A positive attitude towards aging is crucial for women, who often face negative messaging about getting older. Society tends to portray aging as a rapid decline, which can make many women feel invisible. However, research shows that our mindset towards aging significantly impacts how we age. Those with a negative view of aging are more likely to experience health issues like cardiac events and cognitive decline at an earlier age.
On the other hand, viewing aging as a time of exploration and excitement can lead to a happier, healthier life and even increase lifespan by up to seven years. Studies have shown that individuals who maintain a positive outlook on aging have a lower risk of mortality. Despite these findings, many struggle to cultivate a positive mindset in the face of negative societal attitudes towards aging.
One way to shift our mindset on aging is through outdoor adventure. I recently joined the Wave Chasers, a group of women ranging from their sixties to nineties who participate in boogie boarding in San Diego. Through conversations with members like Loraine Vaught, it became clear that engaging in activities like boogie boarding can have a transformative impact on one’s perception of aging. By defying societal expectations and embracing challenges, these women found joy, camaraderie, and a sense of empowerment in their outdoor adventures. Their experiences serve as a powerful reminder that aging does not have to be limiting or demoralizing but rather can be a time of growth and fulfillment.
