Throughout history, people have been looking for the fountain of youth. As it turns out, the key to a long, healthy life is right behind our nose! Actually, several studies show that the key to longevity is in our brains, or rather in our mental attitude.
One report, by Dr. Howard Friedman of the University of California-Riverside, shows that conscientious folks have habits that are associated with healthier lives. The findings in this study add to the growing evidence that health is linked to temperament. This study of 8,900 people showed that the most important personality traits associated with longevity are: high achievers, orderliness, reliability and responsibility.
Another study, conducted by Glenn V. Ostir, Kenneth J. Ottenbacher and Kyriakos S. Markides at the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston showed that positive attitude can have a significant impact on health and longevity. The researchers studied the same group of older adults for seven years, comparing their level of positive thinking to their frailty, as assessed by weight loss, exhaustion, walking speed and grip. Positive thinking was measured by asking participants how often, in a week’s time, they had the following thoughts:
• “I felt that I was just as good as other people”
• “I felt hopeful about the future”
• “I was happy”
• “I enjoyed life”
The report said that all the participants increased in frailty to some degree during the seven-years of the study. However, those with positive attitudes were significantly less frail. The researchers could not explain exactly why positive thinking reduced frailty. However they speculated that positive thinking may enhance the chemical and neural responses that help maintain overall health.
In a third study Dr. Sheldon Cohen and associates at the Psychology Department at Carnegie Mellon University studied the impact of attitude on a person’s ability to fight infection. In the study, healthy volunteers were asked to describe their moods, and then were exposed to a cold or flu virus. Those who said they were at ease, happy and energized had fewer symptoms of coughing, sinus pain and achy joints. The conclusion was the positive emotions have a strong impact on an individual’s immune system.
Give your attitude a tune up
In light of these studies, it is important to pay attention to your attitude. If you think your way of thinking could use some improvement, then take the time to give your attitude a tune up. After all, your health may depend on it. Here are a few suggestions for improving your attitude.
• Start a hobby. Taking part in something you enjoy lifts your spirits and generates happiness.
• Find positive affirmations. These can be religious scriptures, quips or quotes. Use anything that will make you smile, nod and put you in a good mood.
• Happiness is infectious. Hang out with people with a good attitude about life. And stay away from dark and negative thinkers.
• Learn new things. Step outside of your comfort zone and explore new activities and ideas. The exhilaration and feeling of accomplishment you will get from achieving something new will provide a permanent boost to you attitude.
One report, by Dr. Howard Friedman of the University of California-Riverside, shows that conscientious folks have habits that are associated with healthier lives. The findings in this study add to the growing evidence that health is linked to temperament. This study of 8,900 people showed that the most important personality traits associated with longevity are: high achievers, orderliness, reliability and responsibility.
Another study, conducted by Glenn V. Ostir, Kenneth J. Ottenbacher and Kyriakos S. Markides at the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston showed that positive attitude can have a significant impact on health and longevity. The researchers studied the same group of older adults for seven years, comparing their level of positive thinking to their frailty, as assessed by weight loss, exhaustion, walking speed and grip. Positive thinking was measured by asking participants how often, in a week’s time, they had the following thoughts:
• “I felt that I was just as good as other people”
• “I felt hopeful about the future”
• “I was happy”
• “I enjoyed life”
The report said that all the participants increased in frailty to some degree during the seven-years of the study. However, those with positive attitudes were significantly less frail. The researchers could not explain exactly why positive thinking reduced frailty. However they speculated that positive thinking may enhance the chemical and neural responses that help maintain overall health.
In a third study Dr. Sheldon Cohen and associates at the Psychology Department at Carnegie Mellon University studied the impact of attitude on a person’s ability to fight infection. In the study, healthy volunteers were asked to describe their moods, and then were exposed to a cold or flu virus. Those who said they were at ease, happy and energized had fewer symptoms of coughing, sinus pain and achy joints. The conclusion was the positive emotions have a strong impact on an individual’s immune system.
Give your attitude a tune up
In light of these studies, it is important to pay attention to your attitude. If you think your way of thinking could use some improvement, then take the time to give your attitude a tune up. After all, your health may depend on it. Here are a few suggestions for improving your attitude.
• Start a hobby. Taking part in something you enjoy lifts your spirits and generates happiness.
• Find positive affirmations. These can be religious scriptures, quips or quotes. Use anything that will make you smile, nod and put you in a good mood.
• Happiness is infectious. Hang out with people with a good attitude about life. And stay away from dark and negative thinkers.
• Learn new things. Step outside of your comfort zone and explore new activities and ideas. The exhilaration and feeling of accomplishment you will get from achieving something new will provide a permanent boost to you attitude.
