We’re all getting older. As much as we try to find it – and as much as we try to wish it wasn’t so – every day is a day that our bodies are aging.
That aging has its benefits and weaknesses. While we often associate aging with bad things, aging can mean retirement, wisdom, and even more fulfilling views of the world. But it also means that you’re going to find yourself transitioning into situations that may not be to your liking.
Embracing Aging in Fulfilling Ways
When you age, you can start to develop physical limitations. These limitations may not even be the result of aging, such as a car accident or unexpected illness. But, eventually, you’re going to feel like you look older, like you can’t move as well, and like you’re limited in ways that hurt your life satisfaction.
You may even find that you’re at a point where some of your independence is taken away.
Those situations can feel deflating. But you still have a lot of life to live – life that should be lived in the best way possible. That is why it is important to strike a balance between doing what you can do functionally as much as possible, while also not allowing your emotions to cause you to make unsafe decisions for yourself.
For example, if you’re someone that loves playing Scrabble, but you’re also mobility limited, you should not try to walk to scrabble. But you also shouldn’t give up scrabble. Find and accept help, and then – with that help – go ahead and play scrabble and do as much as you can that you enjoy.
Aging has its struggles and drawbacks. But it also opens you up to new things as well. It is important to accept your limitations, but also work with them, finding ways to still embrace life while also making sure you’re taking care of yourself the best you can. Your family and friends want you to be healthy for as long as possible, and you also need to make sure that those years are spent in ways that are fulfilling and meaningful.
Call for Help with Life Transitions
If you or someone you love is struggling with age-related transitions, therapy can help teach the skills needed to adapt to them easier and maintain a high quality of life for as long as possible. Learn more by contacting Long Island Psychology today.
