Can Positive Thinking Help You Age Better? What the Research Suggests

By most standards Prof Velandai Srikanth is doing really well in his career. He runs the National Centre for Healthy Ageing and his work has been respected for years and published in big journals. He has also received funding from some of the top science groups around the world.

He recently turned 60 and something strange happened. Someone casually asked him when he plans to retire and that caught him off guard. It made him realise how people start looking at you differently just because of age.

How People Think About Ageing

As a doctor who works with older people Srikanth has seen all kinds of views about ageing. Some people see it as a slow fall into weakness while others actually look forward to it and try to enjoy that phase of life.

A study from the US shows these thoughts really matter. Becca Levy and Martin Slade studied over 11000 people between 50 and 99. They wanted to see how thinking about ageing affects the body and mind over time.

What The Study Found

People who had a more positive way of thinking did better in simple things like walking memory and even maths. Some of them actually improved over the years instead of getting worse which surprised even the researchers.

Around 44 percent of people showed better walking speed and thinking ability over time. And the ones who believed ageing could still be good were more likely to improve.

Even small things can change your mindset. One test asked people if they feel more useless as they get older or just as happy as before. Simple questions but they say a lot about how someone sees their own life.

Why A Positive Mindset Helps

Experts say being positive is not just about thinking happy thoughts. Julia Lappin explains that people who think this way also stay active in life. They keep their mind busy they move their body and they stay connected with others.

And the people around you matter too. If you see someone older than you still active it pushes you a little. Like seeing a 93 year old still walking daily makes you feel you should not slow down either.

Age Is Not A Disease

Srikanth puts it in a simple way. Age is just time it is not a disease. Many people think getting old means getting dementia but that is not true.

Kaarin Anstey says people with a better mindset expect more from themselves. If they feel pain they do something about it instead of just accepting it as old age. Maybe they exercise more or see a doctor but they take action.

The Problem With Society’s Thinking

Even if you think positively it is not always easy because society still has its own ideas. Many people believe that once you cross 60 you should step aside. That is not always fair especially when someone is still capable and experienced.

Rod McKay points out that companies might be missing out on great people just because of age. Some of these people are still improving and doing their best work.

Life Can Still Be Good Later On

There is also something interesting about happiness. Brian Draper says people often become happier as they get older. In fact depression is lower between 65 and 85 compared to younger years.

Retirement also helps many people enjoy life more. Of course the body changes with time but it happens much later than most people think.

You can still live well stay active and enjoy life for a long time if you keep the right mindset and do not limit yourself just because of age.