Age is mind over matter meaning

"Mind over matter" is a phrase that has been used in several contexts, such as mind-centric spiritual doctrines, parapsychology, and philosophy.

Merriam Webster Dictionary defines mind as "the element or complex of elements in an individual that feels, perceives, thinks, wills, and especially reasons"[1] and mind over matter as able to; "a situation in which someone is able to control a physical condition, problem, etc., by using the mind".[2]

The phrase "mind over matter" first appeared in 1863 in The Geological Evidence of the Antiquity of Man by Sir Charles Lyell (1797–1875) and was first used to refer to the increasing status and evolutionary growth of the minds of animals and man throughout Earth history.[3][page needed]

It may be said that, so far from having a materialistic tendency, the supposed introduction into the earth at successive geological periods of life — sensation, instinct, the intelligence of the higher mammalia bordering on reason, and lastly, the improvable reason of Man himself — presents us with a picture of the ever-increasing dominion of mind over matter.

Another related saying, "the mind drives the mass", was coined almost two millennia earlier in 19 B.C. by the poet Virgil in his work Aeneid, book 6, line 727.[4][page needed]

Parapsychology[edit]

In the field of parapsychology, the phrase has been used to describe paranormal phenomena such as psychokinesis.[5][6]

Mao Zedong[edit]

"Mind over matter" was also Mao Zedong's idea that rural peasants could be "proletarianized" so they could lead the revolution and China could move from feudalism to socialism through New Democracy. According to some, it departs from Leninism in that the revolutionaries are peasants, instead of the urban proletariat.[7]

Controlling pain[edit]

The phrase also relates to the ability to control the perception of pain that one may or may not be experiencing.[8]

As you listen, think about it… Wrinkles. Joint pain. Fatigue. Bla bla bla. Are these the only things you think of when you think about getting old? If so, then you’d better stop that. RIGHT now. That fact is, you’re not aging, you’re not, you’re getting better. And my podcast, The Not Old Better Show is for you: “Talk About Better.” And, the time is now! They don’t say ‘time is of the essence’ for nothing, and age truly is nothing more than an issue of mind over matter…

…If you don’t mind , it doesn’t matter !

Sorry, let me step back a few paces. I’m Paul Vogelzang, host of The Not Old Better Show, and today I want to talk to you about something. If you’re a 55+ podcaster, grooming expert, music lover and technology buff, like me, you really have nothing to hide or regret and everything to look forward to. That’s exactly why I started “The Not Older Better Show”, to keep our spirits alive, entertained and encouraged. But, not JUST our spirits, our sleek physiques and faces too, as well as our booming relationships, money and health.

This is basically a show where I talk to fun, informative, innovative, smart and talented authors, actors, scientists, film makers, and many others that those of us aged 55+ will be able to relate to, enjoy and laugh along with. The shows aren’t too long, because I get to know our guests, so that you can, too. I spend time editing, and making sure the sound is great so you can hear and see everything the way it’s meant to be. But the thing is, all that stuff is how it’s supposed to be done, what matters most is that you’re entertained and learn something.

Convinced? If not – I’ve got over 100 shows now, and I’m certain you’ll find something pleasing, plus lots more to come. Please click on the following link today, to start enjoying our “Talk About Better” along with many new friends, who are not getting older, just becoming vintage classics! Thanks for watching!

The answer is YES. Simple changes in mindset can provide massive benefits in physical and mental health. Psychologists have been studying the power of positive thinking for years. Positive thinking does not mean that you have to clear your head of all negative thoughts or be filled with imaginative thoughts, but rather that you handle negative thoughts in a more upbeat, positive, productive way. 

Thinking positively has been associated with:

     ⦁ Increased life expectancy 

     ⦁ Lower rates of depression

     ⦁ Lower levels of distress

     ⦁ Greater resistance to the common cold

     ⦁ Better psychological and physical well-being

     ⦁ Better cardiovascular health and reduced risk of death from cardiovascular                   disease

     ⦁ Better coping skills during hardships and times of stress

Although it is easier said than done, positive self-talk, experiences, and perceptions can have a massive impact on our physical and mental health. The concept of mind over matter, or how our perceptions affect our reality, has been studied extensively. 

One recent study examined views on aging, self-perceptions of aging, and aging stereotypes to examine how mindset plays a role in the physical and mental aging processes. The term “self-perceptions of aging” refers to the documented perceptions that individuals have of their own aging. SPAs are extremely individualized and based on a person’s experience and personal  beliefs about the aging process. Individuals can either have a loss-related SPA or growth-related SPA, which reveals how they view the changes that they experience while aging. The study followed a national sample of adults aged 40-85 in Germany for up to 21 years, following up with participants every few years. It revealed that around the age of 65, many individuals had a negative SPA, meaning that they had a more negative perception of the age-related changes that they were experiencing. A large influence in this decline is how societal aging stereotypes affect personal views of aging. In general, the American public holds very negative aging stereotypes and subscribes to several misconceptions about aging that require debunking. 

Center-affiliate faculty member and Distinguished Professor of Human Development and Family Studies,  Manfred Diehl — and colleagues Michael A. Smyer of Bucknell University and Chandra M. Mehrotra of College of St. Scholastica — have outlined and debunked these misconceptions. It is important to understand that what you hear about growing older is not always true, and changing your mindset is pivotal. 

The 3 misconceptions of aging and why they are not true: 

•  Growing older is primarily about loss and decline.
  • Growing older is not necessarily all loss and decline. As we age, our intellectual skills and emotional regulation continually develop from ages 20–70. This development is mainly positive and can affect other functions in a positive manner.
•  Adults have no control over the aging process.
  •  Adults have more control over the aging process than they believe. Engaging in physical activity for 30 minutes, 5 days a week can do wonders for your health, no matter when, no matter where. It is never too late to take control and there is always room for improvement.   
• Age-related loss is not reversible.
  • ⦁ Age-related loss may be reversible. A study showed that adults who had a more positive view of their aging were able to recover more easily from disabilities than individuals with negative views.

All these misconceptions contribute to individual SPAs, and it is important to break your thinking and train yourself to have a more positive outlook in life. Having a glass full mentality is easier said than done, so here are a few ways you can change your thinking to be more positive.

Table courtesy of MayoClinic.org

The next time you feel as though you cannot do something, be your own best friend, cheer yourself on, and remember that your mind is a powerful tool.

“You have power over your mind – not outside events. Realize this, and you will find strength.” Marcus Aurelius

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