Positive Aging Aspects - Essay Example

? Positive Aging al Affiliation The thought of aging continues to receive very negative reactions. People view aging to include negative characteristics such as being less rational, acting indecisively, and lacking physical stamina to manage simple tasks for oneself. It is not uncommon for someone to try to change his or her appearance in order to avoid being perceived as old. However, aging is not necessarily bad and its negative perception should change. Aging can impact an individual both positively and it is therefore important for people to realize the possibility of aging successfully or positively. This paper defines positive aging and discusses the methods one could employ in order to age positively. Positive aging in the 21st century and some strategies that different countries can use so as to promote successful aging are also discussed. Positive aging is achievable and everyone can aim at aging in a manner that he or she is productive. Keywords: Positive Aging Introduction Many people who reach advanced ages encounter many problems such as chronic illnesses, impaired vision, loss of hearing among others, due to primary and secondary aging; it is therefore important for people to know how to age successfully. However, there is an increasing pursuit for healthy and productive aging among the elderly. In 1900, the average life expectancy of people was 47 years but today, the average is 79 years (Hammons, 2013). In the past, people viewed aging as envisioned loss and decay that is inevitable in life before death. Current research suggests that the problems often associated with aging can be avoided or delayed and thus lead to years of healthy living (Hammons, 2013). One can achieve successful or positive aging through the maintenance of mental, physical, and social health, or simply the best quality of life. In America, many factors contribute to people not aging positively. These problems include poor diet, smoking, lack of physical exercise, and drug addictions. These are the factors that one can easily avoid. This paper will shed light on various methods that can be used to improve successful aging in America. What does Positive Aging refer to? There are numerous definitions of positive aging. For example, Gallagher-Thompson, Steffen, and Thompson assert that “positive aging involves cultivating an optimistic future outlook or, in a more direct sense, a bias in interpretation toward favorable outcomes” (2008, p. 315). Glicken on the other hand points out that “successful aging does not ignore the physical changes that take place as we age, but it does believe that those who have chosen a positive and optimistic approach to life will bring that approach with them as they age” (2009, p. 24). As people age, there are many changes that occur and therefore keeping a positive attitude towards aging is very significant. This makes it very important to have a good sense of control as one faces another part of the life cycle. Research has noted that those who age positively live longer and healthier lives, and enjoy what life has to offer (Selby & Hughes, 2013). Ways that Enhance Positive Aging As mentioned earlier, positive aging is important and everyone should strive to achieve it. The American Administration on Aging has made significant progress towards ensuring that they meet the challenge of helping people to age positively. There are a number of ways that have been used to assist in positive aging. Some are physical, mental or psychological, while others are social. The physical ways that promote positive aging include: Maintaining a healthy lifestyle: Aging comes with many physical, psychological, and emotional changes, so maintaining healthy lifestyle is important. In 2007, the New York City Department for the Aging launched a three-year research and demonstration initiative that would help in providing aging services (New York City Department for the Aging, 2008). There are programs that have been set to ensure achievement of this healthy lifestyle. For example, the chronic disease self-management program in America is one of the programs that are being used to help people with chronic illnesses maintain optimal well-being through diet, exercise, and emotional aspects. Such programs are helping to ensure that even when people are suffering from chronic illnesses, they continue to maintain healthy lifestyles (New York City Department for the Aging, 2008). Engaging in physical activity: Regular physical activities and especially exercise is very important for improved health and well-being. Simply walking on a daily basis helps people stay in good shape for positive aging. The Department for the Aging in New York took the initiative of a campaign called “Take Care New York”, which recommends that people take walks; there are 125 walking clubs that have been formed (New York City Department for the Aging, 2008). They also provide pedometers to the clubs and annually and the clubs that have made the most steps receive recognition. When people get older and do not exercise, their joints become stiff creating a greater risk of losing balance; this makes them vulnerable to falls. When one is aging, his or her bones become very fragile and therefore moving around becomes more difficult. Physical activities lead to increased physical strength and mobility, which are important in successful aging (New York City Department for the Aging, 2008). Healthy eating and regular checkups: This current generation is notorious for eating unhealthy foods such as pizza and French fries. People should realize that eating a healthy diet is very important in maintaining healthy weight, and reducing the