10 Good Things About Getting Older

Social categorization refers to the classification of other individuals into particular group memberships based on characteristics deemed meaningful by society. Examples of social categories include age group, sex, and race. Social categorization based on age can lead to stereotypical and evaluative biases.

One problem is that social categorization distorts our perceptions such that we tend to exaggerate the differences between people from different social groups while at the same time perceiving members of groups (and particularly outgroups) as more similar to each other than they actually are.

1. I’ve become less emotional and more thoughtful with my decisions.
2. I no longer sweat the small stuff.
3. I can go shopping for what I need in my favorite store: my basement.
4. I’ve become kinder to myself.
5. Liking myself.
6. I no longer drool over — or covet — fashion must-haves.
7. I have so many good stories to tell.

People reaching their golden years actually find many benefits to being older.

• Senior Discounts. Out of respect or the desire to appeal to older consumers, many businesses offer reasonable senior discounts.
• Retirement.
• Grandchildren.
• Volunteering.
• Hobbies.
• Wisdom & Emotional Maturity.
• Relaxation.

Methylation of DNA slows over time, which creates an aging biomarker, so if we measure how much DNA of an individual has been methylated, we can estimate their biological age. Some genes may also become hypermethylated with age causing them to loose function, such as the estrogen receptor.

How to Age Well

1. Eat. Small changes in your eating habits can lower your risk for many of the diseases associated with aging.
2. Move. A body in motion will age better than one on the couch.
3. Think. Aging well means taking care of both the body and the mind.
4. Connect.
5. Live Well.

Five Tips to Improve Seniors’ Quality of Life

1. Monitor and Treat Depression. Millions of seniors age 65+ are affected by depression.
2. Remind Seniors That They Are Useful and Needed. People of all ages want to feel needed.
3. Encourage Physical Activity. Try to encourage some regular physical activity.
4. Encourage Mental Activity.
5. Keep Them Connected.

4 Tips to Stay Active and Independent As You Age

1. Staying fit. Whether you participate in regular exercise or just want to stay fit for daily activities, exercise is necessary.
2. Staying balanced. Maintaining balance and avoiding falls are imperative to maintaining a quality of life and living independently.
3. Assessing the terrain.
4. Staying engaged.

The beginning of old age is mostly recognized as 70 years by men and as 75 years by women. In addition, people aged over 90 years can be classified as oldest‐old or super‐old.