Aging is a privilege, not a problem. This perspective-shifting conversation with gerontologist Briana Velarde challenges everything you thought you knew about growing older.
Drawing from her expertise as coordinator of the Optimal Aging Program at the Huntsman Mental Health Institute, Velarde redefines successful aging as adaptability rather than the avoidance of change. She dismantles harmful stereotypes suggesting that aging inevitably leads to decline and dependency, offering instead a vision of continued growth, purpose, and joy throughout life's later chapters.
The science is clear—your mindset about aging significantly impacts your health outcomes. Velarde shares fascinating research showing people with positive outlooks on aging were 13% less likely to have heart attacks than their negative-thinking counterparts, even with family history of heart disease. This compelling evidence underscores why challenging our internal narratives about aging matters so much.
For those experiencing changes in physical abilities or health, Velarde offers practical guidance centered on three principles: never stop moving, never stop learning, and never stop connecting. She shares touching stories of patients in their 80s and 90s developing new skills and rekindling passions, proving it's never too late to find fulfillment. Her wisdom extends to younger listeners as well, emphasizing the importance of building identity beyond career achievements to prepare for a meaningful retirement.
The conversation tackles the critical distinction between isolation and loneliness, with actionable steps for fostering genuine connection. Velarde envisions ideal communities as intergenerational spaces where older adults are valued for their wisdom and experience. As Mark Twain wisely noted, "Aging is an issue of mind over matter. If you don't mind, it doesn't matter." Ready to transform how you think about aging?
