Live Longer and Healthier, Be Optimistic

As people progress to the later years of life, there will be changes in appearance and for most people their health will change. People might get sicker easier, have trouble seeing and hearing and they might even shrink in size. It sounds like there might not be too much to look forward to as people age. But wait a minute, studies show that you can improve your chances of living a longer and healthier life by being optimistic. In a study done on over 600 people, all over age fifty, those who held a more positive outlook on life lived an average of 7.5 years longer than those who had more negative views of aging (Feldman,2006). The study showed that even smoking and exercise were not as important as having a healthy attitude. Optimists report fewer problems with daily activities, less pain, increased energy, and a feeling of calmness and peace within themselves (Mayo Clinic,2002).

For a typical pessimist, the change over to become optimistic might be a little hard at first, but here are some ways to jumpstart the road to optimism: Aerobic exercise releases endorphins, which reduce stress, depression, and anxiety. Good nutrition can help improve the way one feels. A good nights sleep can refresh you. Eliminate stressors. And write down the good things about yourself; if the list is short, add some attainable goals and achieve them. Try to find humor in more things, and lastly, sometimes just smiling more can make you feel a little better.

It is important to note that being optimistic will not always keep you from becoming ill, but because of the optimists view of a positive outcome, the chances of getting better are much higher than the pessimists. It is the optimists physical and psychological resilience that allows them to have a greater chance at positive outcomes (Chang,& Sanna, 2003).

There will inevitably be challenges that we must face as we become older, we must deal with them when we get to them. If you expect to live a long life filled with humor, vitality andÜ social connections, then you have a better chance of getting there than someone who does not. Your mind and body share a link that can shape the final outcome, life or death; it would do everyone good to remember that.

References

Chang,C.E.,& Sanna,L.J.(2003) Optimism, accumulated life stress, and psychological and physical adjustment: Is it always adaptive to expect the best. Journal of Social and Clinical Psychology, 22(1), 97. Retrieved March 2nd,2006 from Proquest id: 307876271.

Feldman,R.S.(2006). Development Across the Life Span (4th Edition). New Jersey: Pearson Prentice Hall.

What's your outlook- The Benefits Of Positive Thinking. Mayo Health Clinic. Retrieved March 2nd from http://www.custombodiesstampabay.com/whatsyouroutlook.