If you believe you will be happy and healthy in later life, you’re much more likely to achieve that outcome, according to a new study from the Oregon State University.
Previous research has shown that how people think about themselves at 50 could predict their health up to 40 years later – with people with positive outlooks living up to 7.5 years longer on average than those who don’t.
The researchers wanted to look at what impacted those perceptions, measuring participants’ optimism by asking them to rank their agreement with statements like “In uncertain times I usually expect the best.”
They also asked respondents to list two “hoped-for” future selves – such as “A social person with a strong network of friends” and “A healthy, active person” – and two “feared” future selves – for example, “Chronically sick and in pain,” “Being dependent on others for my day-to-day needs” and “A cranky, angry old woman.”
The results? Those who were more optimistic had a better self-perception of ageing.
“How we think about who we’re going to be in old age is very predictive of exactly how we will be,” said Shelbie Turner, a doctoral student in OSU’s College of Public Health and Human Sciences and co-author on the study.
The researchers say there are steps you can take however to avoid these negative mindsets, including maintaining a positive outlook, not buying into pre-conceived stereotypes about ageing and engaging as much as possible with people from other generations.
In other words, steer clear of the stereotype of the ‘cranky, angry’ person when you’re younger – and it won’t happen when you’re older!
