A positive attitude towards aging is good for health

Researchers at the Yale University School of Medicine conducted a study that involved 598 people aged 70 years and older who did not have a disability at the time of inclusion in the work.

Observation of the condition of participants divided into two groups with opposite views on aging showed that, compared with a negative attitude to aging, a positive one increases the probability of recovery from severe diseases by 44%.

The degree of recovery was assessed by the ability to perform four daily actions: taking a bath, dressing, getting up from a chair and walking.

Effective performance of all these manipulations is associated with a lower frequency of use of devices for patient care and a longer life expectancy. The results were evaluated taking into account a number of factors, including the age and level of education of patients.

The authors believe that a positive attitude to aging can contribute to the recovery of the body through several mechanisms: reducing the severity of reactions of the cardiovascular system to stress, improving physical balance, strengthening self-confidence and greater involvement in all aspects of a healthy lifestyle.

Article by Becca R. Levy et al. Association Between Positive Age Stereotypes and Recovery From Disability in Older Persons is published in the journal JAMA.

Evgeniya Ryabtseva
Portal "Eternal youth" http://vechnayamolodost.ru based on Yale School of Medicine: Positive age stereotypes improve recovery among the elderly. 

23.11.2012