4 Lessons from Dogs on Aging Gracefully
We all understand that aging is a privilege - one that some people don’t get a chance to have. At times, it can feel that our culture is obsessed with staying young, with social media overrun with content on anti-aging tips and hacks.
Sometimes, it feels like a firehose of information that we didn’t sign up for – but one that we are faced with daily. Now that we are in our 50s, Ron and I find ourselves thinking more about how we want to age—not just physically, but mentally and emotionally – and interestingly, some of the best lessons we’ve learned about aging come from our dogs.
We’ve had several dogs who lived wonderful lives right up until their final months. They didn’t waste years worrying about gray hair (or gray fur), wrinkles, or slowing down. Nor did they have other dogs commenting on their looks or complaining about how they were aging. Dogs simply live in the moment, embracing life as it comes. As we’ve transitioned into this new stage of our lives (also being empty nesters), we’re starting to appreciate our dogs’ wisdom more than ever.
Lewie Living in the Moment
Lesson 1: Chase What Matters - Dogs don’t look in the mirror and wonder if they looked better 5 years ago. They’re not wincing at the gray in their muzzle, and they don’t compare themselves to younger dogs at the park. Instead, they do things that matter to them – things that make them happy, like chasing a ball or just rolling in the grass.
In Dog Years - Photo by Ron Schmidt
I recently decided to embrace the white hair I’ve been fighting to hide for 25 years. In doing this, I found unexpected freedom. In addition to the time (and money) I saved from coloring my hair every four weeks, I’ve felt the freedom of not caring what people think about how my hair makes me look. Whether they think I look older or washed out or better, as long as I am happy with it, that’s all that matters.
How often do we hold ourselves back from doing something because we’re worried about how we look or how others perceive us? My silver streaks are a visible marker of time, and instead of fighting it, I’ve decided to own it. Dogs don’t chase youth; they chase what matters - happiness. And so should we.
Lesson 2: Keep Moving
As dogs age, they don’t dwell on what they used to be able to do. They simply adapt. Maybe they can’t sprint like they used to, but they’ll still go on walks, take in the world, and find new ways to enjoy life with no complaints. One of the last things we did with our dog, Sammy, was to take him for a walk. Even though his pace was slow, with achy hips and cloudy eyes, he simply got up and went one last time around the block with us.
Sammy Hiking in Woods
Aging, for me, means adjustments, not limitations. It means embracing new ways to stay active and moving. I find myself doing less cardio and more strength training these days because I’ve learned that strong muscles are one of the keys to longevity. My workouts look different than they did in my 30s, but I still move, stretch, and strengthen because my body needs it, and I’ll be the better for it. As they say, use it or lose it – and I think our dogs would agree.
Lesson 3: The Art of Cap Napping
Our dogs are masters of relaxation. They don’t feel guilty for taking a nap in the sun or stretching out after a long day - and neither should we! Rest is a good thing; it’s not laziness, it is an essential part of our well-being as we age. Ron and I have both embraced the concept of napping and found that shutting your eyes for 10 minutes (set a timer on your phone) can do wonders to boost your mood and productivity. Like our dogs, sometimes, slowing down and taking a quick cat nap is exactly what we need to reset!
Lewie & Mo Catnapping
Lesson 4: Focus on What Matters Most
Aging gracefully isn’t just about maintaining our physical selves—it’s about deepening our relationships and focusing on what truly fulfills us. Dogs don’t care about looks, status, wealth, or success. What they value most is love, companionship, and being present with those who matter most to them.
As Ron and I age, we find ourselves focusing more on the people who uplift us, doing things that bring us joy, and sharing experiences that make us feel connected to others. Mo and Lewie remind us daily that love, connection, and just being there for those who matter is what makes life beautiful—at any age.
Aging doesn’t have to be something we resist or dread. Like dogs, it’s a process we can lean into with acceptance, adaptability, a deep appreciation for love, and a cat nap here and there. My gray hair is a simple testament to the life I’ve lived, the lessons I’ve learned, and the stories I have yet to tell. Here’s to growing older, embracing every silver strand, and living fully—just like our dogs do.
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