Feeling overwhelmed with life as you age? Research shows that how you handle life’s challenges can impact your lifespan. Recent studies suggest that building resilience towards life’s ups and downs as you age may decrease your risk of premature death.
According to a study published in BMJ Mental Health, adults with higher psychological resilience were 53% less likely to die. The study observed over 10,000 adults over 50 years old for about 12 years to determine the correlation between mental resilience and mortality.
Participants were assessed based on their psychological resilience score, which included factors like calmness, perseverance, self-reliance, and coping with challenges independently. Those in the most resilient group had a significantly lower risk of mortality compared to the least resilient group.
Researchers highlighted that mental resilience is a dynamic process influenced by various factors like gender, hormones, genes, stress response, and social support. They also emphasized the importance of positive emotions and finding meaning in life to enhance mental resilience.
While cultivating a positive outlook on life can potentially extend lifespan, it is essential to address underlying health issues and unhealthy lifestyle habits that may weaken the link between resilience and mortality. Despite this, maintaining a resilient mindset can still have a significant impact on overall longevity.
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Source: www.sciencefocus.com
