Attitude is the key to positive ageing

In the early 1970s, Mick Jagger is quoted as saying “I’d rather be dead than singing Satisfaction when I’m 40” . He has obviously changed his mind as he’s still belting it out at 70.

Some will see Mick’s current performances as a great advertisement for a life full of excesses. I would suggest it’s a great example of a positive attitude in an “older” person. He’s still a great entertainer because of his attitude. He doesn’t want to slow down and “act his age”. It’s his choice and it’s also your choice.

When we get past 60, our attitude plays a major role in determining how the rest of our life will pan out. When we understand a little about the mind / body connection, it becomes obvious that how and what we think affects both our physical and mental health. If we think we’re young, active and involved with life, we probably will be. If we think that our productive life is largely behind us and this is the beginning of the end, then we’ll start being “old”. As Henry Ford famously said “If you think you can, or you can’t, you’re right”.

Some people, like Mick Jagger, are still “young “ in their 60s and 70s, while others are entering old age.

It’s really our choice. If we haven’t been afflicted by a serious disease, it’s our attitude to life that really determines whether we wish to be involved with life and involved in our community. The volunteering movement is a great example of how people who want to give something back to the community, can make a significant contribution to the life of other people. Of course, helping others is a great source of happiness and satisfaction, so that good deeds help both the giver and the receiver.

Now not everyone has a 100% positive attitude. We all have voices in our heads that tell us we can’t do this or that. It’s a matter of how much notice we take of them. If we’re constantly hearing negative messages it’s probably time to take some action to turn the negative thoughts into more positive ones. The good news is that we can make this change and if you do, you’ll probably be a happier person.

How old do you feel? How does your attitude influence the way you feel? Tell us about it in the comments below…