Are You Aging with Optimism
Posted on March 25, 2022 by shieldsandboris
We all know people who seem to take life head on with the “glass half full” approach. We’ve probably also heard that this kind of mind set is better for our overall wellness, but it seems like that belief might be more than just an old wives’ tale. According to recent studies, when 2,000 people ages 60 and over were asked about their health, 87 percent of those who identified as mostly optimistic also reported to being in good to excellent health. Out of those who identified as least optimist, only 44 percent reported being in good health.
The people who reported being the most optimistic in the group also reported nine few physically and seven fewer mentally days that were unhealthy each month compared to their least optimist peers. Seniors who consider themselves most optimist also reported other positive health attributes such as good sleeping habits, increased confidence, and overall happy feeling.
Despite this impressive study, staying positive is sometimes easier said than done. Social stereotypes, stresses of life, and our own natural temperament can make it hard to approach aging with optimism. However, experts recommend the following tips if you are having trouble staying on the sunny side of life:
- Recognize and take ownership that your health is your own responsibility. To achieve the best health, set goals and take steps to meet them.
- Talk to your doctor and other healthcare professionals and build a trusting relationship with them.
- Find a purpose that makes you excited to get up each morning. Whether it be taking a walk each morning, volunteering somewhere, engaging in a class to learn something new, or something else, find something that you will enjoy that gets you excited.
- Stay socially engaged and don’t isolate yourself. Nurture the close relationships you have by spending time with those that are important to you. Some 71 percent of the study participants recognized the importance of social engagement in their optimistic attitudes.
- Stay active and know that physical activity is important. Find something that you like to do and that you are comfortable doing. Over 97 percent of survey respondents said being health was a motivator for staying active.
- Practice gratitude and make it a habit to look for an appreciate the things that you are thankful for and that make you happy each day.
Knowing that optimism is linked to good health and well-being means that you need to take active steps to make positive and healthy decisions through all areas of your life. Now go put these habits into action.
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