risks of getting chronic diseases such as diabetes. For example the department of aging in the city of New York has joined with the city’s effort to remove fat for a healthier New York (New York City Department for the Aging, 2008). The department also participates in Senior Farmers program that is normally funded by the Department of Agriculture in America, and the aim of this is to ensure that the American farmers are producing healthy food so as to promote healthy eating (New York City Department for the Aging, 2008). Healthy eating improves energy levels and thus enables one to conquer daily activities. Older people who eat healthy foods therefore have a better quality of life. It is also important for people to have regular medical checkups so as to prevent chronic diseases as well as identify health problems early. The psychological ways that promote positive aging include: Keeping the brain active: If one really wants to age successfully, he or she should do the best to keep the brain active, alert, and flexible. This promotes good mental health and positive ageing. To keep one’s mind active, an individual can engage in simple activities such as reading books or playing chess. An active mind is a vital ingredient for positive ageing. Maintaining a positive attitude: Maintaining a positive attitude plays a significant role in people’s health and well-being. According to research, a positive attitude delays the process of aging (Parker T. & Parker J., 2009). Parker T. & Parker J. point out that “emotions alter the chemical balance of the body, which results in beneficial physical changes” (2009, p. 5). The social ways that can promote positive aging include: Fostering a positive view of ageing: Old age has been viewed as a period of inevitable decline, but this view should change. It has also been viewed as a period when there is mutual withdrawal between the individual and society, but the strategies that are being put in place in the society today support the alternative of such views. In 1980, the World Health Organization promoted healthy ageing by emphasizing on productive and active ageing so as to overcome the problems that came with using medical advances (Dave & Glasgow, 2006). This makes it very important for the society today to ensure that aging is a positive experience. Promoting attitudes which respect and value older people: Governments should promote positive attitudes of aging through advertisements and campaigns that portray images of old people. Additionally, the governments should promote programs in schools and communities so as to help even young people respect and value older people (Dave & Glasgow, 2006). Recognizing and supporting older people’s participation and their contribution: The positive ageing strategy views aging as a valuable resource to the success of different sectors of a nation, especially the economic sector. Some countries such as the United Kingdom have even gone to the extent increasing the pension age, so as to promote its labor force (Dave & Glasgow, 2006). Positive Aging in the 21st Century In the 21st century, the society expects a lot from the elderly. This is because in this century, the extended life span allows greater numbers of seniors to make more contributions at their old age and at their very old age. Older people are going back to school and women are giving birth at an older age. This shows how much the society demands from older people and this makes it vital for people to age positively physically, intellectually, and even socially. For example, today the average life span of men and women exceeds 76 years, which is ten years more than the expected life span (Davey & Glasgow, 2006). This is a positive move as it will reduce the burden that nations with a high population of the elderly have had to bear by providing them with public services. Conclusion Although aging is viewed very negatively, people can make the best out of it by striving to age positively. There are physical, psychological and social ways that promote positive aging. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, engaging in physical activity, eating healthy foods and getting regular checkups are among the physical ways that promote positive aging. Keeping the brain active and maintaining positive attitudes are among the psychological ways to age successfully. Additionally, societies can implement a number of social methods to change the negative notion of aging by fostering a positive view of aging, promoting attitudes that respect and value older people, and recognizing and supporting older people’s participation and contribution in society. Reference List Davey, J. & Glasgow, K. (2006). Positive Ageing-A Critical Analysis. Retrieved from http://ips.ac.nz/publications/files/a7ac843fc47.pdf. Gallagher-Thompson, D., Steffen, A. & Thompson, Larry W. (2008). Handbook of Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies with Older Adults. New York: Springer Science + Business Media, LLC. Glicken, Morley D. (2009). Evidence-Based Counseling and Psychotherapy for an Aging Population. Burlington: Elsevier Inc. Hammons, D. H. (2013). Aging in America: Time to Thrive. Retrieved from http://repository.upenn.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1045&context=mapp_capstone. New York City Department for the Aging, (2008). Promoting Positive Aging. Retrieved from http://www.nyc.gov/html/dfta/downloads/pdf/publications/dfta_annual_report_0507.pdf Parker, T. & Parker, J. (2009). The Best of Our Lives: Sharing the Secrets of a Healthy and Happy Retired Life. Minneapolis: Langdon Street Press. Selby, P. & Hughes, J. (2013). Live Better, Live Longer. Sudbury: Ebookit.com.   Read More