Nice to see a scientific analysis that mirrors what I’ve always thought. If you let your brain fall into negativity, your body will follow. Life presents us with lots of stuff to worry about, but worry is destructive without action. If you worry about “Having enough money” then sit down and examine your plans in detail. (At our age it is something we should do regularly). If you worry about balance, find an exercise program that has balance exercises (or simply challenge yourself to stand on one leg while putting on your underwear!) and commit to doing the exercises for 3 months to see if things get better-if not-see the doc. Worry that leads to action is good, plus it focuses your attention so you just can’t keep piling on worries. Worry that is just worry makes you into a negative person that others don’t want to be around, reinforcing the social isolation and creating a new problem.
Exactly, all of this, Tim. Being proactive and optimistic rather than reactive and negative is the way forward into a healthy older age, the science backs this up.
I really appreciate these links, Patricia - thank you! Just wanted to let you know, though, that the link to the Yale article seems to be broken - I got a 404 message when I tried to follow it.
I've changed the link to the article where I found this information and which contains a link to the study. Let me know if there's a problem with this, Erika. It's good to know you like these snippets with links. :)
It worked perfectly - and I loved reading the article! I referenced the previous YSPH study (re the power of a hopeful mindset about aging to improve length and quality of life) quite a bit in my book, The New Old - and I’m thrilled about these new findings.
They really accord with our experience: both my husband and I are stronger and fitter than we were a few years ago (I’m 74 and he’s 71). Thanks for sharing this!
Wow, Erika! You've written a book. I like the title. In complete accord with how I, too, think about ageing. It's a good way to live, as you and your husband, and indeed, myself can attest to.
Patricia- thank you!! I’ve recently downloaded the Beginners Guide and finding your clear instructions and reasonable steps the most clarifying of “training” manual (and I’ve downloaded plenty!) I’ve seen. Your approach to start 2x week is also far less intimidating than the sense one must embrace a daily routine or be forever shamed. Strongly recommend to your readers.
Thank you, Jane. I'm so glad you find it accessible, which is exactly my aim. I wasn't intending it for body builders, but for older people like us to build and maintain our strength and to make it seem doable. I read through the exercise instructions many times to make sure they make sense. I very much appreciate your feedback.
Excellent round-up Patricia! I am munching on my "fast food" lunch of apple, red grapes, nuts and a light cheese stick as I read this, so item #3 is something I agree with for sure.
Item #1 is great in that we're finally having someone say don't lump in all agers in one group because we're not all alike.
Item #2 is fascinating. I'm definitely trying that.
Nice to see a scientific analysis that mirrors what I’ve always thought. If you let your brain fall into negativity, your body will follow. Life presents us with lots of stuff to worry about, but worry is destructive without action. If you worry about “Having enough money” then sit down and examine your plans in detail. (At our age it is something we should do regularly). If you worry about balance, find an exercise program that has balance exercises (or simply challenge yourself to stand on one leg while putting on your underwear!) and commit to doing the exercises for 3 months to see if things get better-if not-see the doc. Worry that leads to action is good, plus it focuses your attention so you just can’t keep piling on worries. Worry that is just worry makes you into a negative person that others don’t want to be around, reinforcing the social isolation and creating a new problem.
Exactly, all of this, Tim. Being proactive and optimistic rather than reactive and negative is the way forward into a healthy older age, the science backs this up.
I really appreciate these links, Patricia - thank you! Just wanted to let you know, though, that the link to the Yale article seems to be broken - I got a 404 message when I tried to follow it.
Sorry about that, Erika. It was fine when I posted it. I’ll check it out.
Thank you - I ‘m really looking forward to reading about the study!
I've changed the link to the article where I found this information and which contains a link to the study. Let me know if there's a problem with this, Erika. It's good to know you like these snippets with links. :)
It worked perfectly - and I loved reading the article! I referenced the previous YSPH study (re the power of a hopeful mindset about aging to improve length and quality of life) quite a bit in my book, The New Old - and I’m thrilled about these new findings.
They really accord with our experience: both my husband and I are stronger and fitter than we were a few years ago (I’m 74 and he’s 71). Thanks for sharing this!
Wow, Erika! You've written a book. I like the title. In complete accord with how I, too, think about ageing. It's a good way to live, as you and your husband, and indeed, myself can attest to.
Thank you! The subtitle is even more aligned with your philosophy, I think - it’s The New Old: Crafting Your Best Later Life. 😊
Patricia- thank you!! I’ve recently downloaded the Beginners Guide and finding your clear instructions and reasonable steps the most clarifying of “training” manual (and I’ve downloaded plenty!) I’ve seen. Your approach to start 2x week is also far less intimidating than the sense one must embrace a daily routine or be forever shamed. Strongly recommend to your readers.
Thank you, Jane. I'm so glad you find it accessible, which is exactly my aim. I wasn't intending it for body builders, but for older people like us to build and maintain our strength and to make it seem doable. I read through the exercise instructions many times to make sure they make sense. I very much appreciate your feedback.
Excellent round-up Patricia! I am munching on my "fast food" lunch of apple, red grapes, nuts and a light cheese stick as I read this, so item #3 is something I agree with for sure.
Item #1 is great in that we're finally having someone say don't lump in all agers in one group because we're not all alike.
Item #2 is fascinating. I'm definitely trying that.