Iowa State University experts have looked into the impact of "aging anxiety," which is characterized by physical and psychological changes, fear of losing autonomy, and loss of relationships as people move away or die.
In their study — which appeared in the journal Physical Activity and Health — they discovered that if you have high anxiety about getting older, you're more likely to have poor physical and psychological health down the road.
In contrast, people who think physical activity is enjoyable have fewer age-related psychological concerns, were more comfortable around older people and had a lower level of aging anxiety.
That's likely because as you age, continued physical activity and exercise dispels stress, makes you feel more in tune with your body; and maintaining (or increasing) your endurance instills physical and psychological confidence. Plus, you have more fun, and interact with others during exercise and discover new abilities.
In addition, a new Harvard study shows that another reason exercise is so beneficial as you age is it summons immune system cells to counter exercise-induced inflammation; those cells reduce levels of the signaling protein interferon that is a key driver of aging related to inflammation and inflammatory conditions.
You might want to consider Helen Mirren's advice, since having fun can help boost your well-being. When asked what she thought about aging gracefully, she replied, with a twinkle in her eye: "It's much better to age disgracefully!"