Coming to Terms with Being a “Senior”
How are you supposed to feel about becoming an older adult? Those who choose to be positive see and appreciate the great aspects of aging – from the senior discounts to enjoying life’s simple pleasures, such as having fun with grandchildren and spending more free time to pursue new and old interests. While there are many benefits to aging, there are a lot of changes to accept as well. If you are struggling with your feelings related to aging, you aren’t alone.
Certain things cannot be changed, such as aging. While you may know this is a natural part of life, it can be difficult to accept at times. The changes associated with aging can be hard to adjust to and can lead to feelings of sadness and worry. Counseling can help.
Aging in the United States
Aging is a natural biological experience, a “universal change process” that occurs for all living things. Diane Wagner, a therapist at the Midwest Institute for Rehabilitation at Christ Hospital and Medical Center, says “Changes occur in our physiological being, as well as cognitive self. Biological aging incorporates an abundance of changes. As crude as it may sound, it is true that the body is a machine and that, with all machines, it becomes less functional with age.”
Despite the medical advances in the present century, aging cannot be stopped. People are living longer these days though, which is a wonderful advancement. Life expectancy has increased from 43 years in 1900 to about 71 (for men) – 78 (for women) in the present century. With more individuals in the older adult category, more research is happening to address ways to improve the aging process.
Improving Quality of Life
It is inevitable that things will change as we age, however, those changes don’t have to be negative. As you age your health and abilities will likely change. While it is natural to grieve the loss of youth, there are many things to be gained as well.
Focusing on all the negatives won’t be helpful, just as trying to focus only on the positives may be unrealistic. It is okay to have conflicting feelings about aging. You get to choose how much time you spend focusing on what. While this can be difficult, it is not impossible.
How Can Counseling Help with Aging?
When you find a therapist that is right for you, you can begin to process your feelings related to aging. You can receive validation and support while challenging thoughts that may be keeping you stuck.
A skilled therapist will allow space for you to process while challenging you to reframe thoughts and beliefs that don’t work for you. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy can be extremely effective, but it isn’t the only approach that works.
Licensed counselors and therapists are trained in a variety of approaches and can find what works best for you. You are unique and deserve interventions tailored to your needs so that you can get to where you want to be.
Get Started with CCS
Carolina Counseling Services – Pittsboro Office contracts with therapists who have online counseling and face to face availability. When you get to choose how you receive therapy you have better control over the outcome.
Find the therapist that is right for you and start enjoying your senior years. You’ve worked hard, you deserve to enjoy this next phase of your life. Call CCS today to get started.