On Having A Pro-Ageing Mindset

Do you know that the way you perceive ageing can actually influence how you age? Ageing, like many aspects of life, is a self-fulfilling prophecy. 

Positive and negative attitudes can affect your health behaviorally, psychologically and even biologically and according to research, being pro-ageing, or satisfied with your own ageing, can make you adopt healthier behaviours, feel in control of how you age and even heighten your immune system. 

In fact, no botox or make-up can beat a positive mindset. According to Dr Manfred Diehl, professor of human development and family studies at Colorado State University, who focuses his work on successful and healthy ageing: “Adults have more control over their ageing than they believe“. 

Amongst his tips for growing older gracefully: stay physically active (by doing at least 30 minutes of movement or exercise every day), never stop learning new things, adopt a positive mindset and an overall healthy lifestyle by eating healthfully, getting enough sleep, managing weight, minimize life stress, and not drinking in excess or smoking. 

No doubt, making self-care a top priority is a key to successful ageing for many celebrities. Embracing this positive approach, stars like Jennifer Aniston, Sigourney Weaver, Andie Mc Dowell and Helen Mirren (who recently rocked the red carpet in Cannes), Halle Berry and Susan Sarandon. 

The unforgettable leading actress of “Thelma & Louise“, in particular, has explained her philosophy quite clearly: 

The secret…I mean, honestly, I think staying engaged and staying curious and having a good time is really a lot of it. And not smoking is really important. I think that staying hydrated and not doing anything too extreme, too…Also, I’m not really a drinker. I think a little bit of wine in moderation is probably good, but I think really if you drink heavily it’s not great. But I guess good genes. I thank my mother.”

Above all, easing into old age starts with making healthy choices right now. Pro-aging is choosing to express who we are, celebrating and embracing each year of our life, both for the triumphs and the hardships that it may bring. Ageing gracefully it’s in our hands.