That idea has filtered down to us today. Everywhere we look we find reminders of why we should maintain a positive attitude. Now, science has even discovered that a positive attitude has measurable effects on our health.
Research is showing that positive thinking can not only improve your quality of life, but it can actually increase your life expectancy. Positive thinking has long been associated with a variety of health benefits, including:
- Lower rates of depression
- Lower levels of distress
- Greater resistance to the common cold
- Better psychological and physical well-being
- Reduced incidents from cardiovascular disease
- Better coping skills during hardship and times of stress
Recently, researchers at the Yale School of Public Health released their findings from an 11 year study on the effects of attitude on aging. They found that those that maintain a positive attitude towards aging experience the ability to live independently longer and are able to recover from illness or injury much quicker than those that view aging in a negative light.
In a previous 23 year study, the group found that individuals who view aging in a positive way live an average of 7.6 years longer than those who see aging as a negative.
So, what do the experts recommend? Make an effort each and every day to stay positive and maintain a positive self-image. That, however, does not mean being unrealistic or ignoring serious age-related problems. Try to stay on the lighter side of life. Don’t let the little things get you down. Who knows, it could add years to your life!
by Dylan Kessler
Primrose Staff Writer
To find out more about all the positives of living at Primrose, please contact your nearest Primrose Retirement Community today to see more of our fun and social living. We’ll happily answer all your questions and show you around our beautiful communities. Come see why we say, THIS IS LIVING!
