What if Age Is Nothing but a Mind-Set?

What if Age Is Nothing but a Mind-Set?

10/24/2014

link

http://mobile.nytimes.com/2014/10/26/magazine/what-if-age-is-nothing-but-a-mind-set.html

summary

This New York Times article explores the concept of aging and challenges the idea that it is solely determined by biological factors. It discusses the work of psychologist Ellen Langer, who argues that age is a subjective experience and can be influenced by our mindset. Langer's research studies involved placing older adults in an environment that recreated the conditions and culture of their youth, and she found that their physical and cognitive abilities improved as a result. The article also explores the impact of societal attitudes and stereotypes about old age, suggesting that they can lead to a self-fulfilling prophecy where people conform to these expectations. Overall, the article challenges the notion that aging is solely a biological process and highlights the importance of mindset in shaping our experience of getting older.

tags

aging ꞏ mindset ꞏ psychology ꞏ cognitive psychology ꞏ perception ꞏ stereotypes ꞏ ageism ꞏ mental health ꞏ healthy aging ꞏ positive thinking ꞏ self-perception ꞏ subjective age ꞏ attitudes towards aging ꞏ longevity ꞏ mind-body connection ꞏ mental well-being ꞏ personal development ꞏ self-improvement ꞏ happiness ꞏ aging gracefully ꞏ cognitive decline ꞏ successful aging ꞏ positive psychology ꞏ mindfulness ꞏ resilience ꞏ life satisfaction ꞏ aging process ꞏ social attitudes ꞏ age-related beliefs ꞏ psychological well-being ꞏ positive aging ꞏ mental attitude ꞏ age-related stereotypes ꞏ psychological perspectives ꞏ age-related mindset ꞏ aging research ꞏ perception of time ꞏ mindset theory ꞏ healthy mindset ꞏ psychological impact ꞏ psychological outlook ꞏ mental flexibility ꞏ mind over matter ꞏ aging mindset