It has been proven that keeping positive thinking can provide our body with many beneficial effects that include improved immunity, stress reduction, and a lower risk for heart disease. But are you aware that by staying positive can also help you live longer? Learn more about the connection between positive mindset and aging and how it can help you slow down the aging process.
Extend Life
Research has shown that how you view aging and your life in general can have an impact on your lifespan. One study found that having positive thoughts can result in an 11 to 15% increased longevity and a greater livelihood of living up to 85 years old and beyond. This effect remained after other factors like income, gender, age, health status, and depression were controlled.
Anticipating Aging
Research has also found that those who have a positive outlook on aging while still at a young age, as compared to those who dread aging, have a higher chance of living much longer. This is a result of adjusting your thoughts on aging while you are still young can instill positivity into your life which can have a great positive impact on your life expectancy.
Boost Resiliency
Findings suggest that thinking positively about aging can extend a person’s will to live, thus making their bodies more resilient to illness and more proactive about maintaining senior health. Those who are positive about aging are also less likely to experience increased stress, thus lowering their risk of developing chronic illnesses.
Finding Insight
Our society has a high tendency of prizing youth and beauty, while messages concerning aging tend to lean more towards the negative aspects. However, people should get better as they age, just like fine wine. Maturity combined with experience provides older adults with so much more insight about life. They are more in touch with their spiritual selves and their lives are so rich. Many still continue following a simple, healthy senior lifestyle to preserve their health and energy in old age.
Other Markers of Healthy Aging
Apart from positive thinking, other lifestyle factors may also contribute to longevity. Exercising regularly, eating nutritious diets, and maintaining a healthy weight are all markers that older adults can follow to keep fit and active as they advance in age. Studies often discuss about living longer, but they do not usually discuss the improved quality of life that develops from it. In the field of positive psychology, positive thinking can also contribute greatly to happiness so older adults can enjoy a much more content, satisfying retirement lifestyle.
How to Embrace Positive Thinking
Staying positive is a practice which is similar to yoga, meditation, or any self-care routine. Fortunately, the tools needed are free and can be done at your own time and pace. Here is how to cultivate positive thinking into your life:
- Keep a gratitude journal
- Repeat positive affirmations
- Practice loving-kindness meditation
- Spend time with positive people
As you can see, embracing positive thinking does have so many benefits that you can enjoy in your golden years. Apart from clearing your mind from stress, it can also improve your quality of life so you get the most of your retirement.
