It turns out that a sunny outlook on life may do more than make you smile. New studies suggest that there is an association between optimism and healthy aging. Being optimistic can lengthen your lifespan as compared to counterparts who are less optimistic.
Optimists Live Longer
Here’s a good reason to turn that frown upside down: Scientists have combined data from two studies that involved over 69,700 women and the other involving 1429 men. After controlling for health conditions, behaviors like exercise and diet, as well as other demographic information, all of them were assessed about their feelings regarding the future. The scientists were able to conclude that the most optimistic women taken from the top 25% lived an average of 14.9% longer than their pessimistic peers in the study, with the most optimistic bunch living 10.9% longer.
The Link Between Optimism And Healthy Aging
Those who have an optimistic mindset will most likely see the value in engaging in healthier habits and behaviors such as physical activity and having a nourishing diet while resisting the temptation of desires or impulses that are disadvantageous in the long run such as drinking or smoking. Individuals who are more optimistic are also more likely to manage stress better than their more pessimistic counterparts, encouraging them to chase long-term goals rather than participating in activities that provide instant gratification when they come face to face with obstacles in their daily lives. This biological connection has also been shown for other psychological risk factors like depression and anxiety. Thus, optimism and healthy aging and associated with one big potential reason – optimism promotes the use of adaptive coping strategies when facing problems.
Anyone Can Be An Optimist
The great news we want to share is that although optimism is somewhat heritable, you don’t have to be born a natural optimist in order to reap its benefits. The bulk of your outlook on life comes down to your personal experiences, social influences, and the active choices you make every day to lead a more optimistic life. If you’ve been moving through life not having made the best choices for yourself, it’s never too late to start. Sure, it will take time to adjust to living with a wholly different mindset than what you’re used to, but once you start seeing its benefits, it will feel worth all your energy and effort. If you need some tips to keep your outlook upbeat, we recommend staying active by keeping in contact with your loved ones. Regular exercise can keep you feeling confident and boosts the production of hormones as well well as neurotransmitters that boost energy and relieve stress. Having a social calendar filled with exciting events can also motivate you to make choices that will help to keep you feeling optimistic about your future.
Why Choose The Park Oak Grove?
Besides our warm and welcoming team members as well as high-quality programs and activities, we offer residents a wide array of fun opportunities to maintain a socially and physically active lifestyle. If you have any inquiries about our range of services, don’t hesitate to contact us today.
