The phrase “successful aging” can be fraught with misunderstanding and lower self-esteem in geriatric populations. However, it aligns with positive psychology. This is focused on mental health factors that contribute to longevity and overall well-being. Research indicates that aging well (in healthful ways) correlates with aging happily.

In other words, happy people have discovered the secrets to successful aging by maintaining lifestyles that promote overall well-being. Here are seven factors that contribute to their wellness:

Happy people are healthy people

This one may seem obvious, but in many research studies, the people who were the healthiest as they aged were also the happiest. It may be that their outlook on life helped their mental health and physical well-being thrive, or that their positive attitudes and experiences contributed to their well-being.

One thing is true: Multiple researchers have placed at least some connection between health and happiness. We can make a similar connection from the Book of Proverbs in the Bible.

Proverbs 17 says, “A joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.” (Proverbs 17:22, ESV) Another verse in Proverbs links joy to good health: “The light of the eyes rejoices the heart, and good news refreshes the bones.” (Proverbs 15:30, ESV) Focusing on one’s inner life is something everyone can do to take steps toward a life of joy and longevity.

Focus on positive memories

As humans age, we all have selective memories that stick with us (or don’t). Recent research shows that older segments of the population tend to focus on what they remember as good more than young or mid-life adults. This is good news for us as we age!

It shows that not only do we stand to remember more of the good we’ve experienced in life, but we can choose to fix our thoughts on those good, heartwarming memories, which helps us age with more joy. The cyclical effect of positive thought patterns is also echoed in the Bible.

Philippians 4 teaches that our propensity for thankfulness directly affects our peace, and that as we practice focusing on what is noble, excellent, and praiseworthy, our hearts will be at peace.

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me – practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you. – Philippians 4:8-9, ESV

Stay active

This isn’t a secret: most of us know that our activity levels, particularly as we get older, are an important factor in our overall health. However, research shows that the people who are happiest as they age are also those who maintain their commitment to physical fitness.

Whether it’s a 30-minute walk, a 20-minute strength training video, or a combination, choosing a routine you can maintain as you get older will not just improve your physical health but also your mental health. Physical activity promotes the functioning of your hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal (HPA), which reduces cortisol levels.

Research shows that elevated cortisol levels can contribute to anxiety, depression, and PTSD. So, physical exercise helps with successful aging and overall health.

Develop and maintain social connections

You’ve spent a lifetime learning how to make and keep friends, and while life transitions make it harder, this isn’t the time to hold onto a grudge. One study showed that conversations with friends every day were even more pleasant than interactions with marital partners. Friends tended to discuss less stressful topics. Friendship is also associated with an elevated mood.

According to several articles in Forbes magazine, friendships can change as you get older, and that’s okay. In fact, to expect them to stay the same, or not to make any new friends as you age, is unrealistic. Life transition, shifting interests, and widening support networks are all reasons that a friendship may not be what it once was. But many older adults maintain friendships throughout their lifetime.

Keys to that maintenance involve allowing the other person to change, being respectful, resolving conflicts, and continually learning new things together. Learning to make new friends is also valuable, particularly since friendships will be lost as you get older.

Successful aging benefits from having a variety of friend types. Once you retire, it will be more difficult to maintain workplace friendships simply because your season of life shifts. But it can be done, particularly if both people are committed to supporting each other. Outside of co-workers, you can make new friends by volunteering for a cause you enjoy, getting to know the other grandparents of your grandchildren, and looking to befriend someone younger than you.

Younger friends are a benefit that goes both ways. Your capacity to learn new things enlarges as you’re exposed to a younger subset of people, but you can also invest your wisdom into the lives of others who aren’t as far down their journey as you are. Leading others, formally through civic and church groups or informally, such as with a neighbor, is a fantastic way to broaden your relational base.

Consider seeing a therapist for your mental and emotional health

There’s quite a bit of research on subjective well-being and positive psychology, and it tells us that your positive emotions and attitude have a significant impact on your perceived happiness, especially as you age. One study found that how you evaluate your life based on satisfaction varies with attitude, interactions, emotional well-being, and resilience.

The positive side of aging successfully or happily depends on several factors surrounding emotional and mental health. A person’s perception of life and the joy and positivity they feel about it are directly connected to longevity. Essentially, if you’re struggling with anger, sadness, and unhealed wounds from others, it’s essential to see a mental health professional.

Remaining stuck in old patterns or negative emotions can detract from your years, but it can also make the remaining years seem worse than they actually are. Just like you would want to look at a fading photograph through glasses that are clean and clear, you’ll want to approach aging through a mentally and emotionally healthy lens.

You can do this by seeing a licensed counselor regularly. Our offices are equipped with trained therapists who can guide you through this season. When a friend passes away or a family member hurts your feelings or tries to make decisions for you, it’s important to seek wise counsel so you know how to view yourself and those around you. Working through old hurts or present grievances can give you that jump-start.

Pursue new hobbies and activities

While studies are ongoing, preliminary research suggests that learning a new skill like photography, quilting, or creative activities like music and art may benefit your cognitive skills. Unlike recommended memory games, creative activities show promise in boosting more than working memory. They also contribute to a person’s emotional and mental wellness routine by calming agitation and relieving stress.

If you can double the benefit, why not? Consider enrolling in your local community center’s adult classes and workshops to gain the most benefit. You’ll get to meet new people and add to your social network, too.

Get the optimal amount of sleep

Multiple studies tout the benefits of sleep for all ages, but for successful aging, it’s even more imperative to get adequate shut-eye. Not only does sleep affect metabolic and endocrine functioning, but it also influences hormonal levels, which correlate with a person’s mood.

If you’re going for a more joyful aging process, sleep is like the umbrella for all the other choices you make. As you get older, conditions such as sleep apnea may make restful, restorative sleep more difficult. Speak with your clinician to learn about how best to treat underlying conditions.

Successful aging can bring you vitality and discourage ageism in your local community, which ripples down to younger generations. If you’d like a guide to walk you through some of these shifts, contact one of our offices. We can help you find a therapist who specializes in working with older adults.