Add years to your life with this mind hack

How do you feel about getting older? Answer honestly, because your true emotions about aging could significantly impact your longevity.

Research indicates that a positive perception of aging can influence how long you live. The correlation goes both ways: those with a positive outlook tend to live longer, while a negative attitude is linked to more health problems and a shorter lifespan. While the exact reasons are still being studied, there is a strong association between a negative mindset and disease.

Scientists have discovered that individuals with positive feelings towards aging are 50 percent less likely to develop dementia. Although the study of optimism and its effects on aging isn't new, it often doesn't receive the attention it deserves. Previous research also found that a positive outlook on aging can extend life by up to seven years.

Remarkably, the life-extending benefits of a positive mindset were observed regardless of gender, age, socioeconomic status, and other factors typically linked to lifespan. An observational study tracked the health of individuals over 23 years based on their attitudes towards aging, revealing that the longevity boost from positivity surpasses the benefits of lowering blood pressure and cholesterol, maintaining a healthy weight, exercising, or avoiding smoking.

A negative mindset can become a self-fulfilling prophecy. Research suggests that those who believe they are more likely to fall ill tend to engage less in positive health behaviors that promote well-being.

If you need more hope for the future, remember that changing your mindset can change your outcome. Studies show that altering your health behaviors or mindset can positively shift your health trajectory.