What Is Aging Independence?

Aging and independent living seem to be at odds. We don’t believe that we can do both. The thinking goes: you get old, can’t move as well, don’t care for yourself as you should, eat poorly, and may not be financially as secure.

You are going to need help. You are not necessarily going to like the help. It probably won’t be on your terms. Think skilled nursing homes, retirement homes (versus retirement kick-butt communities), assisted living, having your children move into the spare bedroom in your house, or living in their guest bedroom. None of these options are appealing.

According to BusinessLab’s Active Age Project, what contributes to the capacity for independent living is:

Freedom of choice

Lack of reliance on others

The ability to stay in your own home

Ability to come and go, as you choose (mobility)

Choice of care/support as required

Financial independence

Independence of mind

Access to information (to inquire)

Being free of dependents

Choices diminish as we grow older, unless we take proactive action to insure that they do not. Good genes and luck may not save you. Consistently better choices are what’s needed for Aging Intelligently.

The idea is to create better choices (or habits) today, so when you need them, they are already in place. Move more today so you can move more in 50 years. Think lifestyle, not patch-on exercise once or twice a week.

You feel less aging effects once you start changing your attitude about the aging process. Look at it as aging experience, not aging endurance. You are, in fact, responsible (for the most part) for how well or how badly you age. A lifetime of excess eating, lack of sleep, stress, toxic relationships, negative not-my-fault thoughts, and lack of mobility can only damage your body. The bill comes due on your aging process, and you find it is expensive.

It doesn’t have to be that way. Start today to move more (and often), become more mindful instead of mindless (notice what’s happening around you), engage your curiosity, try out new and novel things (running a half-marathon, hiking in the National Parks, learning that second language), practice good posture (instead of slouching), lower your stress (maybe with exercise), get out of your comfort zone on a regular basis. Challenge yourself more to be more of who you were meant to be.

It’s up to you, it’s your responsibility, and you have to do the work. Aging well is more rewarding and fun than anything else you will do because you will beat the odds (and the culture) that say you have no control and you are doomed.

Change your thoughts. Change your life. That’s Aging Intelligently.