Your understanding of aging might start with an absolute: Over the years, as our bodies and brains undergo wear and tear, we experience a gradual physical and cognitive decline.
But your perspective on aging can impact your health and well-being more than you might think.
A longitudinal study from researchers at Yale University sought to put the expectation that aging holds no room for improvement to the test — a flaw they believed is common in the field of gerontology. They designed the study to determine if a positive attitude about aging ultimately carried a positive impact on participants’ mental and physical health.
To evaluate their cognitive well-being, researchers tested their short-term memory and math skills and used a simple walking exercise to examine their mobility.
Improvement was linked to those who held positive attitudes about their aging. More than 45% of the study’s participants showed a boost in their thinking skills over time. The same was true for their walking ability. Notably, people improved even if they started from a normal level of functioning — not just those who were at a deficit.
Adopting an attitude of positivity can be easier said than done but experts have some tips to help. To start, focus on short-term goals and celebrate even the smallest, most realistic wins each day. Finding ways of engaging with your community and friends is another way of reminding yourself you are an active participant in the world around you.
And it’s trite, but true: At the end of the day, aging is something we’re all lucky to have in common.