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'Is it possible to rejuvenate ourselves in order to get the most out of the years to come?' ask
Mary Spillane and Victoria McKee, fortysomething authors of
Be As Young As You Want To Be.
Their answer is a resounding 'Yes'. Not only can we cheat
the passing of time with exercise, cosmetic surgery, make-up, diet and so on, but by taking care of
our looks we're also taking care of our overall wellbeing.
According to the Wellbeing
study conducted by Boots, people aged 65-74 who are content with their appearance are a
whole lot happier than those who can't look in the mirror without suppressing a shudder.
Overall, though, being fulfilled and happy in old age is just as much about your lifestyle
and attitudes, as the state of your face and body. The Wellbeing study also pinpointed an
optimistic nature as being a really useful attribute. Add to that a sense of control over
your life, and a network of supportive friends, and you have the formula for successful ageing. |
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A landmark Harvard study, currently being led by American psychologist
George Vaillant, is the most thorough survey
of ageing ever undertaken, and has tracked more than 800 people from teens into old age to find
out what it is that enhances health and happiness throughout life. These are the factors that,
over and over again, are present among people who lived contentedly into a ripe old age:
- Being happily married. The group being studied belonged to a generation who generally wed
rather than cohabited, but whatever your legal status, a warm and close intimate relationship is
an invaluable source of support and understanding.
- Adapting well to change and coping with whatever life brings. People who have learned to
solve problems constructively and who don't give up and sink into depression as soon as they
hit an obstacle are able to keep their heads above water in good times and bad.
- Having good friendships. Even people who've endured more than their fair share of bad
luck can thrive in the long term, as long as they can connect with a circle of good and
loving people who know them well. As you get older, it's especially important to cultivate
friendships with younger people and not stick solely to your peer group. That way you can
keep a fresh and stimulating angle on life.
- Taking care of your health. Not smoking heavily or abusing alcohol, staying at the right weight for your height and taking ample exercise are all important for a healthy old age.
If your life doesn't fit with these factors, don't wait until you're ready to collect your
pension to start doing something about it. One important finding of the Harvard study was
that people who had these elements well-established in their lives by the time they were
50 were the most likely to stay happy and healthy to 80 and beyond.
For further reading and weblinks on ageing fantastically, go to
Help and info. |
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