While the original article did not detail these habits, their inclusion is crucial for a comprehensive understanding of "aging with gusto."
The Nine Habits of Blue Zones
The nine habits identified by Buettner and his team, observed in populations from Okinawa, Japan; Sardinia, Italy; Nicoya, Costa Rica; Icaria, Greece; and Loma Linda, California, offer a practical roadmap for enhancing both lifespan and healthspan:
- Move Naturally: Residents of Blue Zones do not engage in structured, intense exercise. Instead, they incorporate natural movement into their daily routines – walking, gardening, or performing manual labor. This consistent, low-impact activity is fundamental to maintaining mobility and cardiovascular health.
- Purpose (Ikigai/Plan de Vida): Having a reason to wake up in the morning is a powerful motivator. In Okinawa, this is known as "ikigai," and in Nicoya, it’s "plan de vida." This sense of purpose provides direction, reduces stress, and fosters a positive outlook.
- Down Shift: Chronic stress is a significant contributor to chronic disease. Blue Zone inhabitants have routines to shed stress. This might include napping, praying, or taking time for happy hour with friends. Finding effective ways to decompress is vital for long-term health.
- 80% Rule: Okinawans have a Confucian mantra, "Hara hachi bu," which means "eat until you are 80% full." This practice of mindful eating helps prevent overconsumption and is associated with lower rates of obesity and related diseases.
- Plant Slant: The majority of centenarians in Blue Zones consume a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes. Meat is typically consumed in small quantities, usually as a side dish, rather than as the main course. This dietary pattern is linked to lower rates of heart disease and certain cancers.
- Wine @ 5: With the exception of Seventh-day Adventists in Loma Linda, moderate consumption of alcohol, particularly red wine, is common among Blue Zone residents. This is typically enjoyed with meals and in the company of others, suggesting a social and cultural component to its health benefits.
- Belong: Faith-based communities are prevalent in Blue Zones. Research suggests that attending religious services regularly can add 4 to 14 years to life expectancy. This highlights the importance of community and spiritual connection.
- Loved Ones First: Healthy relationships are paramount. In Blue Zones, family is a priority. Keeping parents and grandparents nearby, committing to a spouse, and investing time in children are common practices that foster emotional well-being and social support.
- The Right Tribe: Social circles significantly influence behavior and health. People in Blue Zones are part of social circles that support healthy behaviors, encouraging each other to exercise, eat well, and maintain a positive outlook.
Implications and the Path Forward
The insights from "Aging with Gusto" and the Blue Zones research offer a compelling framework for individuals and society as a whole. By actively challenging ageist stereotypes, cultivating positive attitudes towards aging, and adopting lifestyle habits that promote longevity and well-being, individuals can not only live longer but also live better.
The implications extend beyond individual health. A society that values and embraces its older members is one that benefits from their accumulated wisdom, experience, and continued contributions. This shift in perspective can lead to more inclusive communities, stronger intergenerational bonds, and a richer cultural tapestry.
The Vital Aging Network, through its "Aging with Gusto" program, provides resources and a platform for individuals to explore these concepts further. Similarly, the Blue Zones initiative offers practical guidance for implementing lifestyle changes that can positively impact health and longevity.
Resources for Further Exploration
For those interested in delving deeper into the principles of aging with gusto and longevity, the following resources are recommended:
- AgingWithGusto.com: This website offers further information and resources related to the Vital Aging Network’s "Aging with Gusto" program.
- BlueZones.com: Dan Buettner’s official website provides extensive information about the Blue Zones, their inhabitants, and the research behind their remarkable longevity.
The conversation around aging is evolving, moving away from a narrative of inevitable decline towards one of potential, vitality, and purpose. By embracing a "gusto" for life at every age, individuals can redefine their later years and contribute to a society that truly values and celebrates the entirety of the human lifespan.
Related Podcast Episodes You May Like:
- Retirement Planning Includes Getting Good at Getting Older – Rabbi Laura Geller
- What Can You Do to Age Better? – Anna Dixon
- What Can We Learn from Blue Zones? – Richard Eisenberg
- We’re All Ageing. Are You Up for a Bolder Approach? – Carl Honoré
