Looking, and Communicating, on the Bright Side of Aging

I’m rarely moved to the brink of tears by the The New York Times , but a recent essay by columnist Charles M. Blow did just that.

His piece “Embracing the Beauty of Aging” expressed something we all too rarely see in our contemporary discourse: an honest, unvarnished look at the reality of aging that doesn’t swat aside the real trade-offs and challenges, but also highlights the beauty and gift that is old age. “I have no intention of raging against my aging,” he writes. “I intend to embrace it, to embrace the muscle aches and the crow’s feet as the price of growing in wisdom and grace; to understand that age is not my body forsaking me but my life rewarding me. Aging, as I see it, is a gift, and I will receive it with gratitude.”

His piece obviously struck a chord with many readers. One wrote in, “I am almost 72, and have two young grandsons. Brendan is 7, and Nolan is 22 months old. I recently watched Nolan because he was home sick…. At home that evening, I sat down to remove my sandals and found yellow Play-Doh stuck in the tread of my shoes. As a young mom, oh how I used to hate Play-Doh stuck not only on my shoes but also on the kids’ shoes, the carpet and random pieces of clothing. But this time, it brought a tear to my eye. As Mr. Blow so eloquently suggests, how many times will I play like this with my grandson? How much longer will he want to play with me? At my age, it is a gift to play.”

How much better off might we all be if more of our discourse encouraged us to dwell not only on what aging takes from us, but also on what it offers us in the form of insight, joy and greater appreciation for life?

In far too many swaths of our society, aging is too often closely associated with decline, dependency and diminished value. This narrative not only perpetuates negative stereotypes, but also neglects the vast potential an aging population presents. From a public health perspective, it’s crucial that we shift this narrative and focus on positive communication about aging.

The accumulation of negative messaging can have real health implications. Research from Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health found that people with positive attitudes about aging tend to live longer and healthier lives. Those who were most satisfied with aging had a 43% lower risk of dying from any cause over a four-year period compared to those who were least satisfied.

First, reframing aging as an opportunity rather than a burden is essential. Older adults offer a wealth of experience, knowledge and skills that can significantly benefit communities. Having navigated various life challenges, older people often possess deep reservoirs of wisdom, and their contributions—whether through volunteering, mentoring or participating in the workforce—can drive societal progress and cohesion. By highlighting the potential benefits, we can foster a more inclusive and appreciative view of aging.

It's critical that we take steps to counteract the negative stereotypes associated with aging. Ageism, a form of discrimination based on age, can have profound adverse effects on the mental and physical health of older adults. It can lead to social isolation and lower self-esteem. Public health initiatives should aim to dismantle these stereotypes by promoting stories and images of active, engaged and capable older adults. This approach can help to normalize aging as a natural and valuable part of life.

Effective communication campaigns play a pivotal role in dismantling ageism. These campaigns should be designed to remind the public about the realities of aging and the diverse experiences of older adults. By using various media platforms, from traditional outlets to social media, we can broaden the reach and impact of these messages. Featuring older adults in advertising, television shows and news stories, for example, can help to change public perceptions and highlight the vibrancy and diversity of this demographic.

For such communication strategies to be effective, they should involve older adults in the creation and dissemination of messaging. This inclusion ensures that the voices and perspectives of older people are authentically represented and heard. Public health organizations can collaborate with community groups, senior centers and advocacy organizations to develop content that resonates with older adults and the wider public. Additionally, intergenerational programs can bridge gaps between younger and older generations, fostering mutual understanding and respect.

Let’s strive to address the specific health concerns and needs of older adults in these communications. Public health messages should promote healthy aging practices, such as regular physical activity, balanced nutrition and mental well-being. Providing information on preventive care, managing chronic conditions and accessing health care services can empower older adults to take charge of their health and quality of life.

I firmly believe that communicating about the bright side of aging is not just a nicety but a necessity to foster healthier, more inclusive societies. By shifting the narrative to focus on the opportunities presented by an aging population and counteracting negative stereotypes, we can enhance the quality of life for older adults and enrich our communities. Public health perspectives that embrace and celebrate aging can pave the way for a more age-friendly world.

Aging is a personal journey for all of us, even as it remains a shared universal experience—one that we should not take for granted. As for me, I’ll be striving to remember Charles M. Blow ’s wise words of advice:

“Relish every summer day. Stretch them. Fill them with memories. Smile and laugh more. Gather with friends and visit family. Put my feet in the water. Grow things and grill things. I make my summers count by making them beautiful.”