While some cultures celebrate the wisdom and insight that comes from getting on in years, in North America, where youth reigns supreme, the thought of growing old ‘gracefully’ has been replaced by a war on aging. Whether it’s battling fine lines, sagging skin or the fading memory of maturation, getting older is something to be fought at every turn. But despite all the medical and technological breakthroughs one fact can’t be denied: we’re all getting older.

The Gifts of Getting On in Years

Discovering the rewards of aging not only encourages a healthy relationship with your own advancing years, but can also help you appreciate the riches older colleagues or loved ones have to offer. Getting older means:

Living life in the here and now. As people age, they start to recognize that they might not be around forever. While youths are busy stressing about the future—landing a dream job, or finding an ideal mate, for example— the older crowd are better able to kick back, relax and enjoy life in the moment.

Getting wiser. A recent study found older adults were more effective than younger participants at providing advice and insights on major life issues. In fact, they ranked just below expert advisors (including clinical psychologists). The moral? Though the voice of experience may take a bit more time to formulate an answer, when it does, the advice it offers is usually spot on.

Working more efficiently. There’s no denying that age can slow the body down. But a recent experiment, which compared college-aged typists with experienced typists in their 60’s, shed new light on the perks of experience: efficiency. While the young typists recorded quicker reaction times, the 60-plus group had no problem matching the 60 word-per-minute pace, slicing time off by reading ahead as they typed and conserving on finger movements. The results suggest an ‘experienced’ brain is able to find new ways to maximize efficiency and make up for slowing motor skills.

Fewer regrets. Research suggests that older people don’t sweat over choices they’ve made in the past. Unlike their younger counterparts, who are more likely to second guess earlier decisions, older adults focus in on the positive. Whether this outlook is caused by an experienced perspective or a shift in priorities is unclear, but when push comes to shove, the grey-haired set is less likely to live with regrets.

Tips for Growing Older Grandly

Though it can certainly be a challenge at times, you can become friends with the aging process by making a concerted effort to:

Get connected. Bar none, the most important component of aging happily is to maintain meaningful relationships. Older people who are socially active with family and friends not only tend to live longer, but lower their chances of suffering from depression. Broaden your network by taking a night class, joining a club (book, fishing, golf—the choice is yours) and making a regular dinner ‘date’ with friends and/or family. These connections keep you focused on what’s really important: the people you care for and the lives you’ve touched.

Broaden your brain’s horizons. Need another reason to join that class? By exploring new activities can actually help your brain build new networks of connections and keep your grey matter sharp. Become a life-long learner: switch off the TV and open a book, sign up for that course in Latvian Art History (the one you’ve been meaning to take for the last twenty years) or even flex your mental muscles on the advanced Sunday crossword.

Stay fit. Though you may not be competing in a decathlon anytime soon, regular physical activity that elevates your heart rate—30 minutes a day a minimum of three times a week—helps your ticker stay in ship shape. Additional resistance training with light weights or rubber exercise bands, not only builds muscle, but also keeps aging bones strong and healthy. The discovery that physical activity can help fight the effects of depression and actually boost efficiency of brain function are also great incentives to get moving. Walking, swimming and aqua-fit classes, which tend to be gentler on the joints, are great ways to stay in shape at any age. Remember to always consult your doctor before beginning any physical activity program.

Remember the memory myth. Think age is the reason you can’t remember that acquaintance’s name? Then you might actually be buying into the memory myth. Many people have trouble recalling names or memorizing phone numbers, but are less likely to blame it on old age when you’re 25. In this case it’s better to think like a teenager: chalk up forgetfulness to the fact that you were stressed or weren’t really paying attention. If however, you forget meeting that acquaintance altogether, are unable to recall the name of a close friend, or suffer episodes of confusion, you should consult your doctor immediately.

Quit while you’re ahead. While it’s impossible to reverse all the damages done by a lifetime of smoking, unhealthy eating or inactivity, it’s never too late to put a stop to bad health habits. Doing so can still significantly lower your risk for heart disease and certain cancers.

Be honest in hard times. Laughter, love and loss are all part of the cycle of life. As people age, loss of friends and loved ones becomes inevitable. Bottling up or hiding feelings of sadness can slow the healing process. Turn to friends and family for emotional backing. Still struggling? Consult a professional for further support and information that can help you better cope with your grief.

Wise people know that getting older isn’t about a battle to end wrinkles or conceal grey hair. It’s about truly knowing and accepting yourself, imperfections and all; and the thrill of discovering new things about yourself, loved ones and the world outside your door. With a positive mindset and some self-reflection, aging can be an experience that’s not only admired but celebrated.