Could a change in mind-set lead to a longer life? New study suggests so

Want to live a longer, healthier life? For those who answered “Yes” all you may need is a mindset change, according to a new study.

Researchers from the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health wanted to know how feeling grateful could affect physical wellbeing and see how gratitude affected mortality.

They analysed data from the Nurses’ Health Study to assess levels of gratitude and mortality among almost 50,000 older women with an average age of  79 years.

Lead author Ying Chen noted that while previous studies had focused on mindset and better mental health, this new study looked specifically at the link between physical health and gratitude in older people.

“Prior research has shown an association between gratitude and lower risk of mental distress and greater emotional and social wellbeing. However, its association with physical health is less understood,” she said.

“Our study provides the first empirical evidence on this topic, suggesting that experiencing grateful affect may increase longevity among older adults.”

Starting in 2016, participants completed a six-item Gratitude Questionnaire in which they provided scores to agree or disagree with statements such as “I have so much in life to be thankful for” and “If I had to list everything that I felt grateful for, it would be a very long list.”

Then in 2019, researchers looked at the cause of death for participants and noted down who died from all-cause mortality as well as those who died from specific causes such as cardiovascular disease, cancer, respiratory diseases, neurodegenerative disease, infection, and injury.

All-cause morality refers to death for any reason.

Data revealed that cardiovascular disease was the most common form of death for the 4608 participants who died over the three year period.

The study found that participants with the highest gratitude scores had a nine per cent lower risk of all-cause mortality over the following four years than those who had the lowest scores for gratitude.

Researchers said they took a “conservative approach” when extracting the data and made sure they considered the socio-demographics, health history and lifestyle factors of the participants.

“Promoting healthy aging is a public health priority, and we hope further studies will improve our understanding of gratitude as psychological resource for enhancing longevity,” the researchers said.

If you want to improve your mind-set Dr Chen recommends writing down or discussing what you are grateful for a few times a week.

Another way to improve your mental health is by socialising and making real human connections.

According to a recent study conducted by the University of Toronto, a link has been established between social participation and successful ageing in individuals aged 60 and over.

The study revealed that those who actively engaged in volunteer work or recreational activities had a higher likelihood of maintaining excellent health over a span of three years.

The study involved 7,000 older adults who were already ageing successfully at the beginning. Its aim was to explore if social participation affected their ability to maintain their health.

The findings showed that among those who participated in volunteer work or recreational activities at the start, around 72 per cent continued to age successfully after three years.

On the other hand, only two-thirds of those who did not engage in such activities were able to maintain successful ageing.

Taking into account other sociodemographic factors, the results showed that those involved in recreational activities and volunteer or charity work had a 15 per cent to 17 per cent higher chance of maintaining their excellent health as they aged.

“Although the study’s observational nature prohibits the determination of causality, it makes intuitive sense that social activity is associated with successful aging,” the study’s first author, Mabel Ho, said.

“Being socially active is important no matter how old we are. Feeling connected and engaged can boost our mood, reduce our sense of loneliness and isolation, and improve our mental health and overall health.”

In addition, socialising can have a significant impact on the way we age. Regular and positive social interactions can keep seniors mentally stimulated, intellectually engaged, and mentally sharp.

According to Psychologist, Nancy Sokarno, ”Socialising with others helps to stimulate the brain and keep it active, which is important for maintaining cognitive function as we get older.”

“Social interaction provides us with a sense of belonging and connectedness to others, which in turn can help to improve our self-esteem and also reduce feelings of loneliness and isolation. It also helps improve our mood and overall well-being,” she said.

When it comes to your senior social life, it’s all about doing what you love and what you’re physically able to do.

A fantastic way to socialise is by joining a social group or club that matches your interests. Whether it’s a book club, gardening group, dance group, or community service team, these groups offer a chance to meet new people who share your hobbies. You could also consider joining a volunteer group to make a difference in your community while making new friends.

Attending community events is another enjoyable way to socialise. These events provide opportunities to meet people and have a great time together. And why not try taking a class or course in something that interests you? It’s a wonderful way to meet like-minded individuals who share your passions.

Remember, the key is to focus on activities that bring you joy and suit your physical abilities. By embracing activities you love, you’ll have an amazing time socialising and forming meaningful connections in your senior years.