Evidence-Based Advice on Aging Well
“It’s paradoxical that the idea of living a long life appeals to everyone, but the idea of getting old doesn’t appeal to anyone.”
― Andy Rooney
Chances are that you’ve seen all kinds of advice on aging well. There are the classics that we all know: Eat healthy, exercise, get good sleep, and so on. These tips are true and helpful, but sometimes it takes a more unconventional idea to resonate and motivate us to commit to those lifestyle changes that are so hard to do.
Associated Audiologists asked some of their patients for advice and secrets to graceful aging, plus some of our evidence-based recommendations on how to put them into practice:
A Positive Mindset Makes a Difference
One Associated Audiologists patient mentioned keeping a sticky note on their bathroom mirror reading: “Don’t let an old woman take over your body”, believing it’s your mindset that keeps you young—and experts agree.
Becca Levy, PhD—professor of social and behavioral sciences at the Yale School of Public Health—recently published a study in the journal Geriatrics following more than 11,000 older Americans over a period of up to 12 years, tracking changes in their cognitive and physical well-being. Nearly half the participants showed improvements in at least one of the domains, challenging the stereotype that aging is a time of decline. “Many people equate aging with an inevitable and continuous loss of physical and cognitive abilities,” said Dr. Levy.
“What we found is that improvement in later life is not rare, it’s common, and it should be included in our understanding of the aging process.”1
Dr. Levy’s team also discovered that people with more positive beliefs about aging were often among the group that showed improvements over time. In other words, if you think life gets better as you get older, you may just make that your reality. A Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health study came to similar conclusions. Researchers followed 14,000 adults over age 50 and found that the people who had the highest satisfaction with aging had a 43% lower risk of dying from any cause over a four-year period compared with those who were the least satisfied. Those with a positive mindset also had lower risk for health conditions like diabetes, cancer and heart disease and were less lonely and depressed.
“There’s a connection between mindsets and health behaviors,” said Eric Kim, one of the Harvard researchers. “One leads to the other.”2
So how can you develop a more positive attitude about getting older, especially when some of the challenges of aging are causing stress? Professor Kim suggests:
- Finding activities and projects that are meaningful to you to maintain your sense of purpose.
- Not giving in to negative stereotypes on age or aging.
- Finding connections within your community and staying socially active through clubs or volunteering.
- Trying new things and taking time to teach others your skills or hobbies.
Maintain Relationships to Maintain Your Health
Humans are hard-wired for community, and when we are isolated for too long, it begins to take a toll. In fact, during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2023, The Surgeon General even declared an epidemic of loneliness within the United State. According to the advisory, lacking connection can increase the risk for premature death to levels comparable to smoking 15 cigarettes a day.3
This report warned that the physical consequences of poor connection can be devastating, including a 29% increased risk of heart disease; a 32% increased risk of stroke; and a 50% increased risk of developing dementia for older adults.
“Each of us can start now, in our own lives, by strengthening our connections and relationships. Our individual relationships are an untapped resource—a source of healing hiding in plain sight. They can help us live healthier, more productive, and more fulfilled lives,” the Surgeon General encouraged.
Here are a few simple ideas for strengthening your own relationships.
- Give people your full attention. It’s easy to become distracted by our phones, TV and other devices. Be sure to give your loved ones the gift of truly listening and responding during conversations.
- Seek to serve. Look for ways to get involved in your community in ways that suit your interests. Joining clubs, hobby groups, or service organizations are great ways to make friends while helping others or creating for your community.
- Cut back on negativity. If you notice that you are spending a lot of time absorbing negative messages, whether that’s from social media, watching too much of the news, or being around negative people, reduce your interactions with those sources of stress. You might find yourself ready for more positive, in-person connections when you free up that time.
- Carry kindness with you into the world. Whether it’s chatting with the grocery clerk, giving grace to a restaurant server when there’s a mix-up, or simply stopping to hold the door for someone, a little bit of kindness can go a long way in fostering connection.
Keep Your Hearing Health at The Forefront
Issues like depression, loneliness and dementia have all been connected to hearing loss. Untreated hearing loss contributes to withdrawal from social activities, resulting in isolation and poorer overall health. Schedule a comprehensive evaluation with Associated Audiologists’ doctorate-level providers to test and address your hearing loss today.
One of the key takeaways from patients and experts alike is that aging is inevitable, but deterioration is not. That’s why addressing untreated hearing is so important to aging well—it can reduce the risk for all of these issues, helping individuals to engage socially and be more involved in their communities.
Treating hearing loss involves a comprehensive hearing evaluation performed by a trained audiologist. Associated Audiologists performs detailed, personalized evaluations in sound-treated booths, with options for treating all ranges of hearing loss from any stage in life. Based on the results of your hearing evaluation, Associated Audiologists can recommend appropriate technology to help you re-engage with life, including enjoying conversations with family and friends, hearing clearly at religious and and community activities, and pursuing all your passions.
“I have been going to Associated Audiologists for almost 30 years. The patient care is second to none. The check-in staff, technicians, and interns are consistently friendly, welcoming, and efficient. They help create a smooth and positive experience from the moment I arrive. My audiologist, Dr. Stacey Baldwin, is exceptionally knowledgeable and truly takes time to listen to my concerns and address any issues I experience. I really appreciate how she stays current with the latest technology and is always exploring better solutions to improve my hearing. Her dedication and proactive approach make a significant difference in my care. Highly recommend this facility.”
Read more reviews on Associated Audiologists and schedule your professional hearing evaluation today. Associated Audiologists operates 8 convenient locations across Kansas & Missouri, serving the Greater Kansas City Metropolitan area.
