A good laugh prolongs life, it is said. But how much truth is there in the well-known saying? Maybe more than you think. At least the researchers from the USA believe they have found evidence that optimists have a greater chance of living long. Or very long. That is, for over 90 years. Followed 160,000 women Researchers at Harvard in the USA have collected and analyzed data from almost 160,000 women aged 50 to 79. They have been followed for up to 26 years. – We compared their initial levels of optimism with how long they lived, doctoral fellow Hayami Koga explains to news. Optimism is the ability to look forward to life, and the belief that everything will work out in the best way. The participants in the study had to answer several questions, among other things. How do they relate to the future in uncertain times? And do they generally think that more good than bad things will happen to them? Koga points out that research on healthy aging has largely revolved around finding risk factors for illness and premature death. – We have always been looking for “things to blame”. We have probably learned a lot from that, but I think it is important to also start looking at the positive. In a previous study, she and colleagues have seen the link between longevity and optimism, but only in a limited group of people. The special thing about the recent research is the great ethnic and cultural diversity among the participants. The results suggest that the benefits of optimism apply across groups. – I hope to share the findings with many, so that people become aware of the potential benefits of optimism. Are optimists making healthier choices? The researchers were curious about whether optimists’ long lives have an indirect connection with healthier lifestyle choices. Like more exercise and a balanced diet. And less drinking and smoking. They believe that finding out this may have an effect, but that other factors are just as important. – We must recognize that social and structural factors affect optimism. For some, it is more difficult to be optimistic, says Koga. But optimism can be learned, she emphasizes. Read on for tips! ? Happiness researcher Ragnhild Bang Nes is excited about the findings. The value of optimism The senior researcher at the National Institute of Public Health says the study is comprehensive and solid. – The connections between optimism and life expectancy are independent of depression, pessimism and negative affect. There is something unique about optimism and positive affect. This implies that promoting optimism and positive experiences and feelings has an important function. The findings show very clearly the value of optimism: Several years of life with good function, says Nes. In this sense, she believes society will benefit from promoting optimism. – It can happen via labor market measures, study measures, life skills subjects at school or with arenas for culture and social meetings, Nes suggests. She believes politicians have a job to do. Harvard researcher Hayami Koga agrees. At the same time, they both point out that each of us can take our own measures. Psychologist and happiness researcher Ragnhild Bang Nes. Photo: Astrid Waller 3 exercises to be more positive Optimism can work as a kind of antidote to stress, says Nes: – When we have good experiences, are active, master and contribute, we secrete good hormones and neurotransmitters. These give us feelings of security, joy and well-being, and can directly inhibit the effects of stress hormones. To take out our optimistic potential, she says we should direct a spotlight on what is positive in everyday life. For example, with this specific exercise: – When you go to bed at night, think of three things that went well that day, and why. In most lives, good things happen. But they easily disappear in the chaos of everyday chores, boring routines and sad, challenging and difficult things. How about starting already tonight? Nes says this can become a habit on a par with brushing your teeth. Hayami Koga is a fan of the routine. She practices it herself. – It can be small things. Like you drank good coffee, or someone smiled at you on the street. She also recommends these exercises: Write letters of thanks ? Write letters about what you are happy and grateful for. You do not have to give it to anyone – you choose. The effect of the exercise should be just as good anyway. Dream of your bright future ? Find out what is “your best life” and what it takes to get there. Here, too, she suggests taking the pen for best effect. One of the most important things about the exercise is to spend time imagining that this is actually your life. The study was published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society last week.
ttn-69
How to live long? American researchers believe a certain mindset is important – news Trøndelag
