You’re Getting Older (Sigh) – But Are You Aging Well? Here Are 6 Science-Based Ways to Find Out
You’ve had a certain number of birthdays – so you know how old you are. But are you aging well?
Your physical, mental, and emotional health determine if you are aging well. Medical experts have identified these six signs – how do you compare?
1. Your Height and Weight
Did you know that as you get older, you lose a little bit of height?
Women lose a little more height than men. It’s not a huge amount, but you will get shorter.
You will probably lose 2cm to 4cm (or about 1 to 1½ inches) over the course of your life.
Why? The cartilage between bone joints wears down over time, slightly decreasing your height.
If your height loss is within that range, it is a sign you are aging well.
Your weight also plays a role in how well you are aging. If you are overweight, you are more at risk for chronic disease and poor health.
2. Your Activity Level
Your activity level is also a sign of how well you are aging. Think about your
- Posture
- Exercise
- Stamina
- Independence
How well you carry yourself (your posture) and how much exercise and physical activity you do reflect how much stamina you have throughout the day.
You will lose muscle mass as you get older – after age 30, you will lose 3% to 5% of your muscle mass each decade. (It’s known as sarcopenia).
The problem is, less muscle mass means more weakness and less mobility. So you’re more at risk for damaging falls.
Your activity level determines how independent you are. While it may take a little longer to do some activities, a sign that you are aging well is how physically independent you are.
3. Your Grip Strength
Another sign of aging well is your grip strength. It’s surprisingly important! Grip strength is an independent sign of aging that reflects your:
- Overall Strength
- Upper Limb Function
- Bone Mineral Density
- Falls and Fractures
- Malnutrition
- Cognitive Impairment
- Depression
- Sleep Problems
- Diabetes
- Quality of Life
All of these health-related problems are signs you are not aging well.
Good grip strength is a sign you are healthy and physically independent – aging well, in other words.
4. Your Cognitive Ability
Your brain undergoes functional and structural changes as you age. These normal changes may lead to a decline in how fast you process information.
Researchers have found that a healthy lifestyle reduces the risk for diseases that increase cognitive decline.
Aging well lowers your risk for dementia and other cognitive issues.
5. Your Socialization
We humans are social creatures. A study in the Animal Science Journal showed that rats kept in isolation became more aggressive and had decreased cognitive function.
Social scientists have found the same results in people who don’t socialize with others.
During lockdowns for the COVID pandemic, four in ten people reported mental health issues. Before that, one in ten people reported mental health concerns. That’s a significant increase.
People who age well have a strong social connection to friends and family.
6. Aging Well and Your Quality of Life
Your physical and mental health is hugely important. But don’t forget that your quality of life depends on your emotional health. The World Health Organization (WHO) defines actively aging well as the process of maximizing opportunities for health, participation, and security to enhance quality of life.
Your mindset and outlook tell you if you feel you are aging well.
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Warm regards,
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