Ageing positively

A survey conducted by the Australian Psychological Society (APS) found there are many common challenges experienced by older people. The most common difficulties were around:

• Maintaining health and fitness
• Maintaining social networks and activities
• Feelings of sadness and loss
• Ensuring financial security
• Decreases in mobility, and
• An increased reliance on others 

The way you feel about yourself and the ageing process can affect how
you view life and the extent to which you are involved in activities and
the opportunities life offers. If you can make choices and have control
over important aspects of your life, and take part in and enjoy activities,
you are more likely to feel good about yourself and get more out of life. 

Social interaction and relationships with others are associated with
positive ageing and feeling optimistic about life. Maintaining social
networks through membership of clubs, engaging in voluntary work
and keeping in touch with family encourages interaction with others,
prevents isolation and promotes good mental health and physical
activity. 

Keeping the brain active, alert and flexible can promote good mental
health and positive ageing throughout the lifespan. Having an active
mind can be as simple as reading a book, learning a new hobby or
problem solving (e.g. doing crosswords). Learning new skills is exercise
for the brain and makes it work a little harder. 

Stress is a natural part of life that can be challenging to manage.
Stress can result from positive experiences (e.g. having grandchildren)
or negative ones (e.g. bereavement), and affects people in different
ways. High levels of stress can affect physical and mental health
(e.g. heart disease, depression), the quality of relationships and financial
security. The way you respond to stress and daily hassles is often a
good predictor of whether you will age positively, and how much you
will enjoy life.

One major stressor that a lot of older people face is having to become a
carer. Caring for a spouse or a family member can be very demanding.
If you become a carer you need to ensure that you are looking after
yourself to avoid burnout, isolation, illness and mental health problems.

Keeping as free from stress as possible, and learning how to effectively
cope with unavoidable stress, can promote positive ageing in all areas
of your life.

Some good ways to manage stress and cope with daily hassles include:

• Thinking things through before getting upset (e.g. calling a friend for
  advice, writing things down)
• Relaxing when feeling tense (e.g. exercise, deep breathing)
• Using stress management skills, such as problem solving or goal setting 

Exercise is a great way to minimise the risk of a chronic condition such as heart disease or diabetes occurring or becoming worse. Taking part in leisure activities that you find interesting and suitable for your level of physical functioning is an effective way of becoming more active. Physical activity can also provide social interaction through being outdoors, engaging with others, or by becoming a member of an activity program or club.

It is important to remember that as you age, your physical capabilities are likely to change. Seeking guidance from a health professional before engaging in strenuous activity can reduce any risks involved. 

There are many resources and organisations that can help support people to achieve positive ageing.

The Australian Government provides a phone and internet service which is a single point of access to government and non-government resources for Australians over 50 years of age. This service provides information on a range of topics including health, finances, work, volunteering,lifestyle, events and discussion forums.

• Website: www.seniors.gov.au
• Phone: 1800 500 853 (Aged and Community Care Infoline)