A positive outlook on aging can support healthier habits, resilience, and relationships. Learn how attitudes and ageism can shape health and well-being.

Positive attitudes about aging bring many benefits—such as healthier habits, greater resilience, and stronger relationships. 

Baby boomers are more likely than Gen Z to view aging positively.

Ageism can harm health and reduce quality of care. 

Did you know that your attitude toward aging can influence your health and longevity? Research shows that people who view aging positively not only feel better but may also live longer.¹ Embracing the aging process isn’t just good for individuals—it can also foster a more inclusive society where everyone feels accepted and valued. 

Whether you're looking to gain a fresh perspective on aging, know someone who could benefit from shifting their outlook, or simply want to learn more, this article is for you.

Generational Differences 

According to a recent survey by Transamerica Institute, 82% of baby boomers have a positive view of aging, compared with just 68% of Generation Z.² This gap is concerning, as younger people with a negative view of aging may carry feelings of anxiety and depression into later life. 

Shifting our perspective, especially early in life, can help us see aging as an opportunity rather than a loss. This mindset makes it more likely that you’ll build healthy habits for tomorrow and develop resilience to carry you through every stage of life. 

Why Attitude Matters

The way we think influences how we live. Some examples of how attitudes toward aging affect physical and mental health include: 

• Influencing our daily habits. Someone who feels good about aging is more likely to exercise regularly and eat a healthy diet, as they want to preserve their long-term health.
• Having better mental health. Someone who has a positive outlook on aging is less likely to struggle with their mental health than someone who has a negative outlook on getting older.
• Living a healthier life. Studies suggest that satisfaction with aging is associated with better overall health and well-being.³ 

What is Ageism? 

A major barrier to positive aging is a concept known as ageism. Ageism is stereotyping, discrimination, or prejudice based on age. Ageism can appear in many everyday situations, from the workplace to medical settings 

The consequences are serious. Ageist attitudes can: 

• Lead to inadequate medical care. When health care providers dismiss concerns with phrases like “you’re just getting old," patients may feel overlooked and fail to get the treatment they need.
• Limit access to career opportunities. Older adults may be passed over for job offers or promotions, preventing them from sharing their skills, wisdom, and experience. 
• Lower self-esteem. Ageist attitudes can lead some older adults to isolate themselves or feel unworthy, which harms confidence and connection.  

The first step in addressing ageism is acknowledging that it exists. By reflecting on these attitudes, we can break free from them—benefiting both older adults and society as a whole. 

Benefits of Positive Aging

A positive outlook on aging comes with tangible benefits, such as: 

• Improved health outcomes. Greater satisfaction with the aging process is associated with fewer chronic conditions and better overall well-being. 
• Better mental resilience. Older adults who feel positive about aging are less likely to experience mental health issues.
• Healthier habits. People who feel good about aging are more likely to have healthy habits to support their long-term health.
• Stronger communities. When people of all ages are embraced, they are more likely to feel valued and respected, which benefits society as a whole.

How to Foster a Positive View on Aging

Now that we’ve explored the many benefits of positive aging, you may be wondering what you can do to adjust your perspective—or help a loved one adjust theirs. Here are a few practical tips:

• Educate yourself about stereotypes. Aging is not synonymous with decline. Recognizing myths and misconceptions is the first step in changing how we view the aging process.
• Show respect and appreciation. Model the behavior you’d like to see from others by valuing and uplifting the older adults in your life. 
• Encourage intergenerational connections. Diversify your social circles to include people of varying ages and backgrounds—you might be surprised by how this broadens your outlook in positive ways.

Final Thoughts 

By embracing the journey of aging with positivity, we can improve our own well-being while helping create a society that values the wisdom and experience of every generation. 

1. Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, “Positive Attitude About Aging Could Boost Health,” Aug. 24, 2022. https://hsph.harvard.edu/news/positive-attitude-about-aging-could-boost-health/
2. Transamerica Center for Retirement Studies. An Uncertain Future: Retirement Prospects of 4 Generations. June 2025. p.66. https://www.transamericainstitute.org/research/publications/details/uncertain-future-retirement-generations-research-2025
3. J.S. Nakamura et al., “Associations Between Satisfaction With Aging and Health and Well-being Outcomes Among Older U.S. Adults,” JAMA Network Open, Feb. 1, 2022. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35138398/