by Cynthia Germain

I have never been a fan of the term “aging successfully”. It seems to denote that if you are not doing it, you must be failing. There are certainly steps that assure physical, cognitive and emotional well-being as we age. However, aging is a journey marked by both challenges and opportunities. As such, I always thought it better to “age with ease”. But let’s look at these two approaches to senescence as both can lead to a more fulfilling and balanced life.

Aging successfully often involves adopting healthy lifestyle habits, staying mentally engaged, and nurturing meaningful relationships. People who age successfully often exhibit traits such as:

Resilience: They possess the ability to bounce back from setbacks and adapt to life’s changes.
Purpose: They find meaning and fulfillment in their daily lives, whether through work, hobbies, or relationships.
Social Connections: They maintain strong social networks and foster meaningful relationships with others.
Optimism: They maintain a positive outlook on life and approach aging as a natural part of the human experience.

On the other hand, aging with ease emphasizes a sense of tranquility and acceptance in the aging process. It’s about navigating life’s transitions with grace and surrendering to the natural flow of aging. Aging with ease doesn’t necessarily mean avoiding difficulties or challenges; rather, it involves cultivating a mindset of acceptance.

Characteristics of a person who is aging with ease may include:

Acceptance: They embrace the inevitability of aging and view it as a natural progression of life.
Mindfulness: They practice being present in the moment and find joy in simple pleasures.
Self-Compassion: They show kindness and understanding toward themselves, especially during times of physical or emotional discomfort.
Flexibility: They remain open to change and approach life with a sense of curiosity and wonder.

So perhaps aging successfully and aging with ease are not mutually exclusive. In fact, finding a balance between the two can lead to a more holistic and fulfilling experience of aging. By combining the resilience and purpose of aging successfully with the acceptance and mindfulness of aging with ease, a person can perhaps navigate aging with greater grace.

Here are some ways to integrate the principles of aging successfully and aging with ease:

Cultivate Self-Awareness: Take time to reflect on your values, strengths, and areas for growth as you age.
Prioritize Self-Care: Nurture your physical, mental, and emotional well-being through healthy habits, relaxation techniques, and self-care practices.
Stay Connected: Foster meaningful relationships with family, friends, and community members to combat loneliness and isolation.
Practice Gratitude: Cultivate an attitude of gratitude for the experiences that come with age, no matter how small.
Embrace Change: Approach life’s transitions with an open heart and mind, trusting in your ability to adapt and thrive.

Whether you want to age successfully, age with ease, or a combination of both, there’s no doubt that aging is a deeply personal experience. How it unfolds has much to do with how you approach it. But remember, it does so one day at a time. So enjoy the journey daily and embrace the wisdom that comes with age!