'Meaningful' Activities May Mean Healthier Old Age
San Fernando Valley Seniors are more active with meaningful healthy lives
According to The University of California advice on building well-being, "The things that bring meaning to people's lives are hugely variable." "It does not have to be a big project. For some people, things like hiking in the countryside, singing in a local choir, or looking after grandchildren will provide a strong sense of living a worthwhile life."In another recent study, findings were published online Jan. 7 in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, based on about 7,300 adults, aged 50 to 90, measuring participants answered surveys on their health and lifestyle, and underwent objective health tests that measured their cholesterol levels, walking speed and hand strength, among other things.
Overall, the more meaning people saw in their lives, the better their physical and mental health at the outset, and four years later. The odds of developing a new disease, depression, chronic pain or a disability dipped as "worthwhile" ratings rose, the researchers found.
Of course, people who are in good health, or have high incomes or more education, may be more likely to see their daily activities as worthwhile. But Steptoe said his team factored in those other key variables -- and there was still a connection between viewing life as meaningful and having better health four years later.
Plus people with high ratings on the "worthwhile" scale were more likely to make positive lifestyle changes over those four years -- such as starting an exercise routine or eating more fruits and vegetables.
Think about what things in life are truly important to you, Maddux suggested -- whether it's family, friends, a creative activity, volunteering or getting involved in a political issue. And then choose those things over Netflix marathons.
"Try to spend time, every day, doing something that reflects who you are,"
James Maddux is a senior scholar with the Center for the Advancement of Well-Being, at George Mason University in Fairfax, Va.
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Source: https://www.usnews.com/news/health-news/articles/2019-01-07/meaningful-activities-may-mean-healthier-old-age
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