Optimism

It’s not uncommon for individuals to be inculcated with myths and misinformation about aging, even from an early age. It’s no wonder, then, that older adults are often prejudged or misjudged without any understanding of what their actual abilities or lived experiences are. And it’s not just outsiders or strangers…

There’s no doubt that a positive attitude can support healthier aging. In fact, studies show that staying positive and optimistic as you get older can be as health-promoting for you as exercising or eating well. And as we’ve previously noted, Yale professor Becca Levy’s research has found that positive attitudes…

There’s a lot in the world to be anxious about these days, and that doesn’t even include your own personal set of challenges and losses as you get older. There’s no doubt that similar to childbirth, you never really know what getting older will be like until you actually go…

We’ve noted it before and we can now say it again: Looking on the bright side of life may allow you to experience a better and longer life. Two newly reported studies seem to confirm that those of us who take an optimistic view toward life may be rewarded with…

The received wisdom is that the older we get, the happier we find ourselves. Known as the paradox of aging, there’s a “U” curve in the aging literature that seems to suggest that most people reach a low point of happiness in midlife but then begin to climb back up…

As we previously posted, there’s been a fair amount of evidence that despite the burdens imposed by the pandemic, a significant number of older adults weathered the lockdowns and isolation better than expected- and demonstrated a level of resilience and optimism that can often accompany the aging process. Yet for…