Some people call it pro-aging. Others call it healthy living or thinking positively or with satisfaction of your own aging process—whatever the words you use, chances are it will help you live longer and better.
Thinking positive helps longevity
A Harvard and Yale study showed that participants with a positive outlook on aging—who felt happy and useful—lived on average seven and a half years longer. Positive thinking about aging had more of an impact on aging than blood pressure, your BMI, how much you exercised, or your cholesterol levels.
In another key study, participants with positive perceptions about aging and capabilities, regardless of their health at the start, were better able to carry out daily activities over an 18 year period.
“Wow,” says aging expert Maxine Warsh. “If that's not an excellent reason to focus on pro-aging instead of anti-aging, I don't know what is! To me, pro-aging is about a healthy attitude and living a healthy lifestyle—living out loud and fully.
Live for today (and tomorrow!)
“It’s being all you can be with confidence, grace, and gratitude. If you were true to yourself yesterday then you are true to yourself today. Pro-aging is about getting out of bed with gratitude at being alive to enjoy another day of being all you can be —to own the day and your life without excuses.
“We aren’t getting any younger, but even though glow of youth is now replaced by the beauty of experience and knowledge… I wouldn’t change places with my younger self for all the toned muscles my body use to boast. I love me now and where I’m going. This isn’t to say I will ever stop taking care of myself. I value pro-aging too much to ever grow old. I was recently in Miami visiting mymother who is still youthful and not defined by her number. Good for you, Mom.
“I like to share my approach to life, as you know—and am so pleased that my skincare products and daily regimen developed to help others with aging (or pro-aging!) work so well!.
“My advice is to live out loud in the happiest, healthiest way—try to love who you are and where you're at and, of course, think positive. It really is good for your health!” Maxine Warsh
More on pro-aging stats and tips.