In a new study released this month, researchers say that much of the aging process is accompanied by a positive feeling towards life if you simply believe it to be so. That’s right – in other words, the older you get, the happier you can feel if you just believe it.
With over 40 million Americans over the age of 65, the study illuminates an interesting fact in the face of the negativity that society has shed on the aging process. Astonishingly, according to Bioscience Technology, aging is viewed by many as the number one health “problem” in America today.
The UC San Diego School of Medicine and Stanford University found that older adults were content with life, with results largely dependent on the individual’s view of aging in general. In other words, the individual’s view on the aging process contributed significantly to overall perceived health and happiness.
“While there is a growing public health interest in understanding and promoting successful aging, until now little published research has combined measures of physical health with cognitive and psychological assessments, in a large and randomly selected sample,” said principal investigator Dilip V. Jeste, MD.
The study looked at factors like chronic disease and disability alongside other criteria including social integration and a self-review of their own health and happiness.
“Sometimes the most relevant outcomes are from the perspective of the subjects themselves,” said Jeste.
The study found that individuals who self-rated their lives as healthy and happy were less likely to succumb to depression as they aged. Factors that increased the likelihood of the individual’s happiness were higher education, perceived good health, and a sense of optimism for the future.
“It was clear to us that, even in the midst of physical or cognitive decline, individuals in our study reported feeling that their well-being had improved with age,” Jeste said.
Increase your feeling of well-being
Sometimes, it takes a little boost to feel better. Health and happiness starts with you, but when you need a little help to feel positive, there’s no harm in doing taking action so long as your doctor approves. For instance, we all know that wrinkles and age spots are not an exciting part of aging, nor do they inspire happiness. In fact, most women avoid the signs of aging at all costs. If you feel like you need help in the aging department, consider a little help from a cosmetic surgeon in San Diego. After all, imagine what a little cosmetic improvement can do to increase our perceived feelings on aging. If you want to start feeling a little more positive on your age, consider:
Botox. This “first line of defense” against aging can do wonders for women who have unwanted wrinkles. Botox treatments can significantly improve the smoothness of your face, and can restore your youthful appearance.
Surgery-free facelift. Sculptra is a great way to achieve a rejuvenated look without the downsides of extensive plastic surgery. Consider getting a surgery-free facelift when wrinkles are starting to catch up with your age.
Eyelid rejuvenation. Blepharoplasty is a great way to get rid of wrinkles, sagginess, and drooping around the eye area. Our eyes are one of the first ways to detect aging since skin can be fragile and thin, and more susceptible to wrinkles.
If you’re considering any of these procedures, give Dr. Kincaid a call at 858-450-4199 and schedule your consultation today. With years of experience and plenty of awards to back up his work, Dr. Kincaid is the board-certified plastic surgeon that women in San Diego turn to for a look that’s natural, beautiful and gracefully you.
