Positive ageing is a term used to describe the process of maintaining a positive attitude, feeling good about yourself, keeping fit and healthy, and engaging fully in life as you age.
Ageing is often associated with many rewarding experiences. It is however also a time when significant changes might occur. For example, some people experience changes in physical functioning, social networks, employment, and bereavement can become more common. Keeping a positive attitude toward ageing is particularly important as it allows you to continue to feel good and have a sense of control as you face another part of the life cycle. As people age it is natural for them to move in and out of periods of positive ageing. Those who age positively live longer and healthier lives, and enjoy a good quality of life.
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A survey conducted by the Australian Psychological Society (APS) found there are many common challenges experienced by older people. In our sample of older Australians the common difficulties were around:
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How you manage, think about and cope with these sorts of challenges can affect how well you cope with getting older.
There are a number of ways to prevent, delay or manage some of the physical, psychological, social and personal challenges people face as they age – some of these are described below.
| Maintaining a positive attitude |
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The way you feel about yourself and the ageing process can affect how |
| Staying connected |
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Social interaction and relationships with others are associated with |
| Keeping the brain active |
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Keeping the brain active, alert and flexible can promote good mental |
| Managing stress |
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Stress is a natural part of life. While a little stress can be beneficial, when things become too much and usual methods of coping fail, stress may become unhealthy. The symptoms of stress vary greatly among different individuals. High levels of stress can produce emotional, behavioural, and even physical symptoms. In addition to affecting general wellbeing, stress can also impair the immune system and increase the risk of physical and mental health problems. Keeping as free from stress as possible, and learning how to effectively cope with unavoidable stress, can promote positive ageing in all areas of your life. Some good ways to manage stress and cope with daily hassles include:
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| Volunteering or seeking part-time employment |
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| Many older people find part-time employment or voluntary work rewarding and a chance to give something back to the community. Any type of work can help to keep your mind sharp and can provide a social network outside of the home and family. |
| Engaging in physical activity |
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Regular physical activity is vital for improved health and wellbeing. It is never too late to get moving - the human body responds to exercise, regardless of age. Exercise is a great way to maintain good health, helps you thinking positively, recover from illness and reduce the risk of disease. It has been demonstrated that physical fitness is more important than weight loss. Strength training is especially beneficial. It can help to build and maintain healthy bones, muscles and joints, which in turn will increase physical strength, and improve balance and mobility. Taking part in leisure activities that you find interesting and suitable for your level of physical functioning is an effective way of becoming more active. People should undertake at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise, such as walking, every day. Physical activity can also provide social interaction through being outdoors, engaging with others, or by becoming a member of an activity program or club. It is important to remember that as you age, your physical capabilities are likely to change. Seeking guidance from a health professional before engaging in strenuous activity can reduce any risks involved. |
| Having regular medical checkups |
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| Older people who have fewer medical conditions have a better quality of life, better mental health and are less restricted in their daily activities. By having regular medical check-ups, engaging in illness prevention (e.g. not smoking, drinking alcohol in moderation) and having regular tests or check-ups (e.g. blood pressure, dental) you can help to reduce the possible onset of chronic conditions. |
| Eating a healthy diet |
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| Eating a healthy diet is important to maintaining a healthy weight, which will help to reduce the likelihood of developing conditions such as diabetes. A healthy weight will also improve energy levels and make it easier to participate in daily activities. |
There are many resources and organisations that can help support people to achieve positive ageing.
The Australian Government provides a phone and internet service which is a single point of access to government and non-government resources for Australians over 50 years of age. This service provides information on a range of topics including health, finances, work, volunteering,lifestyle, events and discussion forums.
If you find it difficult to change your diet, cut down alcohol consumption, stop smoking or motivate yourself to exercise more and get out for social activities, a psychologist can help. Psychologists are trained to help people manage emotional stress and adjust to difficult life circumstances, as well as treat psychological disorders such as depression and anxiety.
Psychologists can also support a person to maintain healthy behaviours, such as exercise, and change risky behaviours, such as smoking. Psychologists also work with individuals and their families affected by dementia by providing strategies to manage memory difficulties, initial support at the time of diagnosis and continued support as the condition progresses.
To consult a psychologist, ask your GP for a referral or contact the APS ‘Find a Psychologist’ referral service by phone on 1800 333 497 or online at www.psychology.org.au/FindaPsychologist/.
