Aging is an inevitable part of life, a natural process that we all go through. Our expectations around health often need to align with the changes our bodies experience over time. We live in a culture that glorifies youth and vitality, leading many to believe that staying physically and mentally sharp is simply a matter of willpower or lifestyle choices. While I am a strong proponent of lifestyle medicine and believe that a healthy lifestyle can significantly improve our quality of life—helping us age better, experience less pain, and prevent diseases like heart disease and diabetes—the reality is that human life is finite. No matter how well we care for ourselves, we will still age, and it's important to come to terms with that. This isn't a negative thing; it's simply a life thing—part of the natural process we all go through. By embracing the benefits of good health habits, we can age with more grace and resilience.
Aging is not only about changes happening within the body; it's about the entire person.
As someone who earned a master's in gerontology before attending medical school and becoming a geriatrician, I don't view aging solely through medicine. My background in gerontology taught me much more than just the physiological aspects of aging. When I care for my patients, I constantly reflect on the aging process—not just from a medical standpoint but also from a psychosocial perspective. Aging involves more than just physical changes; it's about the entire person—their mental, emotional, and social experiences as they navigate this phase of life. It's about understanding and embracing the changes in our bodies and minds as we age.
We often become so focused on adulthood, consumed by careers, families, and responsibilities, that we rarely pause to notice the subtle changes taking place within our bodies. Aging is a gradual process, and in the rush of daily life, these shifts can go unnoticed until one day, we look in the mirror and are surprised to see an "old person" staring back at us.
The Shift in Perspective
Rather than being caught off guard by these changes, distinguishing between natural aging and disease is important. While many view signs of aging as something to resist or fear, shifting our perspective can help us understand that aging is not inherently negative. It's a natural, gradual process, and accepting it allows us to focus on maintaining the best possible quality of life rather than chasing an unattainable version of youth. This shift in perspective can bring a sense of optimism and acceptance to the aging process.
Some Theories on Aging
This shift in perspective is where theories in gerontology come into play. The Disengagement Theory, for example, suggests that as people age, they naturally begin to withdraw from social roles and relationships, slowly stepping back from the busyness of life. While this theory is controversial and often debated, it highlights a transition we frequently overlook: how we gradually distance ourselves from certain aspects of life as we age, even if it's not always intentional. These changes often happen subtly, and while we may not notice them in real-time, they are occurring nonetheless.
Similarly, the Continuity Theory in gerontology proposes that individuals age most successfully when they maintain a consistent lifestyle and adapt to changes in a way that preserves their sense of self. This theory resonates with many, as people often strive to keep familiar roles, interests, and activities as they age. However, when inevitable changes—such as physical decline, loss of strength, or shifts in energy—begin to interfere, individuals may feel a disconnect between who they once were and who they are becoming. Often, in that moment of realization, when they finally recognize the changes, they feel the shock of "suddenly" being old.
Understanding aging through the Life Course Perspective highlights the importance of considering an individual's entire life journey when assessing their current stage of aging. This perspective recognizes that past experiences, historical events, and social contexts significantly shape how we experience aging. It's crucial to see aging as a continuum influenced by a lifetime of experiences rather than a discrete phase marked solely by physiological changes. In conjunction with this, Activity Theory emphasizes that remaining active and engaged is vital for maintaining well-being and life satisfaction as we age. According to this theory, staying involved in meaningful activities and maintaining social connections can lead to a more fulfilling and resilient aging process. By integrating these theories, we gain a deeper understanding of how individuals can continue to thrive by leveraging their past experiences and staying actively engaged in life. This approach encourages a more holistic view of aging, where continuous involvement in life's activities and acknowledgment of past influences work together to enhance the overall quality of life.
Aging is not a betrayal.
I recently had a patient who came to me upset that her body wasn't behaving the way it did when she was 40. She didn't see herself as an older person—her mind still felt youthful—but her body reminded her daily that she was now 80. It's easy to understand why this can be so frustrating. We go through life without acknowledging that aging is a process that happens all around us until one day, when it feels like our bodies betray us.
But aging doesn't have to feel like a sudden betrayal. With the right mindset, we can understand aging as a gradual, lifelong process. We can adjust our expectations and goals. Instead of trying to recapture what our bodies were capable of in our youth, we can celebrate the resilience and wisdom of aging while setting new, realistic goals that allow us to continue living fully. A healthy mindset is a powerful tool that can empower us to navigate this journey gracefully.
In this blog series, my goal is to help reframe how we think about aging—physically, mentally, and emotionally. We'll look at embracing aging with acceptance and adaptability. As someone who is 45 and preparing for a bilateral hip replacement due to hip dysplasia, I understand firsthand that aging and health are not straightforward. We are all different, and our paths will vary, but maintaining a healthy mindset can inspire and motivate us to navigate this journey gracefully. I hope this series will inspire and motivate you to embrace your aging process with acceptance and adaptability.
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