I have a new blog post on Psychology Today about the findings of The Longevity Project, a new book by Howard Friedman, PhD and Leslie Martin PhD summarizing the results of 80 years of data on how personality, stress, and social support predict good health and a longer life.
Based on these data, here are some things you can do to promote a long life:
1. Be conscientious and do a good job with the tasks you take on
Conscientious people are well-respected in their communities, have happier marriages, and are more likely to be successful in their careers, according to these data. Having a sense of responsibility for people and organizations that you are connected with seems to pay off in better relationships and opportunities. To be able to do a good job, you may want to think carefully about the things you commit to. Make sure you have enough time to do a good job on all of them without getting resentful or burning yourself out. Sometimes it is better to say "no" to some things to leave more energy for the people and causes that are most important to you.
2. Reach out to help many other people, not just your immediate family
By helping other people, you help to build community and also build a reputation as a caring person who can be relied on. You can strengthen your relationships or build new relationships through helpful behaviors. This is particularly useful if you are new to a community. Volunteering for projects at your local school, place of worship, or charity, environmental group, or joining a service networking group, such as Rotary International can help you connect with other people who care.
3. Choose an exercise you can stick to and enjoy
People in the study who exercised when they were young, then gave it up did not live as long as those who stuck to their exercise routines into midlife and beyond. Vigorous exercise has the most immediate benefit, but if you can't keep it up, the effects won't last. Walking 30 minutes per day 5 days a week is a great low-stress way to improve your health and fitness and connect with nature and your neighbors.
4. Be satisfied with your chosen path and what you have achieved
If you choose a job that you're passionate about and work hard at it, you're more likely to be satisfied with the results after many years. If you haven't lived up to your potential yet, you may want to consider hiring a career coach or psychologist to help you focus and address barriers to achievement. Some people have traits or habits that get in their way, such as being too controlling and aggressive, too passive and avoidant, or too impulsive and likely to act without thinking. Alcohol and drugs or dysfunctional relationships will also suck energy away from your career so these too, need to be addressed.
The good news is that people who did change and become more conscientious or connected over time still lived long lives. So for most people, it is never too late to walk a new path. You just need to find the courage to change.
LINKS
My Psychology Today Blog Post
http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/the-mindful-self-express/201104/the-secret-longevity-its-about-character-not-just-calisthenicsThe Longevity Project - Howard Friedman- home page
http://www.howardsfriedman.com/longevityproject/
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ReplyDeletegreat blog post, I liked the style of this post better than the Psy Today post! LOL tell them that!
ReplyDeleteHi Melanie,
ReplyDeleteBeautifully said, Melanie. Sounds like the message is that if we live a worthwhile life we are likely to live longer. -- Worthwhile meaning that we create meaningful value for ourselves and others as we go along, and we care for the vehicle that carries us, out bodies.
These are also the fundamental principles underlying eating disorder recovery. Probably they are the underlying principles for much emotional, spiritual and physical healing in this world.
It wonderful how the power of love and kindness to self and others makes such a positive impact on the human condition.
Thank you for posting this inspiring blog post.
Joanna
Joanna Poppink, MFT
Los Angeles psychotherapist
http://eatingdisorderrecovery.com
author: Healing Your Hungry Heart
08/11 Conari Press http://amzn.to/grcDfG
Agree with your post. I love to lift weights. It makes you disciplined with everything in your life. I'm also passionate about Gutsy Living and not making excuses: just taking risks and believing in yourself.
ReplyDeleteI stopped running regularly about 30 and then resumed about 39 and have now been exercising relularly for 19 years... could I still reach 100? Isn't there a state law that says you cannot publish anything about longevity without mentioning importance of not being overweight? (that was said in jest) And what if you are not really happy about the path you have taken, but can see many positive aspects to it anyway? Do you believe the people who say they are happy with all their major decisions in life? I assume they are lying, but cannot admit their errors.
ReplyDeleteHi Melanie!
ReplyDeleteLove your articles. Going to link your blog to my last article in the series French ways to eat for pleasure and good health. The final post is going to help readers to recognize how important the mental health connection with their health and specifically food issues. You are one of the experts in this area!
Thanks a lot for the great insight,
Mary Brighton
Nice post, you have done such a great job. I have read many fitness articles on other sites but after long time I have seen something different on health and fitness guide . I hope, I will see your writing magic next time again.
ReplyDelete