WORRIED ABOUT AGING? 10 SIGNS OF HEALTHY AGING TO LOOK FOR

1. Mobility - As we age, it's natural for mobility and flexibility to gradually decline if not maintained. Those who remain active and mobile are aging healthier. Make sure to continue regular exercise as you get older. Going for regular walks, doing yoga or light strength training can help maintain mobility and flexibility even in advanced ages. If you're able to climb a flight of stairs, get in and out of a car, or bend down to tie your shoelaces without issue, it's a good sign your mobility is being well-managed as you age.

WORRIED ABOUT AGING? 10 SIGNS OF HEALTHY AGING TO LOOK FOR

2. Memory - Everyone experiences some natural lapses in memory as they age. But major memory losses or confusing events/details frequently could signal problems. Maintaining an active lifestyle, engaging in regular social activity, and intellectual pursuits like reading, puzzles or learning a new skill can help keep your memory sharp. Consult a doctor if you notice major memory changes compared to your previous abilities. Being generally on top of what day it is, where you left your keys, appointments etc. without too much difficulty is sign memory aging is normal. 

3. Cognitive function - Hand-in-hand with memory is overall cognitive functioning which also naturally slows a bit as we get older. But being able to concentrate, multitask, learn new skills and information without too much trouble are signs cognitive abilities are being well-supported. Doing mentally engaging activities throughout life may help maintain faster processing speed and problem-solving abilities longer. If performance on tasks you previously had no issues with seems impaired or you feel general confusion, discuss with your doctor as it could signal other problems.

4. Sense of purpose - Having goals, interests and a reason to get up each day is said to promote healthier aging. Those who find purpose and meaning through caring for others, a hobby, passion project or volunteering tend to fare better both physically and mentally as they age. Feeling useful and productive enhances quality of life. If you feel motivated and your days have a continued sense of purpose as the years go by, it can indicate healthier aging. 

5. Social connection - Social isolation is detrimental to health at any age. As we get older, social ties become even more important for well-being. Staying connected to family and friends, joining activity or discussion groups helps aging by reducing stress and promoting an active lifestyle. If your social calendar remains busy with get-togethers, visits, classes or meetings as the decades pass by, it's a good indication of socially healthy aging. Even lone-agers who stay socially engaged remotely show better outcomes.

6. Optimism - Attitude and perspective significantly impact both quality and length of life. More optimistic individuals tend to age better partly due to experiencing less stress and engaging in healthier habits. If you see the glass as half full and maintain a generally positive outlook despite challenges or limitations related to aging, it reflects successfully managing aspects within your control for quality of later life years. While aspects like memory cannot be willed away, outlook can be controlled for better well-being. 

7. Adaptability - A willingness and ability to adapt to changes that naturally come as we get older is an asset. As abilities, circumstances or health status may evolve, being flexible, willing to learn new skills or adjust routines can help one age more gracefully and experience fewer barriers. If you're open to changes in career, living situation or daily habits and feel able to roll with "punches" life throws, it allows for continued engagement and independence even as years accelerate.

8. Self-care - Nutrition, exercise, sleep and managing stress are significant preventive health habits. Those who continue paying attention to basic self-care tend to experience fewer medical issues and disabilities with age. If making healthy choices and maintaining preventive healthcare like dentist visits, eye exams, vaccines etc. become habit, it reduces age-related vulnerability to common diseases or loss of functions. Feeling generally healthy and able to function independently without assistance is an indicator of self-care success.

9. Strong support system - Relying on family, friends or community resources during times of need is important for safety and wellbeing as we age. Having a robust support system to call on for help with tasks, transportation, errands or company when facing illnesses helps many live at home longer. Being connected to those willing to lend a hand signals thriving social bonds so important during life's later chapters.   

10. Sense of humor - Laughter has incredible positive impacts on both physical and mental health. Those with a playful spirit and ability to laugh at life's absurdities even in times of negativity or change seem better able to roll with life's punches. Having fun and bringing smiles to others' faces indicates a lightness of being shown to enhance quality of later years. If you can find humor even when facing struggles that come naturally with advanced age, it signifies successfully managing challenges in a balanced, positive way.

Keeping your body and mind active, your support network strong, and maintaining an optimistic, adaptive outlook sets the stage for positive aging. Focusing on factors within your control can help maximize your personal potential for vibrant years ahead regardless of any limitations aging may natural bring. Having several of these signs present suggests you're on track for years of engagement, purpose and overall quality of life. But don't fret - it's never too late to incorporate healthy habits; small steps consistently lead to big differences over time. Wishing you many more years of joyful living! Let me know if any part of the response needs further explanation or discussion.