While youth is unrelentingly glorified in society, gray hair rules in many significant aspects of life. There truly are many wonderful advantages to growing older, including health benefits. One benefit is living at beautiful Aston Gardens retirement community in Florida. You may find yourself more enthusiastic about waking up in the morning, when you know about the many hidden virtues of living a long life. There is a lot more to be excited about than just senior citizen discounts, though they are also nice perks.
Better Brain Power
Don’t let episodes of forgetfulness distract you from the fact that your brain works better as you grow older. Barbara Strauch, author, wrote a book called “The Secret Life of the Grown-Up Brain.” In it she reveals much of what research has found about how the brain improves with age. The elderly tend to make better financial decisions, problem solve more skillfully, and comprehend arguments with greater ease than younger folks.
One reason for improved brain power is that middle-aged and older adults are more likely than younger people to use both brain hemispheres simultaneously. The ability to use the full power of the brain is helpful when facing various challenges because it means that problem-solving and reasoning skills are sharper.
Forget about the errant myth that learning new things is for the young. Science has proven that the brain continues to grow neurons as we age. The brain also reshapes itself as a response to learning. For instance, when learning to juggle, significant brain changes in hand movements occur. If you learn a new language, the brain changes in the area of memory. Continually use your brain for new endeavors. If you use it, you won’t lose it.
Better Perspective
The elderly tend to have a better awareness of how limited our time on Earth really is. The result is that the elderly are more skilled at focusing on what is truly important in life. These insights often lead to spending time with people you truly enjoy being with, making the most of each day, and paying more attention to the positive messages as opposed to dwelling on bad news
As we grow older, our clearer perspective is also wiser. A clever study which sought the advice of participants revealed that people who are over 60 years old are able to see multiple solutions and a variety of points of view when approaching a dilemma. The wealth of experience obtained by simply living out the years stockpiles and provides a mastery of life.
A wise perspective also leads to gratitude. The small favors people do are appreciated. A sense of how connected we are with humanity can brighten each day.
A Valuable Asset
Workers age 50 and over are more satisfied on the job than younger workers, with 92% of older workers surveyed at least somewhat satisfied on the job. Even if you are living out retirement, the reality is that older people have attributes employers are looking for. They sum up many of the admirable qualities that earn elderly people the respect they richly deserve, and the following are a few of them:
- You are a loyal person who doesn’t have a habit of hopping from one commitment to the next.
- The stage of missing work because of child-related needs and demands is long past, making you reliably punctual.
- You are trustworthy and honest.
- You’ve learned the importance of teamwork and work well with others.
- You possess valuable knowledge, skills, and experience that can benefit your employer.
- You are confident.
- You know how to respond rather than react to situations.
- You are a lifelong learner.
- Others can depend upon you for helpful mentoring.
Self-Acceptance
There isn’t much that beats the benefit of being at peace with yourself. Since we are with ourselves 24 hours a day every day, life is much sweeter when we have a strong sense of self-appreciation. There is tremendous joy and freedom in knowing that you don’t need to and will not try to please others by fitting into their idea of who you should be. There is actually courage in being yourself, and it produces greater contentment. One element of self-acceptance is realizing that it is not how you look or what your occupation is in the world that matters but rather who you are, a one-of-a-kind individual who is unlike anyone else.
As our residents at Aston Gardens retirement communities in Florida know, these are a few of many secret virtues of growing older. See this continuing series to learn more.
Aston Gardens At Tampa Bay is here to provide a range of senior living options for those ready to start the next chapter of their lives. Contact us today at 813.855.2811 to learn about our senior living programs, amenities, and floorplans.
