Turning 50 opened up many new possibilities for me. Our daughter had left home to build her own life, leaving me to reinvent mine. I've embraced each decade and am joyful in celebrating how far I've come and how much more I can achieve.
Growing older might seem scary, but it can also open doors to new and exciting opportunities. Are we not wiser and more knowledgeable when we reach our senior years?
When I retired from a corporate environment in December 2021, I initially felt slightly lost without the daily routine. But I feel liberated after taking up yoga, reconnecting with old friends, and putting my newfound freedom and energies into developing my existing business and launching a brand new one!
I'm a pro-age woman, not interested in wanting to look young but making an effort to look good and feel good about my age. Okay, there are some less desirable aspects of growing older, but generally, the wisdom we gain over the years helps us age gracefully and make the most of what we've been blessed with.
Here are some reasons to look forward to embracing each decade.
MANAGING CONFLICT WITH GRACE
With maturity comes wisdom, so as we age, we can look at social situations and manage them wisely. A study showed that people in their 60s could come up with more outcomes for social conflict and were better at imagining different points of view from their younger counterparts.
YOU KEEP GETTING SMARTER
Crystallized intelligence is a psychological term to describe intelligence based on what you've learned in the past, i.e., information and skills you've already mastered. This type of intelligence is recruited in situations like vocabulary tests and reading comprehension. So as you keep ageing and collecting knowledge, these skills keep increasing with you.
A GREATER SENSE OF WELLBEING
Many studies have found that people get happier and more trusting as they age. Plus, older people often have increased financial wellbeing, taking monetary stresses off the table.
YOUR IMMUNE SYSTEM
From our late 40s to our late 60s or early 70s, the immune system provides us with a sweet spot. Here, our immune memories are in top working order, able to recognize and fight off microbes very efficiently.
DON'T SWEAT THE SMALL STUFF!
Although the stereotype of older people is cranky, science has proved this untrue! A personality trait study showed that participants became more agreeable in their 30s and continued to improve throughout their 60s.
SELF-CONFIDENCE FROM KNOWING WHO YOU ARE
Despite the benefits of youth, insecurity is rife during this time. Research finds that self-esteem is highest between 60 and 70 years old, so enjoy this time without the unnecessary chatter of your inner critic.
FEWER MIGRAINES
With age comes peace for migraine sufferers, with the frequency and intensity decreasing as we age.
Thanks to Optimist Daily for allowing me to re-publish this article.
Thank you for checking into my blog. I also own and operate a skincare business; you can discover more at www.livewellnaturalskincare