Positive Aging for Highly Sensitive Boomers
Guest article by Christine Magnussen
I’m over 60 and highly sensitive. I refer to myself as a “Boomer” (the moniker given to those born between 1946-64). In Western cultures, “Boomers and Beyonds” are referred to as “seniors,” “pensioners” or “elderly.” In youth-oriented societies, many older adults feel disconnected or even invisible. Asian and Native American cultures are known for revering their elders. There, the term “elder” signifies respect and honor for the wisdom they acquired. We have much to contribute and enjoy at this age, and we are more able to do that if we honor and care for our own minds and bodies.
What do Boomers want and need? The same thing all people do, especially those who are highly sensitive. To maintain a healthier, happier life, we require these mainstays to thrive and flourish:
Connection: We need to feel that we belong. Close relationships are crucial for longevity and happiness. 14 million Americans over 65 now live alone. As we age, we might become isolated or distant from family, so making new meaningful connections is key.
Security: We need to trust that our basic needs will be met.
Purpose: We yearn for a sense of meaning to feel we are making a contribution to the world.
Joy: Passion is the fuel that lights our fire to light up the world. There are so many ways to experience and feel joy.
Nourishing food: Nutritious meals can be delicious and easy to prepare. A Mediterranean diet high in vegetables, fruits, fish, nuts beans & olive oil can even reduce depression.
Activity: Our minds and bodies beg to be activated by visiting new places, trying new foods, and enjoying mental & physical activities. Fun movement elevates your mood, reduces anxiety, improves sleep, and gives you resilience to stress.
The inspiring documentary, Lives Well Lived produced by Sky Bergman, shows us how important all of these things are, particularly in our booming years. This film features active people who overcame extraordinary challenges and found their wholeness and health by living their passions and finding new connections.
Psychotherapist Julie Bjelland, founder of the Sensitive Empowerment online community for highly sensitive people suggests that we often become more sensitive as we age. By being proactive and preventive (at any age), you can “reverse the damage and improve your health, increase your ability to cope, feel more energy, sleep better, and be in a better mood.”
Read more about: Why HSPS are more impacted by stress
Bjelland is an expert in the innate trait of high sensitivity. Her self-paced HSP courses, online community, books, and podcasts offer valuable insights and tools to flourish as an HSP.
If your high sensory nervous system has been taxed by one of the major stressors (for me, a recent downsize), you might be more reactive, less tolerant and even have less self-compassion.
You may have moved from your home into a multiplex that presents its own set of new challenges. Here’s a chance to practice what you learn in Bjelland’s courses! I’ve recently entered the world of “close neighbors” and depend on her strategies and positive psychology to thrive vs. white-knuckle it.
I have learned to shield myself from my caustic next-door neighbor whose attempts to envelop me are almost comical. I minimize our interactions, use email vs in-person and inject humor and lightness if we pass in the hall. My new downstairs neighbor takes his daily shower at 5:30 am but he laughs all evening, and for that, I smile.
Our sensitivity can also be DELICIOUS! I find that I almost “taste” the teal blue accents I’ve added between these white walls. When my panoramic windows gift me with the sight of a double rainbow, I marvel at nature’s light show and talk about it for days. Eating a healthy “Snicker’s bar” (nut butter-filled date drizzled with dark chocolate) delights my sweet tooth for a week. SAVORing with all of our senses is a gift we HSPs can truly “sink our teeth into!”
I was just interviewed on a holistic health podcast about my work as an HSP Health Coach and how the Science of Happiness perspective can be a lifesaver. Some of my favorite concepts are: Savoring ~ Flow ~ Gratitude ~ and Flourishing. I weave all of these perspectives into coaching. Hear why health coaching is especially important for “Boomers & Beyonds” in the Positive Aging radio interview.
The National Council on Aging reports that 80% of older adults have at least one chronic disease and 77% have two or more. Diseases are only about 40% attributed to genetics. How we live our lives determines the majority of our health outcomes. These health issues are especially relevant to Boomers and Beyonds:
Sleep - Learn ways to prepare your mind and body for a restful night (and stress-less days).
Reduce stress in your body and mind.
Increase activity - Strengthen heart, reduce weight. The best exercise is one we enjoy!
Build muscle and bone - Prevent osteoporosis, and build strength and flexibility.
Sharpen cognition through enjoyable mind-activating stimulation.
Eat healthier - Learn simple, tasty ways to eat.
Build social connection - Avoid isolation by interacting with others.
Keep a positive attitude about yourself and others.
(Re)-discover your passions - LIVE what you LOVE!
Practice self-care especially when we take on the role of caregiver
When I turned 65 and got 5 reversible diagnoses I knew that I could either decline or be proactive. I’m out the door now to the “Make the Shift” biking class! This new passion is delighting my senses, building muscle, and getting me outside where (selectively) I travel new pathways while feeding my senses. See you there!
HSP Boomer? Discover upbeat ways to stay healthy and manage & celebrate your HSP qualities! HSP Coach Christine will support you in designing joyful ways to move & fuel your body, and engage in the world. THRIVE in your Prime!
Get acquainted in a free 20 minute call with Coach Christine!
Christine Magnussen is a Master Certified Senior Health Coach who offers Positive Aging Coaching, especially for HSP Boomers. She looks forward to being your guide alongside you on your amazing journey called Life. Take the first step & connect with her at: YourVitalityCoach.com
Some men have expressed frustration about my focus on women’s autism experiences, but this emphasis addresses a longstanding research gap that makes women-centered support essential.