Continuing to Grow in the Third Third

“Aging isn’t just about decline. Here’s how health improves as we grow older.”

This is the title of a recent National Geographic article that caught my attention. No doubt many of us can testify to the first part of this title, but what are some ways that our health – physical, emotional, & spiritual improves as we get older?

According to a growing number of scientific studies, how we choose to think about aging makes a big difference in how we experience it. Studies show that people who hold more positive beliefs about aging are more likely to have better cognitive health, fewer mental health issues, and even a longer lifespan. A positive outlook “leads to better cognition, cognitive health, lower likelihood of depression and anxiety later in life,” says Michelle Feng, a psychologist who specializes in geriatric psychology and medicine.  According to this article, “New science suggests there’s plenty that actually gets better with age—if you let it.”

So, what improves with age?  Here’s what the research shows:

1. We get better at handling stress.
2. We become more emotionally resilient.
3. Experience makes us wiser.
4. We stop caring what everyone else is doing.
5. Yes, sex can still be great.
6. Our happiness may peak later than we think.
7. Our mindset shapes how we age.

HERE is a link to the article if you would like to read more.

“Let’s Talk About Brain Health” was the presentation at the July Third Third Lunch. Check out the graphic below on things we can do to keep our brains healthy. Click HERE for a link to the video recording in case you missed it.

My wife, Kim, and I would like to invite you to join us in serving at Elementary Wednesday Nights. Join our 1st through 4th graders on Wednesdays to explore what it means to find and follow Jesus. You can serve as a small group leader (5:45-7:30 pm), food server or greeter (5:45-6:30). You can serve every week, once a month or whatever rhythm works best for you. Here is the SignUpGenius link to sign up. Once you sign up, Cindy Nyagaki, our Associate Director of Elementary, will contact you about orientation. Let me know if you have any questions.

Don’t miss the information below about our upcoming Alzheimer’s Caregiver Support Groupand our next Lunch & Learn on Grandparenting, both coming in September, and the Flourishing in the Third Third of Life class in October.

Improving with you in the third third of life,

Steve McLean, Pastoral Fellow