Recent research shows that people with a more positive attitude towards aging tend to live longer, healthier lives.
Harvard T.H. The Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health found that people who are most satisfied with their aging process have a 43% reduced risk of dying over a 4-year period. The study found that those who were satisfied with their aging had a lower risk of dying from any cause over a four-year period compared to those who were not.
There’s a link between mindsets and healthy behaviors,” said Eric Kim, assistant professor of psychology at University of British Columbia and affiliate researcher at Lee Kum Sheung Centre for Health and Happiness of Harvard T.H. In an article published in the American Heart Association News on August 19, 2022, Chan School of Public Health explains that mindsets and health behaviors are connected. “One leads to another.”
Kim gave suggestions on how to adopt a positive attitude towards aging.
- Find projects that are aligned with your values to maintain a sense purpose
- Reject negative stereotypes regarding aging such as the notion that poor health is inevitable in older adults
- Join a club, or get involved in a community group.
- Teach others new skills or activities, or try out new things yourself
Original Blog: https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/news/hsph-in-the-news/positive-attitude-about-aging-could-boost-health/
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