Written by Online therapist Dr. Gloria Vanderhorst, Ph.D.

SELF EXAMINATION

Aging, Attention, and the Art of Caring for Yourself

Self-care isn’t selfish—it’s survival. For individuals in Maryland and DC, this reflection explores how emotional awareness and physical discipline intersect, and how aging invites us to examine not just our bodies, but our habits and values.

I am due for my annual physical, but I am not considering that type of examination. I am thinking about the mental and emotional reflections that help us to see ourselves clearly and adjust as we age. Yes, I am going to talk about the dreaded topic of aging.

No matter what age you are, you are always aging! Hey, you are human. Humans age. Of course, we love to watch this process when looking at our young children, teenagers, or new college graduates. What happens to that sense of adventure and curiosity when we look at ourselves? We feel a joint start to stiffen, or a muscle weaken, or we see our skin loosen up in places. Ok. That is not fun, and we do have to use that exercise bike or treadmill in the basement. Besides, there are plenty of books on tape or excellent travel channels to watch. Sometimes, you can get so engaged in the media that you lose track of how long you have been walking or pedaling. That is a good thing! Give yourself a pat on the back if your arthritis will let you reach that far! Just kidding.

Looking at our health and wellbeing is essential. Humans are resilient and can stay healthy, fit, and vital for decades. The actual process is easy in terms of time and energy. The American Heart Association says that we can all stay fit and healthy with 20 minutes of moderate exercise daily. See, the exercise bike or treadmill does not need to be a place to hang old clothes! Hang yourself on these devices for 20 minutes, and you are good to go. Then, what stops us? If the process is truly that easy, why are we so resistant? Sometimes, I think I can spend more time protesting the idea of the exercise bike than it would take to ride the darn thing! This is not about time. This is about attention to me and discipline.

Many humans have difficulty attending to themselves. All you must do is look around. As a culture, we are a very unhealthy group. Then, look at yourself. Check your weight. Check your blood pressure. Check the last time you had a physical exam. Check the last time you spent 20 minutes in aerobic exercise. See where this is going? Taking care of ourselves is not a difficult task, and it is not time-consuming. The key is consistency. You have routines for many things. Those routines serve you well. Find the one routine that will serve your exercise needs and keep you strong for years to come.

Want to explore how aging and self-reflection support emotional and physical wellness? Visit Neuroscience News’ guide to midlife growth and self-acceptance, Smart Strategies for Successful Living’s reflections on aging, and Psychology Today’s insights on aging and comfort with self.

If you’re reflecting on aging, discipline, or emotional wellness, therapy can help. Learn more about individual therapy in Maryland and DC or explore therapeutic approaches that support emotional insight and life-stage vitality.