Aging is a journey, and it’s crucial to maintain a positive outlook on what’s to come. Many seniors fixate on what they’re losing rather than gaining, and it can harm their physical and mental health. Optimism is proven to have health and wellness benefits, so consider the following benefits of maintaining a positive outlook on life.

The Benefits of Positive Thinking

1. Reduced Risk of Heart Disease

Stress can have an inflammatory effect on the cardiovascular system, and this may increase your chances of developing heart disease and related issues. Research shows that individuals may reduce their risk of cardiovascular problems by one-third if they maintain a positive outlook on life. This may also be related to the fact that people that focus on positivity also make healthier dietary and lifestyle choices.

Further research has related a positive outlook to a reduced risk of stroke, tumors, and brain issues. Focus on what you have rather than what you’ve lost or could have had, and maintain relationships and adopt stress-relieving practices like yoga.

2. Improved Cognitive Health

It’s essential to keep your mind sharp as you age, and a positive outlook can improve cognitive function. Research has shown that older adults with a positive attitude are less likely to exhibit weaknesses in their mental faculties. Further research has connected negative attitudes to physical and cognitive decline, and those seniors became slower, developed multiple, interacting health complications, and experienced severe mood changes.

3. Longer Lifespan

A recent study showed that seniors with a positive attitude might extend their lifespan by 11%-15%, and they’re also more likely to live past 85. Positive thinking can reinforce a person’s will to live and drive them to make healthy lifestyle choices. They’ll then reduce their risk of debilitating health conditions like diabetes and heart disease that significantly shorten someone’s lifespan.

If your senior living community is looking for health and wellness solutions, turn to RBM Wellness. This Fredericktown, MO, practice offers 12-month “Rebuild Me” programs that include senior workouts and other lifestyle improvement services. They provide senior living communities with assisted living programs and long-term care programs to improve their quality of life. Visit their website to explore all their health and wellness services. Call (573) 783-1519 today to speak with a representative. You can learn more about their company by connecting on Facebook and Youtube.