
We Can Do Hard Things 81. Pro-Aging: Why the Best is Yet to Come with Ashton Applewhite.
Mar 24, 2022
Ashton Applewhite, author of "This Chair Rocks," is a leading voice against ageism and advocates for positive aging. In this engaging discussion, she debunks the myth that aging brings unhappiness, revealing that many actually find greater joy as they grow older. Ashton highlights crucial predictors of aging well and emphasizes how societal misconceptions can harm health. She urges listeners to envision their future selves positively, inspiring a shift in how we perceive aging and encouraging a more compassionate view on this universal journey.
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Nursing Home Myth
- Only 2.5% of Americans over 65 live in nursing homes, contrary to common assumptions.
- This percentage has decreased over time, highlighting a misconception about aging.
Mindset's Impact on Aging
- Our attitudes about aging affect our physical and cognitive health.
- People with positive views are less prone to Alzheimer's, even with genetic predisposition.
U-Curve of Happiness
- Studies show happiness follows a U-curve, with people happiest at the beginning and end of life.
- This relates to how aging affects the brain, as older people become better at focusing on the present.


