Five steps to get you to ‘super-ager’ status

Planning for the future is hard, but that doesn't mean that individuals shouldn't consider the possibilities of tomorrow. The little actions that we make today can multiply over time and have an out-sized impact in the years ahead; both for the positive, as well as for the negative, if we're not careful. We all have the potential to be 'super-agers', which are individuals in mid- to later life who are mentally, physically, and cognitive healthier, as well as more socially, digitally, and economically connected than previous generations.

Sadly, too few of us have the ability to conceive a vision of later life; most individuals struggle with thinking past a decade or two. Short-termism, or the failure to escape the present moment and look forward, is a direct threat to our success. This is one of the primary reasons that all too many people fail to build adequate lifetime income, or why others lose their jobs, become isolated, get sick, or are forced out of their homes.

We have the power to turn short-termism on its head by making minor adjustments to our daily lives today. Here are five easy and actionable steps from The Super Age to get you on the right path to becoming a 'super-ager."

Future-proof your home - Individuals in middle-age spend the most money on home renovations, but they're often building for the home they want today and not the one they'll need tomorrow. The bathroom, which is the most dangerous space in the home also presents the most risk for an individual losing independence, since the most catastrophic falls happen there. It should incorporate good lighting, 'comfort height' toilets, zero barrier showers (that include a seat, where possible), floors with good traction, as well as 'backing' that can support grab bars for future use. With good design and smart materials use, these bathrooms can match form with function.

Create deep, meaningful, and age-diverse relationships - Friends prevent isolation and loneliness, which can be as dangerous as smoking nearly a pack of cigarettes a day. Individuals who are isolated and lonely are more at risk for heart disease, stroke, and suicide. Friends can increase the sense of belonging and purpose, as well as boost happiness and reduce stress. Age-diverse friends are important for a number of reasons too, because we're more likely not to compete or compare with them, our conversations can be much richer and meaningful, and there are near constant opportunities to share and learn, which all contribute to a richer and more meaningful life.

Develop resilience at work - Ageism is a constant uphill battle in life and at work. Despite our tight labor market, ageism will remain a threat to older workers maintaining their jobs in the future. As a general rule, older workers take twice as long to get a new job if they've been laid-off or fired and they earn half as much. Individuals can guard against job loss by engaging in lifelong learning and remaining curious in their day to day working lives. It's important to illustrate initiative, especially if you want to remain in the workforce, because those individuals who are seen as 'coasting' are nearly always on the chopping block first. Embracing younger colleagues is also a smart strategy, because the subordinates of today will be the hiring managers of tomorrow, so think twice before making that snarky comment about 'quiet quitting.'

Build lifetime income - If you are fortunate enough to work for an employer that offers a 401(k), the least you should do is match their contribution. Many of these retirement plans offer annual auto-increase options too, which one of the the easiest ways to build lifetime income without noticing. For those individuals who are interested in diversifying their lifetime income and 'leveling-up,' they should consider taking annual bonuses and investing them in an IRA or an annuity, which can help build financial resilience later on in life.

Focus on well-being - Diet and exercise are essential components to living a life that's longer and healthier. It's also important to limit the use of alcohol and smoking, as well as avoid drug use. However there are other things that we can do to extend healthy years and compress morbidity too, like developing hobbies, meditating, volunteering, and even owning a pet. Dog owners, for example, live longer than those with out dogs because they can drive behaviors like daily walks, regular socialization, and purpose, which are great for the mind and body.

Pick-up a copy of The Super Age: Decoding our Demographic Destiny today.