Savoring: The Overlooked Secret to Aging Well
There comes a moment in life when we realize something unsettling.
Time is moving faster. Faster than we would like it to move.
Monday becomes Thursday in what feels like a coffee refill. Summers become shorter, and we catch ourselves saying “wasn’t it just Christmas” as we are standing in a store selling Memorial Day decorations.
This is where savoring comes in.
Savoring is the ability to notice, appreciate, stretch, and emotionally absorb moments in life as they happen. Time can slow down, allowing us to appreciate life more.
As poet Mary Oliver once wrote-
“Instructions for life: Pay attention. Be astonished. Tell about it.”
Researchers at the University of California found that intentional savoring of positive experiences can improve resilience, lower stress, increase life satisfaction, and may even reduce anxiety and depression. People who maintain positive emotional engagement with life consistently show better health outcomes, stronger social connections, and greater overall well-being as they age.
Translation: People who learn how to enjoy the little things in life tend to age well. This may seem obvious, but many of us have forgotten how to fully enjoy a Tuesday afternoon.
But the good news is that as we age we become better at emotional regulation and prioritizing meaningful experiences. Psychologists call this “socioemotional selectivity theory”.
And we find the best times to savor are the micro moments of small repeated pleasures:
The morning walks-rain or shine.
The second cup of coffee in your special chair.
Gardening.
Watching the first snow fall of the season.
So many more.
These moments seem ordinary while we live them, but can make Tuesday afternoon so much more enjoyable if we let them.
We all need the day when the wisdom of aging taps us on the shoulder to remind us that life is a gift, even on a Tuesday afternoon.
Enjoy… savor your day,
Just a little extra-
A few thoughts on improving our savoring game:
Stay in the moment just a little longer.
Allow yourself to enjoy the little things.
Share the experience with others.
Relive the moment, even the little ones.
Use all five senses…if possible.
The key to aging well and slowing down time - learn how to inhabit the moment while quietly making it a memory.
References
Cole, Garry. February 2024. Are We Old Yet? (Yes, I used my book as a reference)