Positive thinking, especially about aging, has numerous health benefits, including delaying mental decline. Experts say that even if positivity doesn’t come naturally to you, you can learn to become better at it.
Positive Research
- Positive beliefs about aging can help older adults recover from mild cognitive impairment and do so sooner than their more negative counterparts, according to a study. Recovery was much more likely in those with positive age beliefs.
- A positive outlook on life can also reduce the risk of a dementia diagnosis. Those who were creative, agreeable, and friendly were less likely to get a dementia diagnosis than those who were negative and often distressed.
- Optimism and other facets of psychological wellbeing are linked with better heart health.
Positive Benefits
According to researcher Becca Levy, positive age beliefs can act as a resource and an inspiration. Positive age beliefs may lead to better health outcomes through psychological, behavioral, and physiological pathways.
Getting to Positive: How-Tos
People can learn to strengthen their positive beliefs about aging, and in the process, improve their physical functioning. Here are some tips:
Get Inspired!
Develop a portfolio of diverse and positive older role models. List four older people you admire and draw inspiration from their stories.
Pick Qualities to Emulate
For each older role model, pick one or more qualities that you admire and would like to strengthen in yourself as you get older.
Recognize your Patterns
Recognize that you have negative beliefs about aging and try to turn around your negative outlook with mental exercises.
Your Turn
What are your tips for thinking positively about getting older? Share your ideas in the comments!
Kathleen Doheny is a Los Angeles-based journalist specializing in health, behavior, fitness, and lifestyle stories.
This article is for informational purposes only and is not intended to substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding any medical condition.
