I read a timely article titled "My Mother Got on a Bike. It changed her life" In the February 18, 2024 edition of The New York Times. The article in question triggered thoughts regarding "It Has Nothing To Do with Age" and Linda who had her hip replaced in December ,2023 and is currently exercising on a stationary bike.
This is a story of a mother ,aged 62, who joined a bicycle group. At that time, she was recovering from heartbreak and had just moved to a new town. Also , she reportedly had no background as an outdoor activity enthusiast, thereby making her new activity difficult. Unfortunately, there is negative messaging surrounding older females. For instance, older women on television are portrayed on TV advertising smiling while taking medicine. One recent advertisement in the New York Times by Pfizer stated something to the effect that getting old is associated with becoming sick. Other messaging has to do with failing looks, frail bones, cognitive decline, not being significant nor happy with their age.
Research by a professor of public health wrote, "We increase our risk of cardiac events and speed of cognitive decline, if we believe that getting older is a time of suffering and diminution... Those of us that view later life as a time of growth and vitality are more likely to stay healthy and to keep senility at bay. We also live a whopping 7 1/2 years longer. “ One conclusion from this longitudinal study was "Mindset was the most significant factor determining an individual's longevity."
It's true that media dating apps, a youth obsessed culture and too many preconceived notions suggest that "aging “stinks. Also, it’s unfortunate that affirmations and positive self talk are outnumbered by doubt and negativity for too many aging females. Mindset is defined as a set of attitudes held by someone. An attitude is defined as a subtle way of thinking or feeling about someone or something, Typically, one that is reflected in a person's behaviors. It’s obvious that what takes place between the ears is related to behavior and actions speak louder than words .
Ego needs can also be fulfilled by behavior. For example, this 62-year-old female incorporated a number of positive subliminal phrases about aging like being spry and capable . The researchers found that on physical tests , individuals with a positive mind set, ended up with a more favorable perception of aging. While this 62-year-old was pedaling downhill, she included positive self talk which assisted her ability to meet her goals. If her goal was to enter a hundred mile bike ride, then repetitive self talk and repetitive training workouts became significantly important. She could build on success by telling herself something positive while exerting herself while biking up and down the hills . And repeated successes would positively influence her aspiration level or her expectancy. The more repetitive success she had , reinforced the greater the expectancy for success. And as Epicurus brilliantly stated : "The greater the difficulty, the more the glory in surmounting it." Also, this paradigm meets the ego need of achievement, which is to accomplish something difficult.
By joining a cycling group, she also met the ego need of affiliation which is to draw near and cooperate or reciprocate with another. To adhere and remain loyal to a friend. In other words, interacting while pursuing a goal or goals with friends or training partners results in meeting other ego needs as well. For instance succorance-to have one's needs gratified by a sympathetic aid of an allied object. To be nursed, supported ,sustained ,surrounded, protected, advised, guided, and consoled. Exhibition- to make an impression , to be seen and heard . Deference - to admire and support a superior . These ego needs are powerful, necessary and required as we are a social species.
Typically, most older women don't join groups and instead pull back on physical activities, risk-taking, novel pursuits, and telling themselves it's too dangerous for their failing body and mind. Alfred Adler's quote fits "The chief danger in life is that you may take too many precautions." Unfortunately, as the cycling mom approached 80, she began to feel unsteady and found out that she was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease. Her mother said "I wish I was 60 again."
Linda is doing great with her exercise rehabilitation . She also attends one session a week in physical therapy and meets twice a week for yoga.
In closing, I prescribed the following in “ It Has Nothing To Do With Age” for increasing lifespan: 1. Get inspired. It's okay to begin a new activity by taking baby steps. Physical activity can help improve physical fitness, losing weight, reducing anxiety and minimizing depression. 2. Find meaning in an activity outside of family ,career , raising kids; it can build self-esteem 3 . Enrich your emotional life by making physical contact.; having friends ,sharing interests , and learning about others by becoming part of a new group 4. Realize there is more to life than the accumulation of material things. 5. Participate in outdoor activities to help nurture spirituality. 6. Find a way to escape., read about other people's adventures 7 . Find inspiration and motivation through the illuminating profiles of the eight remarkable senior athletes found within this book
PS
Outdoor remarkable enthusiast Linda, while in her 60s , was active as a white water river guide, equestrian, bicyclist , golfer, down hill skier, fly caster,camper and swimmer.
Reference
Murray, H.A. Explorations in Personality..
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