Emotion regulation in older people: a key to well-being

Healthy ageing involves emotional management. Despite physical and cognitive decline, older persons are more responsive to good emotions, according to multiple research. They like socialising. Their emotions are also more controlled.

According to Swiss philosopher Henri-Frédéric Amiel, learning how to age is the masterpiece of reason and one of the hardest elements of living. It's hard to reach old age with the same hope as a young man with a future. But older folks know that happiness doesn't come from waiting. True well-being is accepting the present with humility, simplicity, and positivity.

Much gerontology research suggests this. Despite his body's degradation and cognitive decline, the individual grows in happiness as he ages. Much of the population has decent emotional regulation as they get older. Thus, ageing can be better accepted.

The latest findings on older adults' emotional regulation
Emotion control in elderly persons is just recently studied. Given the rise in life expectancy, this group will be important in society in the next decades. Thus, reaching advanced years in good health is a major problem. It's not only physical health. The emotional level is most important.

Ageing research advances rapidly. Yale University emotion expert Dr. Derek Isaacowitzel built technologies to analyse older persons' attentional biases out of interest. These glasses record patients' attention-grabbing stimuli to analyse their emotional response.

In 90% of situations, older folks choose positive-emotion faces. This persistent desire for a smile, pleasant look, or kind phrase helps them control their emotions. Experts think the brain operates as a cognitive mediator by focusing on these inputs to diminish negative emotions and promote happiness.

Emotions don't decline with age.
Motivation changes initially with ageing. Limitations on long-term ambitions. The elderly invest in their present quality of life. The control of elderly people's emotions has a clear purpose and motivation. Optimising emotional experiences promotes balance, inner tranquilly, and interaction with friends and family.

All of this is the paradox of old age well-being. Older adults are happier with life on average. This is because they can control their emotions. This mechanism does not deteriorate as much as cognition.

We know that ageing mostly affects the frontal lobes. Attention, problem-solving, planning, etc. are here. However, emotions and our ability to engage with others through looks, smiles, and affection remain. Resists dangerous and devastating diseases like Alzheimer's.

We rarely filter reality as children. Allowing things to happen, we embrace feeling. As we age, we install filters and fences. The third age changes our perspective. Fences are gone, filters are selective. We prioritise and focus on what brings us well-being, not issues.

A positive life for the elderly depends on these factors. Three factors determine subjective happiness. Social, relational, and emotional factors matter most. Thus, healthy ageing requires selection and prioritisation. The requirement for daily happy feelings is paramount.

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