You have probably heard the phrase “looking at the glass half-full” regarding how you respond during hardships, but did you know this saying can also be applied to your health? While many think that proper nutrition and regular exercise are all you need for a long, healthy life, current research suggests that a positive outlook can be just as significant.
May is Older Americans Month, a time to recognize the contributions of older adults and focus on their well-being so they can live long, healthy lives. This month encourages older adults to stay active, engaged, and connected, emphasizing the benefits of a positive outlook on life. This year’s theme, “Flip the Script”, reminds us we can embrace our future and age how we choose to. Flipping the script on a negative mindset and owning how we age has many positive benefits, leading to a longer and healthier life.
A Harvard study found that people who are more optimistic tend to live longer than those who are pessimistic. They also had a greater chance of living past 85. Researchers analyzed data from 70,000 women from the Nurses’ Health Study over eight years. Overall, high levels of optimism were associated with a longer life span. The study controlled for factors such as chronic physical conditions like high cholesterol, and health behaviors like smoking. Although the study focused on women, researchers involved say the same findings can probably be applied to men.
Dr. Eric Kim, one of the researchers from the study, said, "When comparing the most optimistic to the least optimistic women, people had a reduced risk of dying from cancer, infection, stroke, heart disease, and lung disease. It seems to have the most effect on cardiovascular outcomes and the smallest effect on cancer outcomes."
An older study from 2002 found older adults who had more positive outlooks on aging lived on average 7.5 years longer than those with less positive outlooks.
So why do optimists tend to live longer? The truth is, researchers still aren’t positive.
Dr. Kim believes people who are more optimistic tend to have healthier habits and behaviors, but his study also shows that optimists tend to live longer even when factors like regular exercise, tobacco use, and nutrition are included.
Some researchers suggest positive thinking can reduce stress, which in turn reduces the risk for heart disease and diabetes due to low cortisol, the body’s primary stress hormone, levels. Others believe being optimistic is potentially genetic and there is something deeper within our genes that cannot yet be studied.
It is, however, important to understand that optimism can’t control everything. People have diseases for all types of reasons, most out of their control, and no amount of optimism can change that.
Still, it doesn’t hurt to try and see the bright side. Whether you are naturally optimistic or not, there are steps you can take to try and change your perspective.
First, reframe situations; when dealing with a difficult situation, try to look for the positives. Is there anything you can learn from this? Anything you can do differently next time?
Next, set goals that are specific and realistic every day. Instead of giving yourself a big project like fixing up the yard, start small and find tasks you plan to get done, like mowing or weeding the garden. Research shows setting goals and having the confidence to achieve these goals is linked to optimism. Setting smaller, more specific goals gives you a higher chance of completing those goals.
Strengthening social relationships is also a great way to be more optimistic. Having a strong social network is directly related to positive thinking. Humans are social creatures and need to have a community around us. Try joining new groups and clubs, or schedule time to see friends and family regularly. If you are over 60, try a JABA Community Center to make new friends and keep your community large and supportive.
Finally, therapists recommend practicing smiling to combat sad moods. Smiling can trick your brain into believing you are happy, which can then cause actual feelings of happiness. Multiple studies have shown smiling can help reduce the body’s response to stress, and lower heart rate and blood pressure, all of which can lead to longevity.
While it is not always easy to put a smile on your face and move forward when you experience challenges, there are many steps you can try to flip the script and take control of your mental health to see things from a more positive outlook. The most important thing is to remember to be kind to yourself and take things one day at a time. It could add years to your life.
Ty Mynes is a writer and marketing specialist at JABA.