Most of us have heard the stories of the 106-year-olds who, when asked about their secret to a long life, say something about not smoking, not drinking, taking an aspirin a day, and having a good attitude.  Medical science generally agrees with the benefits of avoiding smoking, limiting alcohol consumption, and aspirin therapy.  But what about a positive attitude?  Does a positive attitude really make a difference in the quality and quantity of our days?  A recent study says yes.

A team of researchers from Yale University and Miami University studied a group of over 600 individuals in an Ohio community to identify whether or not the individuals’ attitude about life as they were aging had any impact on their longevity.  After controlling for other contributing factors, the researchers found that those individuals with a more positive outlook lived 7.5 years longer than those with a more negative outlook.  The study found that this variable of more positive self-perceptions about aging had a greater impact on longevity than many other variables that were believed to be linked to longevity such as gender and socioeconomic status.

So, if a positive attitude about life and aging can impact our longevity, how can we become more positive?

In his book, Emotional Longevity, Dr. Norman Anderson outlines a several factors that he believes can help us have a more positive outlook on life.  They include:

• A Feeling of Self-Efficacy (or the feeling that you have the ability to do what is necessary to meet your goal).  People who feel they are capable of achieving particular goals in life are more positive about life.
• Ability to Share Feelings – People who are able to share their deepest feelings, especially after particularly difficult events, feel more positive about life.
• Strong Relationships – People who have cultivated strong relationships with others are less likely to be depressed, “stressed”, and physically ill.
• Reliance on Religious or Spiritual Beliefs – People who rely on their religious or spiritual beliefs after a difficult life experience seem to be less depressed and better able to deal with physical stressors.
• Let me add “A Sense of Purpose” to the list.  A 2001 study at Friedrich Schiller University found a strong relationship between a sense of purpose and better health, higher everyday competence, and higher socioeconomic status.

Of course, many factors affect our longevity, so following the advice of your doctor and healthcare professional is important.  And research shows that a positive attitude about life and aging can also potentially improve your longevity.  I hope you are taking the advice of your healthcare professional and doing the work to care for yourself physically, mentally, and emotionally.  Are you also doing the work to build a positive life that contributes to longevity and happiness?  Are you creating your best, long-lasting life by creating positivity and optimism in your world?  The research says it could make a big difference!