Top 5 reasons getting older is awesome
While some people look at aging as a scary and crippling process, there are others who embrace the rite of growing older as a something to be celebrated and honoured.
Now, people across the country can celebrate their seasoned community members on Canada’s first annual National Senior’s Day, happening October 1, which coincides with the United Nations’ International Day of Older Persons.
“The Government is proud to pay tribute and recognize the many contributions seniors make to their families, communities, workplaces and society,” said Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development at an event to kick off celebrations in Toronto on Friday September 30.
We here at Shine would like to celebrate National Seniors Day with the top five reasons why getting older is awesome.
Happiness levels increase
Chalk it up to less work stress because of retirement, or perhaps because the responsibilities of raising children are out of the way, but several studies show that happiness levels increase past middle age.
As Chatelaine reported, “ a 2010 study of over 300,000 Americans found that levels of anger, stress and worry all plummet at 50 and within a few years happiness rises” - this was regardless of gender or marital and employment status.
Seniors’ discounts
Young or old, who doesn’t love saving 10 to 15 percent at their favourite store, or getting a free book of stamps on Tuesdays? Many retailers offer s discounts ranging from modest to generous for those in their golden years. And the deals aren’t just for those 65 and up, some start at 50 – just ask!
[See also: 10 health benefits of sex]
More free time
Not having to head out to the nine-to-five grind frees up a lot of time to do the types of activities that bring you pleasure, whether it be arts and crafts, swimming, gardening or spending time with your family.
When the kids are out of the house it can also give you and your partner the chance to reconnect with one another a relive some of the romance from your younger days (if you ever lost it!)
Less stress
The idea that older folks have less stress could probably be argued, however, there’s not much denying that after 50-plus years navigating your way through this journey called life, you’ve probably picked up a few really good coping strategies for every day stressors. You’ll also have the benefit of perspective on your side, so that something small like getting stuck in traffic, which would have normally sent in you into a tizzy years ago, doesn’t seem like such a big deal now.
Better sex
Being intimate with your partner later in life has a whole slew of benefits. You’re more experienced than you were in your younger years, and you very likely don’t have to worry about the ‘surprise’ of an unplanned pregnancy. You might even find that since you’re not in such a hurry to get the deed done for fear of being caught by parents or children, you even enjoy the experience more. And years of sexual knowledge means you’re probably not afraid to ask your partner for what pleases you.
Plus, a study in the Journal of the American Geriatric Society found that women who report sexual satisfaction later in life are also happier in general, reports the Daily Telegraph. And other studies show that it’s good for your heart too.
What’s your favourite aspect of growing older?
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