Luke1

Brittani S. Luke Academic Research Paper

PSY_1100_024

Professor Rachel Peterson

13 April, 2017

Changing the Perception of Aging

Abstract: This research paper points out the negative perceptions people have on aging, and

the fear(s) that come with it. It provides suggestions that influence a positive outlook on the

natural maturity of life, expresses the importance of practicing and applying emotional

vitality, and focuses on the importance we all have in society, regardless of our age.

Mainstream society upholds the myth that aging and disability are abnormal rather than

part of the human diversity spectrum. The result of this misconception, triggers feelings of

disempowerment, and lowers our self-worth as we continue to age throughout life.(Yeh) As we

get closer to retirement, we are also getting closer to another passage of our existence. One that

doesnt involve building a career, supporting our families, and climbing ladders of success.

(Timmerman) So why do we fear the unchangeable destiny of aging?

By age 40, we become well aware of our change in athletic ability, stamina, and physical

appearance. Coming to grips with our physical and psychological shocks are part of the aging

process and can affect our attitudes, behaviors, well-being, and overall outlook on life. (1)

Rather than a time for celebration of accomplishment, and success retirement reminds most

people that their better years are over.(1) Furthermore, in our western societies, the common
 Luke2

perception of aging is defined as people who have become weak and frail, rather than wise and

mature.(Shenkin SD, Watson R. ect)

However, evidence continues to justify that a positive attitude towards old age are

beneficial to our health, while negative, often stereotyped perceptions are detrimental to the

practice of behaviors that promote health and can prevent health problems. (Hyun-E) In

addition, studies have also identified that people tend to dwell or not accept their actual age, thus

influencing a negative outlook on life. In 2000, a team of researchers analyzed data from the

Longitudinal Study of Aging and Retirement, and found that men and women who had expressed

positive views of aging 23 years earlier had lived an average of 7.5 years longer than those with

negative attitudes. (How your attitude affects your health) In addition, older people who had

negative perceptions about ageing were less likely to engage in physical activities, seek medical

care for health problems, or practice general self-care.(5)

As we creep closer to our senior years, some of us might feel pressured or forced to

retire. However, this doesnt mean that we have to accept the notion that we are incapable or

unable to perform work, or check out of the social aspects of life. Instead, we should take on this

new change as an opportunity to start a new job, project, hobby or activity that compliments

who we are, and what we love doing. Professor of social and behavioral sciences at Harvard, Dr.

Laura Kubzansky, has studied the health effects of several forms of psychological well-being,

and has found that emotional vitality characterized by our engagement, optimism and enthusiasm

in life has a tremendous effect on our overall well-being as we continue to age.(2) With these

stereotypic beliefs building perceptual barriers to health-promoting behaviors, it is critical that

we steer away from these negative perceptions and focus on adopting, and maintaining a

healthier attitude that enhances our overall quality of life.(5) To our disadvantage, there are many
 Luke3

factors that play a part in the way we measure our health, and well-being; many of which are out

of our control. So, how do we maintain a positive state of mind, when life is constantly throwing

us lemons?

The Mayo Clinic, Harvard Medical Clinic, and national research programs of the US

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have turned their attention to the positive impacts of

laughter, humor and positive thinking. Their data identified that laughter and humor are among

the best and most holistic medications that are capable of reducing stress, stave off illnesss, and

increase positive immune system response.(Coalman,Marge) The physiological changes that

occur through Humor therapy, elicits positive emotions that have been widely used as a

component of complementary therapy. (Bains, Gurinder Singh, et al.) Humor also provides

mental stimulation and a kind of distraction which can also improve our moods and behaviors.

When facing an illness, humor has the ability to shift our perceptions and allows us to see life

experiences from a different angle. We also feel a greater sense of control when we can create

and apply humor to tough challenges we face throughout life.(Bains, et al)

Dr. Kubzansky, a professor of social and behavioral sciences encourages people to

practice mindfulness and acceptance of our individual thoughts and feelings without judgment.

In doing so, a host of psychological benefits will help in keeping us from returning to the

negative thoughts that hold us back from life.(2) In contrast, keeping a positive attitude isnt as

easy as it looks. Norman Vincent Peale, the author of The Power of Positive Thinking defines ten

traits of a positive thinker through optimism, enthusiasm, belief, integrity, courage, confidence,

determination, patience, calmness and focus. It is determined that every human being is strong in

at least one of these traits, and that the true challenge isnt necessarily practicing to strengthen

these traits, but overcoming the negative factors like fear, lack of self-confidence, and low self-
 Luke4

esteem.(Turaga, Revathi) These negative perceptions continue to hold us back from living life at

its fullest, and can even bring have an effect on the attitudes of those around us. This is one

reason why it is crucial that everyone needs to play there part to spread happiness and gain a

positive perspective on life.

Many Health and Fitness professionals around the world are focusing to enhance a

positive well-being, not only through exercise and nutrition, but also through the harmonization

of humor and laughter into their activities. Such actions applied to all moments in life, has the

power to motivate individuals and start a health commitment journey that strengthens the

collective voice for anyone who is feeling bogged down with life. In order to redefine the

perception of ageing, and adopt a healthier attitude, we all need to treat our negative thoughts

and perceptions in the same ways we would treat a virus, and ensure that no one else is exposed

to them.
 Luke5

Work Citation

1. Timmermann, Sandra. Journal of financial service professionals, Vol.70, Issue 5, Pg 34-

38,Sep2016

2. How Your Attitudes Affect Your Health. Harvard Womens Health Watch, vol.23, no.9,

May2016, p.1.

3. Shenkin SD, Watson R, Laidlaw K, Starr JM, Deary IJ. The Attitudes to Ageing

Questionnaire.(2014)

5. Hyun-E Yeom, PhD, Journal of Clinical Nursing, 23, 1365-1373, doi: 10.1111/jocn.12419,

May 2013

6. Yeh, Jarmin Christine, et al. Building Inclusion: Toward an Aging-And Disability-Friendly

City. American Journal of Public Health, vol. 106, no. 11, Nov.2016, pp.1947-1949

7. Coalman, Marge. Is Laughter Really the Best Medicine?. Journal on Active Aging, vol. 4,

no.6 Nov/Dec2005, pp.77-86

8. Bains, Gurinder Singh, et al. Humos Effect on Short-Term Memory in Healthy Diabetic

Older Adults. Alternative Therapies in Health & Medicine, vol. 21, no.3, May/Jun2015,

pp. 16-25

9. Turaga, Revathi. Serving Scoops of Positivity: A Powerful Tool Towards Manifesting

Happiness. IUP Journal of Soft Skills, vol. 5, no.3, Sept. 2011, pp. 50-60