110: Aging Isn't Optional, How You Age is Up to You

What's your secret?

That question assumes there's something about you that's peaking someone's curiosity.

In the aging context, it could be your stamina, your youthful glow, your resilient attitude, or any of a number of observable qualities.

As I age, I'm up for all of them...how about you?

Looks can be deceiving but there are age-centric qualities that will set you apart from the crowd of over-the-hill naysayers.

Such isn't just about appearances, the aging qualities I'm keen on can also promote better health, ongoing mental growth, and longevity.

Once you discover and apply them in your aging journey, you'll wonder why you ever thought you could age without them.

Those who choose otherwise are somewhat destined to reap what they sow (or don't).

It's no secret: aging isn't optional, how you age and the choices you make along the way have an observable impact on your quality of life

Consider the following practical choices to be a mindset shift as much as a behavioral shift.

Aging takes no-prisoners but you can elude much of the captive mindsets that the average person has about the process.

Change your mindset and actions around the following age-boosters.

Keep your sense of humor

How often do you laugh?

I don't mean a casual chuckle here and there, I'm talking about something or someone that gets you LOL'ing (Laughing Out Loud).

Here's a stat that will compel you to laugh it up more.

"(Laughter)...improves memory by reducing cortisol by as much as 50%. Cortisol is a stress hormone that can damage an area of the brain responsible for memory. Regular laughter links to a lower risk of dementia and cognitive decline, as it strengthens neural connections."1

Watch, listen, interact more with what makes you laugh.

And if necessary, stop taking yourself and others so seriously...lighten up and laugh.

Your brain and mental function will thank you as you age.

Let it go

"It" could be a grudge, a past mistake, or a unforgiven issue between family or friends.

The ability to let "it" go and move on will lighten the load you've been carrying in ways you can't imagine - until you release it.

Negative, bitter, resentful emotions are threats to your lifespan.

This will hit you in the "feels" - "A study of adults ages 66 and older found that people who demanded apologies before forgiving (conditional forgiveness) died sooner than those who forgave freely. Forgiveness appears to reduce the stress on the cardiovascular system." 2

Maybe it's time to forgive someone for your health's sake - whether they reciprocate or not.

Relax your grip

This is much different than "getting a grip" - that's getting yourself under control.

Relaxing your grip is about giving up control.

Emotional maturity and emotional flexibility in this sense are one in the same.

It's common as you age to be more accepting (or at least that's the norm) than when you were younger.

Adaptability, resourcefulness, acceptance - these are qualities that replace the need to be controlling.

Be curious

I'm insatiably curious.

I want to know the how, why, or the why not about what challenges, concerns, or compels me or others.

My bookshelves and reading routine confirms my curiosity and desire to be a lifelong learner.

Keep your radar up for new experiences, new information, and new learning opportunities.

Just because you've reached a certain age doesn't mean you know it all or know enough.

"Higher levels of curiosity help prevent age-related cognitive decline, possibly by building cognitive reserve — the brain’s resilience or capacity to cope with neurological disease." 3

"School" is always in session - aim for perfect attendance.

Flex your creative muscles

Next to my insatiable curiosity and desire to learn is my creative drive.

As a writer that's to be expected since I love to string words together and explore my thinking through a keyboard or pen and paper.

Practice or proficiency, each rely on creative muscles.

Creative endeavors and delayed brain aging are linked, according to a 2025 study. 4

Paint (by numbers if necessary), color (outside the lines often), pick up and learn an instrument, use your phone's camera, write, journal - find a creative outlet and flex those muscles.

Ditch the negatives

You don't need that negativity in your life.

It's time to name and neglect the news, people, or perspectives that bring you (and those around you) down.

Light pushes out the darkness...so be and live in the light.

Positive feelings (happiness, hope, safety) and an overall sense of well-being can have an impact on biological aging.5

Stay positive

Speaking of positive feelings, keep your view of aging in check.

Lamenting the age you are instead of looking favorably on it can affect your longevity.

You and I are aging - that's inevitable.

There's not a lift, tuck, bo, or tox that will change that.

Make the best of whatever your number (age-wise).

Manage your expectations about aging.

Stay active, keep moving, and live motivated.

Keep your self-perception in a positive perspective.

Aging isn't optional but the choices you make along the way have an impact

Press on...

Eddie

Sources:

1 - https://lifestylemedicine.stanford.edu/laughter-health-benefits/

2 - https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21706213/

3 - https://newsroom.ucla.edu/releases/curiosity-can-help-brain-stay-sharp-as-they-age

4 - https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-025-64173-9

5 - https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9550255/