Growing older is a concern for many of us, perhaps not all of us, but at least a considerable amount.

You’re probably included on this list seeing as you clicked on this article. 

We change as we age, even with parts of ourselves we’re not ready for. We gain, we lose, and we are reinvented by time.

At times, we completely become new versions of ourselves.

And these are versions we sometimes don’t recognize. I do carry this fear of not being able to recognize myself in the future.

Will I lose who I am? Will I become a difficult person? Will I become a burden to those around me? Will I lose agency? 

It got me thinking, what do people who don’t lose their independence as they age often do? What are their habits? 

Well, I found 8. 

Here they are:

1) They stay physically active 

People who prioritize physical activity as they are are more likely to maintain their independence. 

Heart.org says this:

“Physical activity may help you live longer, and those extra years are generally healthier years! Staying active helps delay or prevent chronic illnesses and diseases associated with aging. So active adults maintain their quality of life and independence longer as they age.” 

And we’re not strictly talking about exercise! We’re talking about not living a sedentary lifestyle, yes, but ‘exercise’ can be done as simply as doing chores.

“It’s a concept that goes by the name non-exercise activity thermogenesis, or NEAT, for short. This is essentially all the calories that a person burns through their daily activity excluding purposeful physical exercise. Think of the low-effort movements that you string together over the course of your day – things like household chores, strolling through the grocery aisle, climbing the stairs, bobbing your leg up and down at your desk, or cooking dinner.”

(There’s a way to get healthier without even going to a gym. It’s called “NEAT | npr”)

2) They stay mentally active

Maintaining mental agility is crucial for preserving independence as individuals age. 

Better Health Channel Victoria says this:

“Growing older does not mean that your mental abilities will necessarily be reduced. There’s a lot you can do to keep your mind sharp and alert. Researchers believe that many of the supposed age-related changes that affect the mind, such as memory loss, are actually lifestyle-related. Just as muscles get flabby from sitting around and doing nothing, so does the brain.”

Think of the mind as a muscle, engaging in activities that stimulate the mind such as reading, puzzles, learning new skills, or engaging in meaningful conversations, can help keep the brain sharp and functioning at its best. 

Solving problems better and making decisions for ourselves are just two of the things we can still do if we keep our minds at their best. 

3) They stay socially active

Fostering a sense of community is crucial in preserving independence as one age.

Social interactions are prioritized by people who don’t lose their independence, just as much as they prioritize the first two points on this list.

Loneliness, after all, can be a heavy burden, and having a support system (community) can help alleviate that.

Regular social interactions and participation in community events, clubs, and gatherings can provide emotional support, a sense of belonging, and a strong support network. 

BetterUp says this:

“Strong communities are critical because they’re often an important source of social connection and a sense of belonging. Participating in a community bonded by attitudes, values, and goals is an essential ingredient to enjoying a fulfilling life. The absence of social connections can have profound effects on our overall health. An early study on the psychological impact of the COVID-19 pandemic showed that loneliness was one of the factors with the greatest psychological impact on people’s health.”

4) They stay on top of their health conditions

People who don’t lose their independence as they age often stay on top of their health conditions.

They are aware of what’s going on in their bodies. 

They attend regular check-ups and are conscientious about their lifestyle choices.

Of course, it’s also important not to be paranoid about it, rather, proactive. 

This proactive approach can lead to better management of health conditions and overall well-being, allowing individuals to enjoy a higher quality of life as they grow older.

5) They ask for help wherever necessary

It might seem counterproductive to include “asking for help” on a list about independence but it is necessary.

Once again, it’s all about balance.

We are not islands, after all, they are things we cannot do and there will come a time when more and more things will be difficult to accomplish. 

Asking for assistance is crucial. It will allow us to do more of what we can do.

By maintaining a sense of autonomy while also being open to seeking support, individuals can ensure that their needs are met and that they can continue to live life on their own terms. 

It’s always important to shed the shame of asking for help.  

6) They adopt a growth mindset

Growth mindset: “In a growth mindset, people believe that their most basic abilities can be developed through dedication and hard work—brains and talent are just the starting point. This view creates a love of learning and a resilience that is essential for great accomplishment.” (Dweck, 2015)

Resilience is an important trait common to those who don’t lose their independence as they grow older and where is resilience fostered?

Correct, from trying and failing and trying again. 

People who don’t lose their independence as they age often adopt a growth mindset. 

A growth mindset is more likely to make people seek out new experiences, challenge themselves, and continue learning throughout their lives.

This helps them stay open to new possibilities, adapt to changes, and find innovative ways to overcome obstacles, contributing to their ability to preserve independence.

7) They find joy where they can

We all need to find joy where we can, especially with the world we live in today.

That’s something known to people who don’t lose their independence.

Pursue passions, hobbies, and interests. Increase your feelings of sense of fulfillment. Do what makes you feel like life is worth living. 

Harvard Health says this:

“Regardless of the changes you make to your mindset or to your daily routine, increasing your ability to find joy may provide long-lasting health benefits. Your immune system can be strengthened by your mental state (immune cells even have receptors for neurotransmitters). Interventions to increase joy may also decrease stress hormones, improve pain, and relieve depression. Finally, finding joy can help you live longer.” 

8) They find their purpose

And finally, purpose.

What is the definition of purpose in this context? Well, a reason for being. Goals. Dreams. A sense of direction. 

An anchor to make you want to stay here. To make you want to keep going.

To make you want to keep living. To make you want to be better. 

But having a purpose isn’t just to keep our hearts happy. 

Opus Communities shares this, “Science supports this innate understanding of the benefits of purpose, in particular, the positive impact purpose can have on the aging process. Recent studies show that, for people over 50, having a sense of purpose:

• Helps maintain physical function. Those with a higher purpose in life have a 14% decreased risk of developing a slow walk, one of the signs of declining physical ability.
• Protects brain health. Older people with a greater sense of purpose are 44% less likely to have suffered damage to brain tissue.
• Increases life expectancy. Having a strong purpose in life is associated with decreased mortality from all causes.
• Improves sleep. People with a higher sense of purpose are 16% less likely to develop sleep disturbances.”

Final thoughts

Reading up on this topic lessened my anxiety about growing older. 

Perhaps the uncertainty of it remains but it’s great to know that resources and material are available out there, should I wish to continue reading about it. (And I probably would.) 

Wishing a fulfilling life ahead for all of us.