While these are certainly challenging times, studies continue to show that keeping a positive attitude may be your secret weapon for healthier aging, for both your body and your mind. Previously in agebuzz, we’ve promoted the power of positive attitudes, citing research on the value of positivity in warding off inflammation and dementia and even in promoting longevity. Now comes a new study that reports on a link between a positive affect and memory decline (“affect” is the outward expression of emotions, including nonverbal communication, tone of voice, body language, and gestures).

Published in the journal Psychological Science, this new research out of Northwestern University followed approximately 1000 middle-aged and older adults during three periods of time (1995-1996, 2004-2006, and 2013-2014) and found that those who maintained “a positive affect” (i.e., cheerfulness and enthusiasm) were less likely to have steep declines in their memories as time passed than those who had a more negative outlook. So keep up your spirits and click here to find out more.

In fact, it seems like maintaining a positive affect can help you in a number of additional ways. A recent article in Very Well Health outlined several beneficial health effects from positivity, focusing on the theories of Dr. Barbara Frederickson, a psychologist and leading scholar in the field of positive emotions from the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill. Dr. Frederickson’s theory of “broadening and building” elucidates how maintaining a positive affect can allow you to be open to options and possibilities that will support and enhance your emotional well-being. Thus, a positive affect enables you to be more resilient, to lower your stress levels, and to be open to more supportive resources and opportunities. In essence, it’s known as an “upward spiral of positivity.” So how do you get more positive (and yes, even if you were born a grouch you can still help yourself to become more positive)? In addition to keeping yourself physically healthy and your mind occupied with enjoyable pastimes, the key seems to be steering your thoughts in a positive direction. For some guidance on how to get there, release your negativity and look over here.