Aging Doesn't Mean What It Used To

In our grandparents' day, aging meant a gradual decline in physical health and mental sharpness. But today, advances in healthcare and lifestyle choices have turned the golden years into the best years. A recent study conducted by AARP and National Geographic shows a pleasant twist to what aging really means now, and how it affects our physical and mental well-being.

It isn't hard to see how much aging has changed when you compare today's over 50 demographic with those from the 1980s or 1990s. A recent viral social media post noted that this year, the cast of Friends is now within the age range the cast of The Golden Girls were when it began airing a decade earlier. Comparing Jennifer Aniston today with a 1987 Rue McClanahan gives visible proof of how different aging is today. And no, botox doesn't get as much credit as you think!
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What's changing about aging
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We've heard the saying age is just a number for years, but we seem to finally be living in a time when it's truer than ever. There are several reasons for this.

• Health isn't one-size-fits-all anymore. Previous generations didn't have the medication and advanced testing options that we have today. Many diseases that older people live functionally with today, were a certain death sentence mere decades ago. We've got a long way to go still, in assuring medical care is accessible and affordable for all who seek it. Thanks to public interest and education on the importance of exercise, more older people are prioritizing exercise than ever before. An amazing 44% of the study's participants who fell into the 80+ age category report that they do strength training on a regular basis. Across all of the participating demographics (which ranged from 18 to 90 years of age), it's the older crowd who exercised the most and who had the best outlook on their physical health.
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• Mental health isn't brushed under the rug as often. The negative stereotypes around mental health have slowly eroded over the last couple of decades. Though a lot of work must still be done, many people now welcome open discussions on the topics of depression, anxiety, bipolar, and more. Older adults have become more apt to confront mental health head-on, by working with counselors and therapists. They're also more aware of how to manage their mental health. Including understanding the importance of managing stress, the importance of sleep, and acknowledging the link between physical and mental health. Social media has also played a key role in debunking myths and spreading good information on how to take care of ourselves. It is also an oasis of support, making it easy to connect with groups of like-minded people. Although the boomer generation makes up the largest demographic on Facebook, they are less likely to experience a smartphone addiction or let social media take away from enjoying life in real-time.
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• Relationships are treasured. This point may come as less of a shock—the older one gets, the more one appreciates relationships. But this goes hand-in-hand with the previous two. Good relationships are a driving force for good physical and mental health. As we get older, the more we prioritize high-quality relationships over casual or negative ones. The study referenced above found a strong connection between having positive social relationships and reporting good health and a sense of purpose. A strong reminder of how much our social relationships matter for our overall wellbeing. This makes it more important than ever to acknowledge the loneliness epidemic among younger people.
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“Over the hill” is a great place to be
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Over the hill means something different nowadays. Simply put, it means that you're past the worst and the future looks brighter than ever. The Second Half study done by AARP and National Geographic shows a U-shaped diagram for responses when asked about happiness. This means that optimism for the future is high for younger people, has a steady decline before hitting a low around age 40, then quickly climbs higher with age. The correlation between this happiness and the prioritization of health, wellness, and relationships is not lost.
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Mental health services in CA & NV
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Prioritizing mental health is key for long term happiness into your golden years. If you or someone you know is in the California or Nevada areas and are ready to work with a licensed therapist to improve your mental health and relationships, Medens Health is taking new patients.

Reach out to us by phone or text at (833) 624-5400, send us a message using our online contact form, or to register as a new patient get started here.

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^Disclaimer:

^{‍The information provided in this blog is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Reliance on any information provided in this blog is solely at your own risk. Always seek the advice of your physician or a qualified mental health provider with any questions you may have regarding your medical or mental health. If you don’t currently have a therapist, we can connect you with one who is qualified to give you safe, professional, and ethical advice regarding your mental health.}

^{If you or someone you are responsible for is experiencing a medical emergency, is considering harming themselves or others, or is otherwise in imminent danger, you should call 9-1-1 and/or take them to the nearest emergency room.}