There can be many upsides to aging, including growing wiser with experience, more resilient after adversity, and more connected as family ties and friendships strengthen over the years.

But that doesn’t mean finessing life’s many transitions is always fun—in fact, it can sometimes be downright challenging. Just as your body changes as you age, your selfimage and outlook on life may also evolve, being influenced by factors like your physical health, mental acuity, socioeconomic status, social life, and significant events. Even when such changes are positive, they can still stir up feelings of self-doubt or uncertainty. These feelings are only natural, but refusing to let them bring you down is critical. Follow these tips to help you embrace the aging process and retain a youthful zest for life no matter which birthday you’re nearing.

Forget the number

In general, we tend to put a lot of emphasis on milestone ages, with our excitement for them growing staler as we hit each one—going from “I can’t wait to turn sixteen” to “I can’t believe I’m turning thirty” to “Am I really going to be fifty already?” However, there isn’t anything inherently negative that comes with these ages, making it curious why we focus on them at all.

So rather than the number, turn your attention to how you feel, or what scientists call your “subjective age.” Studies have shown that adults who don’t get caught up with their chronological age tend to feel younger than they are and have a more positive image of themselves and better mental health overall. They may even experience fewer physical problems and, on average, live more than seven years longer than those who view aging negatively.

Look after your physical health

One of the biggest grievances people often have with aging is the physical toll it has on the body, which is why taking care of it is vital to enjoying life at any stage. Prioritizing sleep, nutrition, and fitness can allow you to experience fewer aches and pains and have more energy so you can feel your best, in turn increasing your sense of happiness and overall enthusiasm in your day-to-day.

To start, make sure to get the recommended seven hours of sleep minimum a night; besides increasing your risk for conditions like obesity, heart disease, and depression, not getting enough shut-eye can simply make you feel older than you are. In addition, work on incorporating more plant-based foods into your diet while limiting your intake of saturated and trans fats, and aim to exercise moderately at least 150 minutes a week. Another key is to schedule regular checkups with your starthealthy.com | 39 doctor so they can catch and treat potential medical issues early. And when you do notice signs of aging, try to accept, if not embrace, them with confidence and grace—they’re merely a sign of the life you’ve lived and how far you’ve come.

Keep your mind sharp

A second common struggle with aging is cognitive decline, which can make certain tasks more difficult and lead to frustration. To keep your mind engaged and your spirits high, frequently take the opportunity to learn or try something new. The benefits can be vast—regularly challenging your brain can help maintain its functioning, prevent conditions like Alzheimer’s disease, and add more fun and fulfillment to your life. So make it your mission to strengthen your cognitive ability regularly by engaging in mentally stimulating activities like taking classes, working on puzzles, and planting an herb garden.

Find your joy

Star Trek actor William Shatner, who blasted into space for real at the age of ninety in 2021, has frequently said that his secret to maintaining a zeal for life is finding happiness even in the little things, including good food and his dogs. But you don’t have to orbit the earth to appreciate life to the fullest. Simply relish small pleasures and pursue what makes you happy with gusto, whether it’s playing with your kids or grandkids, participating in your book group, or traveling to a favorite spot. It may also be beneficial to keep a gratitude journal of everything you’re thankful for to help you stay focused on your positives.

Make connections

A good friend can do more than just make you smile; they can also help boost your self-esteem and support you as you navigate the changes that come with aging. Besides maintaining your current friendships, try to forge new connections as well to strengthen your social network. While this may require more deliberate effort than when you were younger, it can be made easier by organizing or participating in a group event like a book club, potluck dinner, or community cleanup. Also consider rekindling old friendships through text or social media.

Remember: age is just a number, so get out there and embrace each day as an opportunity to learn, grow, and connect. The best part of your life may just be waiting to be explored.