Ageing positively does not mean pretending that everything is perfect. It does not mean ignoring illness, hiding worries or expecting ourselves to feel cheerful all the time.
It means recognising that later life can bring changes while continuing to focus on what matters to us. This might include staying independent, making our own choices, spending time with people we care about and continuing to enjoy a sense of purpose.
Healthy ageing is not simply about being free from illness. The World Health Organization describes it as maintaining the abilities that allow us to live well and do the things we value. This can include moving around safely, making decisions, maintaining relationships and contributing to our family or community.
Some common worries about ageing
Most of us will have concerns about getting older at some point. We may worry about:
Losing our independence
Becoming less mobile
Having to rely on other people
Feeling lonely or disconnected
Losing confidence in everyday activities
Becoming a burden to our family.
In our experience working with older patients, talking about a concern early can give us more choices. It helps our friends and family understand what we’re worried about. It can also help us find support before a small difficulty begins to have a greater effect on our life. It’s important to remember that everyone ages differently and many changes can be prevented, treated or supported.
“Positive ageing is not about denying that our health and circumstances may change. It is about recognising what matters to us, looking after the abilities we have and seeking the right support when it can help us continue to live well.”
- Dr Richard King, Medical Director and Founder of Significare
Independence means different things to different people
Independence doesn’t mean doing everything without help.
For one person, independence means continuing to drive. For someone else, it means preparing their own meals, going for a daily walk or choosing how they spend their time. For others, it means attending a local group or being able to live safely at home.
Receiving support can often protect our independence. A walking aid can make it easier to leave the house confidently. Physiotherapy can improve strength and balance. Help with one demanding task can leave more energy for the activities we most enjoy.
Purpose and connection matter too
Health is not only physical. Feeling useful and connected can make an important contribution to our wellbeing.
A sense of purpose can come from many places, including:
Supporting family or friends
Caring for a pet
Taking part in a community group
Gardening, cooking or creative activities
Sharing knowledge and experience
Having a regular routine.
If your social circle is changing as you age, rebuilding connections takes time. A short conversation, a regular phone call or a shared activity can help us feel connected.
What can you influence?
We cannot control every change in our health or circumstances, but we can often influence more than we realise, particularly when we take action early.
You may be able to support your wellbeing by:
Moving your body regularly in a way that is suitable for you
Building your strength and balance
Eating well and drinking enough
Keeping up with health checks and reviews
Staying in contact with other people
Keeping your mind active
Making your home easier and safer to use
Asking for help when something begins to feel difficult.
Small actions you can take now
Choose one action that feels useful and realistic. You could:
Arrange a health check or appointment you’ve been putting off
Add a short walk or another form of movement to your day
Contact someone you haven’t spoken to recently
Review your home for anything that makes moving around difficult
Talk to someone you trust about a concern
Ask a health professional how you can improve your strength or balance.
Ageing positively is not about achieving a perfect version of later life. It is about continuing to value your health, your choices and the life you want to lead.
At Significare, we are developing a more personal approach to healthcare for people aged 65 and over. Our private healthcare service helps people understand their health, access appropriate support and maintain independence for as long as possible.
Please use our Contact Form to get in touch if you’d like further information.