Psychology of the aging process

Keys to Successful Ageing

The concept of ageing has undergone considerable change in the past decade or so (Garnett, 2004, p. 3). The literature reviewed on successful ageing focused on three key components: (1) avoiding disease; (2) remaining engaged with life through meaningful work, activities, and relationships, and (3) maintaining high cognitive and physical function (Tsao Foundation (2004); Garnett; Balandin (Sep. 2004); Keys to vital ageing (2004)). As more and more people are beginning to realize, as the general population ages, ageing also has many positive factors, such as learned resilience and survival in the face of adversity, which may serve one well during the ageing process itself (Garnett, p. 3). Recommendations from the Institution on Ageing include: eating a balanced diet; exercising regularly; getting regular check-ups; not smoking; maintaining personal contacts, and maintaining a positive attitude about oneself and about life by doing what makes one feel happy, satisfied, and fulfilled (Garnett, pp. 3-4).

One's mental outlook, according to experts, is vital to ageing well, positively, productively, and healthily (Keys to vital ageing, 2004; Balandin, 2004; Tsao Foundation, 2004). According to the Tsao Foundation, of Singapore "The older a person gets, the more important relationships are" (Heart & soul, p. 1). Further, maintaining interesting, meaningful, stimulating, and socially useful activities, such as volunteer work or other kinds of community service, paid or unpaid, are important to ageing well and happily (Age-related issues). A healthy diet rich in fruits, grains, and vegetables, drinking lots of water, and regular exercise are important keys to feeling good throughout life, whatever one's age (Keys to successful ageing, pp. 1-2). As the literature reflects, good slogans for this to age well and feel happy, healthy, and actively engaged with life, whatever their age, might be "Don't stop," or "Use it or lose it."