Embrace Life, Live Longer

People who embrace life and have a positive outlook live an average of 7.5 years longer than those who focus on the negative. This is particularly true as we age. People who feel pummeled by old age and spend their time moaning and groaning about achy bones just don't live as long as those who focus on the positive aspects of aging and choose to enjoy life.

In a 23-year study conducted by researchers at Yale University and Miami University in Ohio, positive perceptions on aging were found to increase longevity. The study asked 660 seniors age 50 and older to evaluate age-related statements, such as: "As you get older, you are less useful." Over the length of the study, those who focused on the positive aspects of aging lived nearly a decade longer.

Positive seniors valued the gains in wisdom and understanding that came with age and the opportunity to share their skills and knowledge with others. They remained mentally active, maintaining a sense of curiosity about the world while continuing to explore longtime interests and develop new ones. They gave of themselves to others and seemed to focus their lives outward rather than inward on themselves. They remained physically active as long as possible, but loss of physical abilities did not dim their positive view of the world.

The lesson here seems to be that those who live life, who embrace and strive to enjoy life, live the longest -- and probably enjoy every minute of it!