7 Affirmations for Positive Aging
Many of us do it unconsciously. We aren’t mindful when we put our car keys down because something else has our attention. Then when we want to run an errand, we can’t find our keys. The critical inner voice says, “You’re getting old and forgetful.”
STOP! Rewind. Reboot. Reset. Rethink.
What we should be saying to ourselves is, “My attention was focused on the dog (e.g.) when I came home, and I put my keys down without making a mental note of where I placed them. Let me backtrack to where I could have placed them.”
Positive affirmations about ourselves and our aging process are very important to our overall health and wellness. Why? Research by Becca Levy proves that having a positive outlook on aging can add 7.5 years to one’s life. Here are seven affirmations for positive aging you can practice to replace the negative and live longer in the process (remember practice makes perfect):
1. I can try new and exciting things. It doesn’t matter what age you are – new, exciting opportunities await all who are brave enough to try them. Let your adventurous side out.
2. I can learn new things to broaden and strengthen my mind and abilities. My sister-in-law is an artist. She’s naturally right-handed, and she started painting with her left-hand several years ago. Sure it was challenging to her at first, but she improved with practice and it expanded her boundaries and broadened her artistic abilities as well as enhanced her brain fitness.
3. I will be refined by age™ instead of declined by age. To be truly refined by age,™ one must be intentional about working on the seven dimensions of wellness in their lives: emotional, environmental, intellectual, physical, social/cultural, spiritual, vocational.
4. I expect to feel good physically. Pain is a clue that something is wrong, not a sign that you’re aging. If you feel pain, see your doctor for a diagnosis and proper treatment.
5. I am a relatively happy person unless there is a good reason not to be. Emotional health is important to be refined by age.™ If you are down for several weeks for no apparent reason, it’s time to see a doctor.
6. I am strong and capable. Staying physically active and eating a healthy diet will keep you strong and healthy. When you are strong and healthy, you can continue to enjoy your independent lifestyle.
7. I am confident and deserve respect. We all deserve to be respected, even if we don’t always agree with others or are different from them. Show your confidence and don’t let anyone treat you otherwise, regardless of your age or abilities.
It takes time to form a new habit, and repetition is the key to doing so. It will feel clumsy at first, but if you use these positive affirmations to counteract any nay-saying your inner critic comes up with, your inner dialogue will change for the better. You will have developed the habit of positive self-talk. Write down new affirmations as they occur to you, and keep adding to the list.
Stay positive, my friends, and become refined by age.™
- Posted in: Seven Dimensions of Wellness
- Tagged: affirmations, ageism, aging, change, negativity, positive, self-talk
Refined by Age 
Well done Kathy! It should be a gift everyone over age 50 gives to themselves.
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Thanks, Richard. Stay positive and become refined by age. Best regards, Kathy
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Solid writing, good research. Thank you for the insights.
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Sarah, Thank you for your kind comment, and for reading my blog. – Kathy
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all positive to grow new neurons, I always to my elderly patient say change negative thinking patterns to positive ones………… every little bit helps towards attaining optimum
function
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They say, “You are what you eat.” I think it’s just as true to say, “You are what you think.” – Kathy
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Kathy,
Great post! Even at 24 these are helpful-I especially like number 7! As a young person in the workforce, I need to keep reminding myself to be confident!
Have a great day! 🙂
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Lindsay, They are all really ageless affirmations, but do address the stereotypes that tell older adults to live within the parameters of the stereotypes that formed over a half century ago. Being refined by age and intentional about aging well is not meant for only one age group. It’s for everyone. I’m glad you were able to get something out of the post. Regards, Kathy
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Kathy … to many of we retirees, every day is Saturday. After all of these years of retirement, I still clearly recall the feeling of Sunday … “UGH, tomorrow is a workday with four or five more thereafter. Hey! Today is Friday … it feels just like Tuesday or Thursday or Monday or Wednesday … each feels just like Saturday. I happily get up to face a busy day every day … I never seem to be bored … I’m too busy!’
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James,
Good for you! Don’t ever disengage from being a force for good in this world. Many people say, “I’m not retired, I’m refired.” My mantra will always be, “I want to leave this world better than I found it.” That will always be a project in progress for me wherever I find myself, working or not, for however long I live. – Kathy
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I agree about the importance of positive attitude. I know someone who lived to be 106 who’s outlook matched your 7 affirmations so I’m not surprised about the average 7.5 years.
I like the list, especially number 3!
Thanks, rich
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Thanks, Rich. Your name fascinates me (BionicOldGuy). Does it have anything to do with titanium? If so, I understand! Kathy
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