A Fun Way to Age Well

Yes, I’m still talking about aging well. We are all aging, whether we like it or not - and I admit that I don't always love it. 

I was listening to a podcast the other day, and the person being interviewed said that most people don’t feel their age; they actually think of themselves as being younger than they are. While I hope that I’ve gained maturity and wisdom, I don’t really feel that different than I was in my 30’s - though my knees are telling me otherwise!

We all know that moving our bodies and eating the right foods help us to age well, but there is something else we can do, too. And it’s fun! 

People who age well have something they’re working towards. They have a reason to get up in the morning that goes beyond “I should take care of myself,” and there's real science behind it. The Japanese call it “ikagai” – which means “a reason for living” or “a life worth living.”

Research has linked a strong sense of purpose to:

→ 31% lower risk of developing a functional disability

→ 36% lower risk of developing dementia

In a study of over 43,000 adults, those without a clear sense of purpose had a significantly higher risk of early death, especially from cardiovascular disease and other studies have backed this up.

So what does this actually look like in real life? It could be…

⛰️  A goal that genuinely excites you. Maybe it’s something you’ve always wanted to learn, a new skill you want to tackle, a cause that has meaning for you, or a creative pursuit.

🌄  A deeper connection to your spirituality or values. Spending more time with your spiritual beliefs, your family, or your community. Living more aligned with what matters most to you.

🔥  A reason to stay engaged. A project, a hobby,or a challenge. Something that pulls you forward instead of just keeping you where you are. 

What are you working toward? I’d love to hear about it! 

REFERENCES:

• https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8814687/
• https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18596247/
• www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/longevity-having-a-purpose-may-help-you-live-longer-healthier