Change is Possible and Age is No Barrier!

A ‘mindset’ is an entrenched way of thinking, and although mindsets don’t necessarily have to be negative, when they are, they can be severely limiting for anyone. Seniors, however, are at particular risk when they harbour negative mindsets because fixed ways of thinking can hold a person back at the very time they need to adapt. Without the ability to adapt, seniors are particularly vulnerable to isolation, depression, and a sense of hopelessness in the face of change. Today, we take a look at the sorts of negative mindsets that can beset seniors, and what can be done to overcome them.

Health

Perhaps one of the earliest negative mindsets to take shape in a senior, is concerns for their health. When confronted with a health issue, those with a poor attitude can quickly develop a mindset that says: “I’m getting older so I just have to accept these things.”  But a senior can equally begin establishing a positive mindset – one where they start telling themselves: “This is a health issue but I can work towards overcoming it or limiting the effect it has on my life.” By refusing to adopt a mindset of resignation, seniors can, at the same time, increase their social life. For example, faced with pre-diabetes, the senior who, on medical advice, joins a walking group or a pool fitness group, or who starts attending a healthy eating cooking class, not only strives to improve their health, but also meets and makes friends with others who share the same interests. When seniors strive together, their positive mindset is strengthened.

Independent living

It’s so easy for a senior to feel they are losing their independence, and with it their sense of self-worth and dignity. In fact, all it can take to develop a mindset of helplessness is a temporary knock back such as a bruised limb, a wound that is taking its time to heal, or a period of grief. Along with this negative mindset can come anxiety, depression, and even an anger which drives away those who are closest. So what is the alternative? The answer is to cultivate a mindset of ‘interdependence.’ This is the attitude that acknowledges, yes, some help is required – either temporarily or ongoingly. But you are still able to make decisions about your own future and live as independently as possible. It is not an all or nothing situation. Moreover, others will credit you with having a positive mindset, and your sense of self-worth may be stronger than it once was. Seniors are best equipped to develop a positive mindset around independence when they are informed about services and the benefits that can help them access these. Belonging to, or being familiar with, groups such as Age Concern, Seniorline, and Grey Power can help.

Lack of purpose

We all need to feel we are worthwhile; to have a reason to ‘get up in the morning.’ Yet, if we’re not careful, as a senior, we can quickly develop a sense of irrelevance, and slip into a negative mindset where we believe we don’t have a purpose. Without a sense of purpose, we can find ourselves isolated, and just one step away from poor mental (and even physical) health. Seniors with a sense of purpose believe they have an important part to play in society. Their mindset tells them they are someone who is making a difference, someone on whom others depend, and someone who is respected by others. This kind of mindset can only come about, however, when seniors themselves set out to engage with their community. They do it by volunteering their time and energy. Mentoring, teaching, or coaching are all valuable ways to contribute to the community. As is knitting for charities, being a hospital visitor, or playing the piano at a rest home. The secret to finding purpose and a positive mindset is to reach out on the basis of the skills you already have.

Why not take a look at your own mindsets today? List those that are positive, and those which you think you would like to alter. Because change is possible in all of us, regardless of age.