Having a "half full glass" approach to life has been considered important for general well-being. But the evidence suggests that there may be truth in this popular wisdom.
Humana recently surveyed 2,000 people 60 years of age or older, and found that 87 percent of older people who identify as "more optimistic" reported that their health was good to excellent. This compares to 44 percent for those who said they are "less optimistic."
In addition, the most optimistic people reported nine days less physical unhealthy and seven days less unhealthy per month than their less optimistic counterparts.
Older people who rated themselves as the most optimistic also reported positively on other health-related attributes, such as sleep, confidence and happiness in general.
* 91 percent of the most optimistic respondents reported feeling confident last week, while only 52 percent of the least optimistic respondents did, a difference of 39 percentage points.
* 90 percent of the most optimistic respondents reported feeling happy last week, compared to 44 percent of the least optimistic respondents, a difference of 46 percentage points.
The stress of life, social stereotypes and one's natural temperament can prevent the approach to aging with optimism. Dr. Yolangel Hernández Suárez, vice president and medical director of Humana for care, provides the following advice for anyone who has difficulty staying on the sunny side of life:
1. Take possession and recognize that your health is yours. To achieve your best health, you must set personal goals, just for you.
2. Contact your doctor or other health professional and build a relationship of trust.
3. Find a higher purpose that you are excited to wake up in the morning. Humana's survey found that the majority of respondents (86 percent) who identify themselves as optimists also classify the sense of purpose as an important attribute for aging.
4. Remain socially engaged, not isolated, and cultivate close relationships. 71 percent of Humana respondents who identify as optimistic and meet with friends or family, either monthly or weekly, recognize the importance of social commitment. In addition, 80 percent of optimists say that maintaining an active social life is an important motivator for staying healthy.
Find something that is right for you and that you like to do. Almost all the most optimistic respondents (97 percent) say that staying physically active is an important motivator for maintaining good health.
6. Practice gratitude and make it a habit to seek and appreciate everything for which you are grateful in life.
"As a boomer, I know that most decisions about my own health take place outside a doctor's office," said Dr. Hernández Suárez. "With the knowledge that optimism can be related to health and well-being, I am focused on making positive health decisions in all aspects of my life. Our goal at Humana is to empower everyone to address their health. way ".
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