New Aging - The Growth of a Mature Mind

There are common misconceptions about the aging process which people make believe that everything goes downhill; you lose your health, you lose your mind, you lose those you care about, you lose your happiness, and eventually, your time expires. Of course, there are changes that come with aging that can be anticipated either for the future, if you've yet to reach that stage of your life, or today if you're already there; but there is proof that supports while some changes occur, it's not all a downward spiral during the aging process, especially not for those who maintain a positive outlook.

The mind is one major factor that contributes to how every senior will experience the aging process. There can be literal mental changes that accompany the stereotype that all seniors become "old and senile", which is a myth, although some seniors do experience Alzheimer's, or dementia and other minor examples of cognitive decline. According to Dr. Gene Cohen, author of "The Mature Mind", although some seniors can experience these mental changes, the mind isn't just undergoing a constant decline during the aging process as many people are subject to believe, and that doesn't mean that it hits a plateau either. In fact, there's evidence that suggests that the brain can continue to adapt, improve, and develop through every stage of life, including the senior years. During this period of lives, we're older and wiser, but that doesn't mean there's not room for improvement since our personalities, creativity, and our psychological selves can all continue the process of growth.

According to Dr. Gene Cohen who has extensively studied the changes the mind undergoes - for the positive - during the senior years, there are 4 different stages that characterize what the mind does during older adulthood. The first stage is Mid-life Re-evaluation where seniors undergo a transition stage that bridges the gap between the mid-life and senior years; something the boomer generation is currently undergoing as they explore what's in front of them today, and available to them for the future. The Liberation Stage, the second stage is when seniors let go of their inhibitions and allow themselves to explore and create, taking on new hobbies, pursuing interests they never had the opportunity to before, and generally, creating a new life for themselves in their retirement.

The final two stages of aging for the mind assessed by Dr. Gene Cohen in the "Mature Mind" often occur as some of the most drastic changes that come with aging can take place. The third stage is referred to as the Summing up Stage which all seniors experience through their late 60s, 70s and 80s where they have the chance to reflect upon their lives and find resolution in accepting loss, and natural feelings of uncertainty as they undergo physical and mental changes with their overall health and well-being. The final stage is referred to as the "Encore", it's not the end, but a time to really cope and come to terms with what might be ahead, while embracing what they do have to be grateful for.

Each of the stages outlined above, shed a positive light on aging where the focus is moving forward, adapting, and enjoying life right up until the very end.

Via: Examiner