Positive Thinking can Help You Stay Healthier as You Age

Social scientists say “aging gracefully” should not be just a expression but rather something people should take to heart as they enter into their senior years. Maintaining a positive attitude as we age can help us better weather the many ups and downs we encounter along the journey.

A comprehensive study from the Yale School of Epidemiology and Public Health followed 660 seniors age 50 years and older and found those who held a more positive view on growing older lived on average 7.5 years longer than those with a negative view. Researchers added negative views on old age may even make someone more susceptible to developing the brain changes associated with Alzheimer’s disease. However they report if a person shifts to a more positive way of thinking, the adverse outcome may be mitigated.

Dr. Manfred Diehl, professor of human development and family studies at Colorado State University, advises people on how to develop a more positive approach to aging. His first recommendation is to be physically active at least 30 minutes each day. Then he says to keep your brain active and challenged it by continuing to learn new things. Other tips include: get enough sleep each night, stop smoking, avoid excessive alcohol, maintain a healthy weight and follow a healthy diet. Dr. Diehl says a healthy social life is important and to nurture a healthy relationships with your spouse, family and friends.

Another positive step is to get regular medical check-ups and screenings. Additionally protect your mental health by taking the time to relax, unwind and to have fun.

MorningStar of Hillsboro is the newest senior living in Hillsboro, OR and expects to open to residents in the last quarter of 2021. Our stylish apartments are smartly designed to please the most discerning seniors; and all you will need is your furnishings and personal items to feel at home; and we are pet friendly. If the MorningStar name sounds familiar, we do have two other senior living communities in Oregon, MorningStar of Beaverton and MorningStar of Happy Valley. Visit our website for contact information, suite availability, pricing and more. We look forward to hearing from you.

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