Mr Chong from The Lion Mind stressed the importance of addressing the negative emotions one has around ageing.
“If left unaddressed, they can spiral into larger mental health issues, including chronic stress, social withdrawal or depression. Recognising and addressing these feelings early is essential,“ he said.
TO AGE WITH GRACE
The experts said it is great that I try to maintain my fitness and practise some form of self-care to cope with the changes that I see in myself.
But as with any other aspect of life, the key is to approach it with balance.
“You take the pressure off. Accept that ageing and its effects is a reality of life and that there are only certain factors in our control, two of which are being diligent with our skincare and protecting yourself from intense sun exposure,” Ms Avanti said.
She added that adopting more age-appropriate role models can be helpful, too, so that we may have a comparison that is more favourable to ourselves.
Another practical piece of advice the experts gave me is to stay connected.
“While you may naturally reduce the amount of certain activities due to a decrease in energy levels, it’s important to continue participating in the social activities you enjoy,” Mr Chong said.
“This helps maintain your sense of connection and belonging.”
On that note, people around us may help us better cope with our feelings with regard to ageing.
“Loved ones can be more affirming in what they appreciate about positive qualities (of ageing family members) and refrain from commenting on their changes in physical appearance,” Dr Tsao said.
It is also helpful to encourage healthy and open conversations about ageing.
“This reduces feelings of isolation and loneliness, helping the individual feel understood and supported,” Mr Chong said.
The experts also advised me to be more compassionate with myself and recognise that ageing is part and parcel of life.
“We can start by appreciating our bodies the way they are now, by imagining what our older selves would say if they looked back at a photo of us at this age,” Ms Avanti said.
It would also help to focus more on what I have gained instead of what I have supposedly lost, they said.
Instead of being overly concerned about that extra line on the face or the strand of grey hair on my head, they encouraged me to “embrace and celebrate” new strengths that come with age.
“For instance, as we age, we often become more patient, understanding and capable of offering meaningful suggestions to others, which enriches both personal and professional connections,” Mr Chong said.
I know that even if I don’t quite like my byline photo now, the future 70-year-old me will probably look back at it with kinder, albeit hazier eyes.
In the meantime, however, I’ll continue taking my occasional walks and eating my salads.
Even if realistically, these won’t make me feel better about how I look – perhaps not yet, fingers crossed – I know that they are still good for my well-being to some extent, and that matters more.