Researchers at the University
of Queensland, conducted a study on 50 older adults aged between 65-90
years and followed them for two years. They found that positive attitude played
a key role in healthy ageing. According to them, seniors who focused on
positive information were more likely to have stronger immune system and also
increased lifespan.
"Despite the fact that people often think of late life as a period
of doom and gloom, older people are often more positive than younger
people," said Dr. Elise Kalokerinos, the lead researcher, in a
statement. "Our research suggests that this focus on the positive may
help older people protect their declining health."
In this study, the researchers showed the participants a series of
positive and negative photos. The participants were then asked to recall the
photos later. Using a series of blood tests, they measured the participants'
immune function. The researchers noticed that, those were correctly able to
recall positive images more than negative images, had an enhanced immune
functioning, even two years later.
"Participants who recalled more positive than negative images had
antibodies in their blood suggesting stronger immune systems than those of
their counterparts, who did not show this positivity in memory," she said.
"By selectively remembering the positive, older adults seem to boost their
immune functioning just when they need it the most."
It is a well-documented fact that happiness offers a bounty of health
benefits and in this study, the researchers showed that older people receive
the same positive health effects by focusing only on positive information.
Those who shift their focus to positive information rather than
negative information, have an enhanced ability to deal with stressful
situations. Apart from this, they maintain positive social interaction and have
a more positive long-term outlook on life. The finding was documented in the
Journal Psychology and Aging.
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