Using Mindfulness as We Age

My father used to say that getting old wasn’t for the faint of heart. He was right; coping with a changing body and mind is challenging. Yet, we can choose to experience this change as an opportunity rather than a crisis. Aging is inevitable — we are all subject to it, as well as to illness, loss and death as part of the human experience. Change creates stress, but it doesn’t mean we have to suffer. Using mindfulness as we age helps us connect to our strengths and find peace within the storm of change. A mindfulness teacher of mine once said that she didn’t worry about dying, but whether she was living fully now.

Responding to Change

How to Use Mindfulness as We Age

Shauna Shapiro, PhD, a mindfulness researcher, frames this response as attention, intention and attitude. We learn to bring a kind attention to the present moment, whatever it is. This helps us connect to ourselves and our inherent wholeness, which is the idea that, at our core, we're already complete, balanced and whole as human beings. By bringing kind, nonjudgmental attention to the present moment, we reconnect with this fundamental sense of wholeness in the face of life's challenges, be they distractions, stress or negative self-perceptions. With mindfulness, this concept encourages the view that we don’t need to “fix” ourselves, but rather rediscover and connect with this innate well-being through awareness. Our intention to face ourselves and be open to our thoughts and feelings about aging and its effects gives us the power to choose our response. Mindfulness helps us listen to our bodies and pause as needed to interrupt patterns of thought and behavior that aren't helpful. With practice, it becomes easier to face how we react, which is automatic and based on our experience. We learn the efficacy of the STOP:

1. Stop.
2. Take a breath.
3. Observe with kindness.
4. Proceed to give ourselves the space and time to recenter and refocus.

Doing this gives us more control to choose where we place our attention and remember our intention, which is wellness. Learning an attitude of acceptance and befriending, rather than fighting our experience frees up energy and is empowering. It’s also helpful to remember that everything changes — aging is part of life, as is growth and adaptability. We may come to understand that while our bodies are changing, we can still enjoy meaningful activities and find new ways to adapt. We may find the thought shifting to: “I can’t do everything I used to, but I’m learning to appreciate new ways of being.”

Accepting and Cherishing Change

I have been practicing mindfulness and teaching mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) classes for many years. It has helped me through bouts of cancer and to accept and cherish my aging body. It has taught me to worry less and laugh more. I can’t spring up from chairs like I used to do. And I no longer ride my bike or take long walks on rugged terrain, but I appreciate what is possible and feel grateful that I am alive. I find aging is like fine wine. With the proper attitude and intention, it gets richer and more flavorful with time. I do my best to live in the present with awareness and kindness, focusing on the beneficial rather than fear, worry, or aversion to pain and change. The present moment is my home, and I am grateful for being here. If we are lucky, we get old. If we are wise, we are grateful. If we treasure our spirit, mind, and body, we cultivate love and acceptance. By moving with change rather than resisting it, we are well. Read other posts about mindfulness. Guest Blogger: Elana Rosenbaum, Certified MBSR Teacher The Center for Mindfulness at UMass Memorial Health offers 8-week MBSR courses throughout the year. You may also consider the CFM’s free, weekly, online global meditation sessions, offered in English and Spanish, or one of our 4-week courses.