Is Ageing A Choice?

The passage of time is an inevitable aspect of life. Yet, ageing often evokes feelings of dread, loss, and decline. We cling to youth, desperately trying to stave off the effects of time. But is ageing a choice, or is it a biological process that we are powerless to control?

As life expectancy continues to rise, our later years have taken on a newfound importance. The question is no longer merely about survival, but about thriving. I believe that ageing is a matter of choice, a reflection of lifestyle and mindset: healthy eating, regular exercise, and stress management can significantly slow down the process. However, while there is undoubtedly a link between lifestyle and overall health, it’s important to acknowledge the biological underpinnings of ageing.

Our bodies are complex systems that undergo natural changes over time. Cellular senescence, DNA damage, and hormonal imbalances are just a few of the factors that contribute to ageing. These processes are influenced by genetics and environmental factors, but they are not entirely within our control.

Indeed, our mental attitude towards ageing is equally important to our physical health. That said, we can certainly influence how we age and we probably have more control than we think. But it’s essential to accept that ageing is a natural part of life and to embrace its challenges and opportunities, a time of growth, wisdom, and fulfilment. The great thing is that by shifting our perspective from fear to acceptance, we can live a meaningful life and even extend our lifespan.

Becca Levy, a professor of epidemiology and psychology at Yale, has spent decades studying the ageing population. In the early 2000s, she analyzed data from the Ohio Longitudinal Study on Aging and Retirement to investigate the connection between beliefs about ageing and longevity.

She made a groundbreaking discovery: individuals who held more positive views of old age lived, on average, seven and a half years longer than those with negative beliefs. This pattern persisted even after controlling for factors like age, gender, socio-economic status, general health, and loneliness. According to Levy’s research, a person’s sense of purpose and value in life—their “will to live”—was a key factor in how ageing beliefs influenced lifespan.

So, is ageing a choice? Perhaps not entirely. But it is a journey that we can shape and influence. By embracing the process and focusing on what we can control, we can age with dignity, vitality and a bit of sass.

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