Motivation Could Be the Key to Healthier Aging

A new study reveals what may be the key to aging in a healthier way.

Take two minutes to read, explore, and reflect. By Wendy Rose Gould & Amy Morin, LCSW, Editor-in-Chief Top of Mind Motivation Could Be the Key to Healthier Aging    Getting older is an unavoidable fact of life, but it doesn't mean we cannot age gracefully and with a sense of purpose. Naturally, scientists are fascinated by the topic of aging, and many studies center around making it a more fulfilling experience.   A newly published supplemental issue to The Journals of Gerontology, Series B, says that motivation, specifically, could be the key to aging in a healthier way. Essentially, setting goals and working toward them—particularly later in life—gives us a greater sense of purpose.   Goals provide us with direction, foster creativity, inspire us to learn new skills or maintain the ones we have, and can help us feel more involved in the world around us. Not only does goal setting have a profound effect on our emotional and mental well-being, but it can both directly and indirectly improve our physical health, as well.     We all hope to live well into old age in a way that fosters not only our psychological well-being but allows us to continue living meaningful lives and to pursue our goals." — ALEXANDRA M. FREUND, PHD What This Means For You If you're feeling uninspired and unsure where to begin in goal setting, start small and simple. For example, going for a mindful walk a couple times a week, or participating in some form of physical activity, can help release endorphins and boost your mood.   You could also try picking up a new plant and learning how to care for it, reaching out a few times a week to old friends, or look into participating in local community groups.   On the Bright Side Ways to Stay Positive This Week What's Inspiring Us Compassionately written by geriatrician Lucy Pollock, 'The Book About Getting Older' is for people "who don't want to talk about" aging. Many of us are living longer lives, but how do we ensure that life is as happy and healthy as possible? Products to Help You Feel Your Best The This is Growing Old podcast, created by the Alliance for Aging Research, covers a spectrum of topics related to aging, such as geroscience, ageism, nutrition, and more. Science tells us that writing down our goals can help us achieve them more efficiently. "The 100-Day Goal Journal: Accomplish What Matters to You" provides a space to do exactly that. These brain games may help you improve your memory, response time, and logic skills. Read These Next What to Do When You Have No Motivation READ NOW 4 Ways to Embrace Aging With Positive Thinking READ NOW 5 Surprising Ways to Get Motivated READ NOW Spread the Light Share the newsletter with someone you know to make their day a little brighter. SHARE We're open to suggestions! If you have any feedback about this newsletter, let us know at feedback@verywell.com.     You are receiving this newsletter because you subscribed to the Healthy Mind newsletter. If you wish to unsubscribe, please click here. If someone forwarded you this email, you can subscribe here!   A DOTDASH BRAND 28 Liberty Street, 7th Floor, New York, NY, 10005   © 2021 Verywellmind.com - All rights reserved. Privacy Policy