Researchers are saying that you have more control over our health and wellbeing than we realize. Fiona MacRae (Daily Mail. London (UK): December 30, 2010) wrote an article about the powerful influence of thinking young. They advise people not to dwell on the ageing process too much.
What does this mean? Don’t buy into the mindset that you are “too old” to enjoy life. Forget the old adage about growing old gracefully. The key to looking and feeling young is to grow old “disgracefully”. Those who think and dress in a youthful fashion are healthier than those who act their age. Mind over matter seems to improve everything from blood pressure to eyesight.
Psychologists suggest that much of the decline in old age is driven by negative perceptions. Breaking negative stereotypes can actually improve health. One example that many can relate to is the decision on whether to color your hair versus the natural look. If you are one of the men and women who refuse to go gray, you might be on to something. Hair color really can make you feel younger and perhaps reduce your blood pressure too.
Another interesting theory is that older mothers tend to age slower than those who gave birth in their 20’s. This could very well be because they have more money and are motivated to keep up appearances, or it could just be they are used to running with a younger crowd. If you are surrounded by young kids and young moms you don’t want to be perceived as the “old lady” of the group. Admit it, it is a powerful motivator. What about the cougar generation? Someone with a younger spouse may be more inclined to think and act younger, and their body reaps the benefits.
It is even suggested that wearing a uniform for work can slow down aging. Uniforms are uni-sex and uni-age. Everyone dresses the same so no stereotypical garb is seen anywhere. Perception is everything Youthful thinkers tend to exercise both their bodies and their brains more, and this tends to boost both their physical and their psychological health.
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