As we strive to age gracefully, it’s time to have an honest discussion about the behaviours that might be holding us back from truly thriving. Growing older involves both learning new things and letting go of things, so there are some things you have to give up if you want to really flourish as you get older.
The key is to make choices. While actively choosing to let go of these behaviours might lead to a world of possibilities, holding on to them can make the road more challenging. Unbelievably, there are some habits that wise people know to give up as they age.
They realise that breaking old habits is just as important to successful ageing as forming new ones. So, grab a cup of your favourite brew; let’s explore these nine habits that we should bid farewell to for a more fulfilling and vibrant ride through the golden years.
1.Saying ‘yes’ to everything
We soon come to the realisation that our time and energy are limited as we become older.
Often, we find ourselves saying “yes” to everything out of a desire to be helpful or to avoid disappointing anyone. This tendency can leave us feeling exhausted and overcommitted. It can manifest in anything from taking on extra work to attending social events we don’t particularly enjoy.
Intelligent senior citizens have mastered the art of saying no. It’s about knowing your boundaries and putting your needs first; not about being egotistical or disobedient. Every “yes” you say to something is, you’ll realise, a “no” to something else; possibly something that is more important to you.
Therefore, every time you agree to something, try to think about what you’re giving up.
2.Procrastinating
Let me be honest—not so long ago, I used to be a master procrastinator. I used to come up with all kinds of inventive methods to put off doing a task that I didn’t find particularly interesting or difficult.
But as I grew older, I saw that there was more harm than benefit associated with procrastinating. Tasks would be abundant, deadlines would approach quickly, and stress would see a sharp increase. I felt overburdened and unproductive as a result of the loop.
I decided to confront this tendency head-on one day. I started dissecting more complex jobs into more manageable chunks. I started setting chores in order of significance and urgency. Above all, I discovered the importance of simply starting, even if it was only for five minutes.
This small change in strategy made all the difference in the world. I saw that tasks were less intimidating, my work was of higher quality, and I had more time to unwind and enjoy life.
Therefore, if you’re a procrastinator like I was, think about this: the time you waste putting off chores is time you could have used to finish them and go on to more enjoyable activities. Your future self will appreciate it, I promise.
Excessive and continuous procrastination has also been linked to poor physical and mental health, according to additional research. Delays in medical treatments and lower use of mental health services have been related to procrastination, a dysfunctional kind of delay. Men tended to put off tasks longer than women and were younger than older participants in a large epidemiological study, according to sociodemographic characteristics. Procrastinators were also likely to be less educated and single.
The identified connections between procrastination and diminished psychological well-being suggest a potential correlation with decreased life satisfaction. Individuals inclined to procrastinate appear to experience lower integration in both their social and professional spheres, reflected in factors such as a higher prevalence of living without a partner and unemployment. Consequently, investigating the association between procrastination and loneliness, as a facet of diminished life satisfaction, was deemed worthwhile.
3.Not taking your physical health seriously
The phrase “health is wealth” is well-known, and as we age, it becomes increasingly true. We frequently take our health for granted while we are young. Because of our hectic schedules, we could overlook exercising regularly, skip meals, or stay up late.
But did you know that the average person’s muscle mass can drop by as much as 10% by the time they reach 50? And every 10 years following that, this may rise to a 15% loss. Sarcopenia, or the loss of muscle mass, can result in fractures, weakness, and a reduced quality of life.
Because of this, keeping our physical health becomes more and more important as we become older. Not only are a healthy diet, regular exercise, and enough sleep good habits, but they can also have a big impact.
4.Being in your comfort zone for too long
It’s easy to slip into the trap of sticking with what’s comfortable as we become older. We frequently miss out on new experiences and chances because we cling to the routines, habits, and hobbies that make us feel comfortable.
Here’s the catch, though. We often grow by stepping outside of our comfort zones. One can improve personally and have a more rewarding life by embracing difficulties, trying new things, and taking calculated risks.
Astute people are aware of this. They are aware that learning, development, and adaptation depend on venturing beyond their comfort zones.
Take up a new activity, visit a foreign location, or pick up a new skill. Who knows? You might meet someone who can completely transform your life, or you might find a passion you never realised you possessed.
Final thoughts
Ageing is a process that every person must go through; it is an inescapable aspect of existence. Like any travel, it may also include unanticipated detours, difficult terrain, and breathtaking views.
The habits we decide to give up during this trip can have a significant effect on how happy our lives turn out. They have the power to mould our lives, affect our health, and ultimately decide how we flourish as we age.
It’s crucial to remember, though, that growing older entails more than just giving up some habits. It’s more about accepting the knowledge gained via experience, the fortitude developed by conquering obstacles, and the happiness experienced in deep connections.
Because ageing is ultimately about thriving rather than just surviving. And everyone is capable of making that decision for themselves.
(Tashia Bernardus)