8 things that are awesome about getting older

By Vivian Nunez

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The older you get, the more you have to be grateful for.

Many parts of aging are difficult — from physical changes to losing those you love along the way — but there are also rewarding experiences that only come with getting older. It’s okay to challenge yourself to hold both the joys and challenges of aging as you look back and forward. Even if these experiences feel like contradictions, remind yourself that they help tell your full life story.

In our Calm Health Aging Well: A Guide to Growing Older program, we lay out a guide to growing older that touches on the realities of aging.

Below, we’ve pulled together a list of gratifying experiences that come with growing older (and wiser).

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An upside of aging: You gain life experiences and the memories that come with them

The older you get, the more treasured moments you collect: you might visit new corners of the world, watch loved ones blow out candles, or read books that envelop you in wonder and adventure. All of these experiences become a part of your memory bank. You get to reflect on your sweetest experiences and hold onto them as often as needed.

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An upside of aging: You have the time to acquire crystallized intelligence

In our Calm Health Aging Well: A Guide to Growing Older program, you will learn about crystallized intelligence. In a nutshell, crystallized intelligence means that you’re more adept at using and understanding all you have learned in your life. This can be one of the most gratifying parts of growing older.

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An upside of aging: You have the chance to change your perspective on gratitude

Life experiences help mold our relationship to gratitude and what or who we are grateful for. The more we live, the more we can clarify and deepen our definition of gratitude.

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An upside of aging: You may tap into positivity more often

Speaking of gratitude, some of us are more likely to recognize the positive side of life’s experiences as we age. Our Calm Health Aging Well: A Guide to Growing Older program introduces you to this “positivity effect” and the reality that, for many, growing older allows us to better manage our emotions, particularly our anger.
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An upside of aging: Growing older means many of your most special relationships have grown with you

In addition to all you experience intrapersonally when getting older, you will likely spend more time with those you hold closest to your heart. While aging may bring grief, each passing year affords you more opportunities for love as well.
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An upside of aging: You may have a clearer sense of your values

Younger generations often turn to older generations for advice, not just because they are more experienced, but because that experience can bring with it wisdom and deep understanding. It’s possible that the lessons you have learned with age have afforded you a clearer understanding of your values and priorities.

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An upside of aging: You may be more confident in yourself

Nothing builds more confidence than living a lot of life; growing older gracefully is just that. Being more openly and authentically yourself tops the list as one of the most rewarding parts of getting older.
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An upside of aging: You may know where you want to spend your time

No matter your age, you get to have fun and spend your time in ways that make you feel fulfilled. There’s a good chance you know exactly what activities or people help you check this
box. You can thank getting older for knowing yourself this well! No matter your relationship with aging, encourage yourself to bask in the benefits and rewarding parts that come with it. Our Calm Health Aging Well: A Guide to Growing Older program can support you on your aging journey.

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Calm Health is not intended to diagnose or treat depression, anxiety, or any other mental or physical health condition. The use of Calm Health is not a substitute for care by a physician or other health care provider. Any questions that you may have regarding the diagnosis, care, or treatment of a health condition should be directed to your physician or health care provider. Calm Health is a mental wellness product.