A positive attitude about aging can help your mind and body feel younger and healthier. "People with more positive attitudes about growing old tend to live longer and healthier lives than those with negative thoughts about aging," says Dr. David Sinclair, professor of genetics at Harvard Medical School.
The study also found that people more
satisfied with the aging process had a lower risk for diabetes, stroke, cancer,
and heart disease. They also had better cognitive functioning and were less
lonely and depressed. People who embraced this positive mindset also were more
physically active and slept better. "If you feel younger, you are more
likely to act younger," says Dr. Sinclair. "Maintaining a healthy and
positive mindset as you age is one of the best things you can do for a longer
life.
"
What can you do
to feel younger in your mind, body, and spirit? Here are some suggestions from
Dr. Sinclair:
Reduce anxiety. Anxiety becomes
more common with age, so adopt practices to help manage it. "Daily
meditation, reading stoicism (philosophy that
teaches how to maximize positive emotions and reduce negative ones),
and simply spending some quiet time each day expressing gratitude are good
places to begin.
Have a sense of
purpose. A strong sense of purpose means
continuing to pursue goals and to feel life is worthwhile. Explore interests
centered on self-development, growth, and connecting with others.
Stay connected. Socializing keeps our minds active and
engaged. Studies also show that personal connections help curb feelings of low
self-esteem that dampen a positive mindset.
Challenge
yourself. Find a physical challenge that
you can realistically complete, create a plan of execution, and then work to
meet that goal. Regular exercise builds confidence in your ability to be
active, and setting a challenge helps you experience a feeling of
accomplishment. Both can make you feel more youthful.
Source: https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/can-you-feel-younger-than-your-age
