Joyce Ann Isidro
When we think about aging gracefully, we think: zero wrinkles. Skin that is soft and tight, like a baby’s. Looking 30 at the ripe old age of 60.
But “aging gracefully” doesn’t only mean looking young.
In fact, people who truly age gracefully rarely ever worry about looking young.
Instead, they worry about their life’s purpose; the things they have yet to do; and the places they have yet to visit.
They think about what makes their life meaningful, and they fearlessly go after it.
So if you want to age like fine wine, read more below about the 9 things people who age gracefully always do.
1) They don’t worry about aging
These days, it seems like everyone is hyper-aware of how they age.
Teenagers wear sunscreen in fear of wrinkles, young people believe life is over when you’re past 25…
…but you know who truly ages gracefully?
It’s the people who live their life instead of worrying about the time.
The change that comes with the passage of time is scary, for sure, but it’s not a negative thing. It’s something they welcome, because change means the beginning of something new.
That’s why people who age gracefully believe their worth isn’t tied to how many years they’ve existed, because the years don’t really matter—it’s their experiences that do.
2) They live in the present
People who age gracefully aren’t fixated on the past, because they know they can’t change it.
Nor do they worry about the uncertainty of the future, because they believe there’s no sense worrying about things that haven’t happened yet.
You know why?
Because they’re deeply rooted in the present.
They firmly believe that everything comes and goes, which is why they relish in the joy that every day brings while also believing that every hardship shall pass.
3) They don’t just grow older; they also grow wiser
One of the most important things about people who age gracefully is their wisdom. They understand that aging gracefully isn’t just about growing older—it’s about growing wiser.
They take every experience as invaluable; it makes them unique; and most of all, it gives them the wisdom to navigate life’s most difficult challenges.
Because experience is the best teacher, even if they’ve made several mistakes over and over again, they always, always learn.
And with age comes the wisdom of knowing when to let go of things they can’t control.
4) They let go of what they can’t control
In life, there’s only so much we can control.
And if there’s one thing you can learn from a person who ages gracefully, it’s to let go of these things no matter how badly you want to hold on.
That’s because letting go of the things you can’t control means you have more time and energy to focus on the things you can control.
That means they don’t feel powerless when they let go of the uncontrollable—it makes them feel powerful to learn that, in such a difficult life, there are still so many things they can change.
5) They embrace change
Change is inevitable. People who age gracefully are no stranger to this fact. They’ve probably tried to fight it so many times, but to no avail.
So instead of resisting it, they welcome it with open arms. They don’t see change as a problem, but a chance to evolve, learn, and gain new experiences
Be it a change in appearance or a shift in life’s circumstances, they welcome it with open arms because they know that every new chapter brings a new lesson.
In fact, it’s the possibility of change that keeps them curious.
6) They stay curious
Contrary to what you might believe, curiosity isn’t only for the young; it’s also a trait of those who age gracefully.
No matter their age, they’re always eager to learn and explore, always in awe of the many things they have yet to learn even with their rich experiences.
It’s this thirst for knowledge and new experiences that keeps them alive, which is why, even if they’re older, they still make time for their hobbies.
7) They have hobbies
People think hobbies are only for children, but people who age gracefully politely disagree.
For them, there’s so much more to life than a corporate 9-5.
Even for people with adult responsibilities, if you have the luxury of taking a break every now and again, it’s important that you choose to do the things that make you happy.
For instance, being a mom doesn’t have to mean living life only taking care of children and being a housewife—moms deserve the free time to paint and read books, too, like their children do.
Life is already hard as it is, so if you want to age gracefully, make sure you spend some of your time not just on your hobbies, but with your friends, too.
8) They stay social
Life is made meaningful by the relationships we make.
It’s not true that once you settle in with your spouse and children, life stops for you. You can still have a life outside of your family; you can still have friends.
In fact, it’s these relationships that keep you young—that’s why people who age gracefully remain social, regardless of their age.
9) They practice kindness
Most of all, kindness is what makes a person age gracefully.
They’re like a ray of sunshine that gives warmth to whatever they touch. Regardless of whether or not you’re a stranger, they will always treat you with kindness.
Whether it’s a smile to a stranger, a kind word to a friend, or a gesture of compassion to themselves, kindness fills their life with joy.
In a cold and cruel world, they know that the greatest nobility is to act with warmth and kindness—it’s this attitude that keeps them young, most of all.
