At Tacoma Laser Clinic, we’ve noticed the way social media can impact a person’s health and wellbeing. This month, we’d like to highlight how social media is changing the way people think about aging.
Over the last 10 years, communication technology has brought us closer than ever. Social media such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Tik-Tok are all everyday modes of communication that can connect us with people from all different backgrounds, ages, and walks of life. Especially amongst the COVID-19 pandemic, people are reaching out more for a sense of community to help them feel grounded and connected.
The Social Connection
What does this have to do with aging? The increased visibility allows us to share a wealth of beneficial information on how to take care of yourself as you age. Across social media, there are millions of tips and “life hacks” on how to stay healthy and engage in activities that lead to better health and wellness.
Social media’s large outreach displays a variety of videos, not just ones about gym workouts or fancy diets, but also videos and blogs dedicated to teaching people with limited mobility, certain health conditions, and budgets how to live a healthier, happier life. These posts include lifestyle changes such as sharing recipes and alternative workouts to more complex subjects of how to cope with some of life’s difficulties or investing in stocks to help save for a rainy day.
Power of Positivity
The sense of community that social media creates can allow people to feel comforted and more secure. With a new sense of confidence in their lives, the power of positivity can be harnessed.
Studies show that people with more optimistic can-do attitudes often believe they can better cope with life’s challenges and therefore are less stressed as they age.
It is no secret that your feelings, thoughts, and mood can influence you physically. The idea of only being as old as you feel can be true. Learning new ways to lower stress levels through mediation or mindful practices does reduce your blood pressure. Finding a new hobby you enjoy can increase endorphin levels making you feel happier. Consistently fueling your body with a well-balanced diet and adequate hydration can make you feel renewed with energy.
Rethinking Age
One of the greatest benefits of social media is that it has made people aware of how strong the mind-body connection is and that activities such as mediation, engaging with those around you, and adopting a more optimistic outlook are important tools to aging well.
When you look for the positive side, you’ll start to see it more and more in day-to-day occurrences and as time goes on the negative challenges or setbacks won’t seem as difficult. You’ll begin to make more informed, healthy choices to life’s challenges and your mindful attitude will encourage you to feel more optimistic about the outcomes.
So often the negative stereotypes of aging make people think “I can’t do this because I’m too old” and prevent people from participating in healthy activities and situations. If you care for your body as you age, not only can you improve your health and wellness but also your overall quality of life.
Social media’s impact on the way people view aging has proven that with care, your age doesn’t have to stop you from living your best life. There are many adults over the age of 65 still doing many of the things they loved to do when they were 35 and younger. At Tacoma Laser Clinic, we are also here to help you age gracefully. For more information on our services and how we can help you or to schedule an appointment, contact our office at (253)272-0655.
Learn More: https://www.apa.org/monitor/2020/10/adults-control-aging