Aging
brings turkey necks, "senior moments" and sagging bodies. Sounds
pretty dismal, right? It would -- if that represented the complete picture. In
actuality, growing older for most people isn't all that bad, even in our
youth-obsessed culture. In fact, it can be quite spectacular on many fronts.
Below are nine aging facts that will actually make you feel great about the
multitude of candles on your cake. Have anything to add? Let us know in
comments.
You most
likely are happier than you used to be.
One recent study found that people were happiest in youth and then again in their
70s and early 80s. They were least happy during middle age. A similar study out
of the University of Chicago found that levels of happiness climbed between the
ages of 65 and 85 -- and beyond. Why? Some experts believe it is because older
people are able to tap into the toolbox of social and emotional instincts
they've built with experience. “It’s a very encouraging fact that we can expect
to be happier in our early 80s than we were in our 20s,” Andrew J. Oswald, a
professor of psychology at Warwick Business School, told the New York Times. “And it’s not being driven
predominantly by things that happen in life. It’s something very deep and quite
human that seems to be driving this.”
In some
ways, your mind may actually be sharper.
A University of Illinois study found that older air traffic controllers
excelled at their mentally tough jobs -- and performed as well as younger peers
-- because they were so good at navigation and at handling several airplanes at
once. In short, they were able to overcome any weaknesses by tapping into their
wealth of experience. For those of you worried about staying sharp, challenge
your brain by performing mental exercises and don't buy in to the negative
stereotypes associated with aging and memory.
You are
able to handle social conflicts more effectively.
A University of Michigan study found that older people are better at reasoning
when it comes to social dilemmas and conflicts. When presented with various
stories about conflict, they specifically are more adept at understanding
different perspectives, suggesting compromises and coming up with several
reasonable resolutions.
age
group. As the ranks swell even more, older people will have a lot more clout in
the years to come than ever before.
You are
probably enduring fewer migraines.
Studies show that migraines become less frequent and less severe as you age.
Indeed the nausea, vomiting, sensitivity to light and other symptoms seem to
subside as you grow older. Migraines are most common between your teenage years
and the age of 50.
Your sex
life may be better.
Studies show that satisfaction in the bedroom actually grows stronger with age,
even if you experience a drop in sexual desire. More specifically, one study
out of the University of California, San Diego found that the majority of women
aged 60 to 89 were moderately to very satisfied with their sex lives. Even so,
doctors say that vaginal dryness and impotence can still present a problem to
older adults.
You
aren't nearly as stressed as you used to be.
No doubt everyone experiences stress, no matter what their age. But the good
news is that people over 65 report having less stress. Although they do cite
health concerns, worries over work, money and family subside. Meanwhile, those
between the ages of 35 and 49 are the most stressed, followed by people aged 25
to 34.
Your
marriage is stronger.
Studies have discovered that marriage actually gets better in old age. One
reason is that long-time couples learn how to express more affection,
especially after the kids leave home. Another reason is that the stresses of
marriage in middle age actually brought couples closer together as the years
went on. Being happily married is definitely a good thing as satisfied couples
are more likely to enjoy better mental and physical health than their
not-so-happy friends.
You like
your job more.
In one recent study, 92 percent of workers aged 50 or older report being very
or somewhat satisfied with their job. Compare that with those under 30; only 80
percent of this group reports the same thing. Only 38 percent of young adults
admit being very satisfied with their work, while 63 percent of those 65 and
older say they are deeply satisfied. Why the difference? Experts say it's most
likely because older workers have already made it up the corporate ladder to
positions they enjoy more.
Dr Tango is a Consultant Physician with facts and Figures Email- caremed001@gmail.com
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