Aging with Joy

Many of us have yet to make peace with getting old, which is puzzling, considering that it’s a stage of life we’ll all go through eventually, with any luck. But it’s not the “if” we are to question; it’s the “how” of navigating the aging process.

While some may fear aging or fall into acting “old” because of established stereotypes, others are breaking the mould and redefining getting old as a stage of life when joy and curiosity fuel self-care and growth—challenging the norms and making room for possibilities and thriving.

You may have heard it said that aging is inevitable, but frailty isn’t. Even though our bodies go through changes as we age, and some of them get in the way of doing the things we did in our younger years, that’s no reason to act one’s age.

It’s all about attitude

The way we age and our longevity are only partially influenced by our genes. Our circumstances and environment play major roles too, as does our lifestyle, which can be influenced by our beliefs surrounding health and aging.

“What’s important to me is my physical and mental health, and that I give my body every opportunity to age gracefully,” says Tracey. “All the wisdom and life experience I have accumulated over the years is serving me well now in my 60s.”

Fostering happiness, a practice that Tracey has embraced, is a choice we can all make by savouring the fleeting moments and simple pleasures that seem too menial to count.

“I cultivate joy every day in the smallest things; I laugh easily and feel very appreciative of my life,” she says. “I find joy in volunteering, teaching yoga, and taking and processing photos. I love coffee chats with my girlfriends and taking my dogs out for hikes.”

Curiosity can be your best friend

Just as Tracey nurtures joy through her pursuits, a thirst for knowledge also shapes her experience with the aging process.

Cultivating an inquisitive mindset allows for learning, connecting with others, and ultimately continuing to grow as a person. Whether it’s deepening one’s knowledge or pursuing new learning altogether, we establish more neural connections by acquiring new skills.

While middle age can feel stress-ridden and leaves only limited time for hobbies and relaxation, the decades that follow can be an opportunity to turn all that around, something Tracey is now experiencing firsthand.

“I am exploring hobbies that I could not do when I was working full-time and joining clubs where I get to learn new things,” she says.

Whether it’s learning to play an instrument, building strength and resilience (and brain power!) through physical training, or volunteering at a local food bank, curiosity opens doors to new possibilities while reducing the risk of cognitive decline and physical frailty.

How to not act your age

Let’s agree that aging does not mean becoming invisible or giving up one’s passions. On the contrary, many Canadians throw themselves into activities that challenge the stigma of what’s expected later in life.

Marita is a member of a canoe club (some members are just shy of 80!) that organizes regular multi-day trips into the backcountry. “I love canoeing, and though it’s more difficult to do in my 70s, I won’t give it up anytime soon,” she says. “Being on the water is the best feeling, and it’s worth the hard work to make it happen.”

Her husband, who’s also in his mid 70s, has yet to let a day go by without an hour-and-a-half of swimming coupled with a walk to and from the pool, which racks up well over 10,000 steps—with time to observe nature and snap a few photos along the way, no less.

Loneliness as a health risk

Group activities like Marita’s canoe club can also help stave off loneliness, a growing health concern. Affecting one in five Canadians over the age of 65, loneliness impacts the lowest income group the most and can negatively affect the cardiovascular system and immunity.

Joining a class, gym, or community group; phoning or writing letters to loved ones; or scheduling walks with friends not only help to combat isolation but also provide opportunities to meet like-minded peers. Over time, these connections can foster a sense of purpose, which can be a lifeline for those at risk of loneliness.

Shape your journey as you please

Aging with joy and curiosity allows individuals to live fully, regardless of chronological age. When we refuse to settle for stereotypes, we can redefine what it means to grow older—not as a period of decline, but one of exploration, finding purpose, and celebrating the gift of time.

This article was originally published in the March 2026 issue of alive magazine.