Sunny spirit that aids ageing
Thursday July 12th, 2012
A sunny and optimistic attitude is the best way to age successfully, a psychiatry conference was told yesterday.
Wisdom, resilience
and a stimulating environment also help create a successful retirement,
according to Professor Dilip Jeste, President of the American Psychiatric
Association.
Professor Jeste set out his findings at the conference of the Royal College of Psychiatrists in Liverpool.
He has been studying more than a thousand people between the ages of 50 and 100 living in San Diego, California.
Professor Jeste says his finding show the importance of good mental health in old age.
He said: "This study shows that just because our physical health tends to decline as we get older, doesn't mean we can't have an enjoyable old age.
"Society tends to have a negative attitude towards older people, but getting older is not all doom and gloom. Being optimistic, resilient, keeping the mind active, and living in a stimulating environment are essential qualities that help people to get the most out of life as they get older."
Tags: Elderly Health | Mental Health | North America | UK News
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