The Secret Ingredient to a Longer, Happier Life
Let’s face it. We’re all in need of an attitude adjustment from time to time.
After all, when you turn on the news these days, the world can seem pretty dark.
That is unless you make it a practice to look for the silver linings.
In fact, Harvard researchers say when you do, something quite miraculous can happen…
A new study reveals that practicing an “attitude of gratitude” can literally extend your life.
Harvard researchers spotted a strong link in older adults between being thankful for the good things in life and living LONGER.
The study tracked older female nurses in the U.S. and found that those who showed a lot of gratitude had a much lower chance of dying.
In fact, those who were the MOST grateful had a nine percent lower risk of death from ANY cause than folks who were the least.
But that’s not all. Incredibly, a deeper analysis of the data reveals that being thankful made people 15 percent less likely to die from heart problems.
The links remained solid even after several key factors, including sociodemographics, religious and social activity, physical health, lifestyle choices, cognitive function, and mental health, were considered.
In other words, the science is clear that gratitude plays a VITAL in our health and well-being as we age, providing us with purpose and connection.
If you’re ready to live longer (and better), the following hacks can help you adopt an “attitude of gratitude” in your own life:
- Keep a gratitude journal: Write three things you’re grateful for daily.
- Practice mindfulness: Pay attention to the present moment and appreciate small pleasures.
- Express thanks: Regularly tell people how much you appreciate them.
- Volunteer: Helping others can increase your gratitude for what you have.
- Avoid comparisons: Focus on your own blessings rather than what others have.
- Use positive affirmations: Remind yourself of the good things in your life.
- Reflect on challenges overcome: Appreciate your resilience and growth.
- Savor experiences: Take time to fully enjoy positive moments.
- Practice gratitude meditation: Focus on feelings of thankfulness during meditation.
- Start and end your day with gratitude: Think of something you’re thankful for when you wake up and before bed.
- Write thank-you notes: Express your appreciation in writing to others.
- Use visual reminders: Place gratitude quotes or objects around your home or workspace.
- Turn negatives into positives: Find the silver lining in difficult situations.
- Practice gratitude walks: Notice and appreciate your surroundings during a walk.
Adopting gratitude into your daily life will send your quality of life soaring and can help you skate through darker and more difficult times. So why not get started today?
And another thing…
Here’s what else we’ve covered this week in Living Well Daily…
Parkinson’s Signs You Can’t Afford to Miss
Shuffling, tremors, and speech issues are expected Parkinson’s symptoms. However, research reveals other surprising early warning signs to watch for.
The Hidden Threat Behind Your Achy Joints
Think your creaky knees are just a nuisance? New research reveals osteoarthritis could be a warning sign of bigger health issues to come. Find out what this means for you and your loved ones.
Hidden Heatwave Threat REVEALED
Soaring summer temps can be harmful, especially if you’re ill or a senior. But there’s another hidden heat-linked threat that’s often overlooked. Discover if you’re at risk…
Household Favorite EXPOSED as Cancer Risk?
Is your daily routine putting you at risk? The WHO has just classified a common household product as “probably carcinogenic.” Find out if you’re in danger and what you can do to protect yourself.
Mailbag: Slash Your Risk of Bone Fractures as You Age
Osteoporosis diagnosis? You can do a lot to boost bone health and reduce the risk of it worsening. Here’s what I tell my own patients…
“Ebb and Flow” Technique TRANSFORMS Senior Brain Health
New research reveals an “ebb and flow” exercise technique improves cognitive function in older adults, with benefits lasting for years.
Do You REALLY Need All Those Skincare Products?
In today’s beauty-obsessed world, spending hundreds on products every month is easy. However, when it comes to skincare, LESS is often MORE.
P.S. You CAN develop a happiness habit [Here’s how…]
Source:
Chen Y, Okereke OI, Kim ES, Tiemeier H, Kubzansky LD, VanderWeele TJ. Gratitude and Mortality Among Older US Female Nurses. JAMA Psychiatry. Published online July 03, 2024. doi:10.1001/jamapsychiatry.2024.1687
Written By Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Nearly 25 years ago, failed mainstream medical treatments left Dr. Olson in constant pain – and his health in ruins. And that’s when he did something REVOLUTIONARY. He began his career in medicine – and dedicated his life to uncovering the true, underlying causes of disease.
Through his innovative medical practices in Tennessee and Colorado, Dr. Olson has helped cure countless seniors from across America of arthritis… heart disease… diabetes… and even cancer. All without risky prescription drugs or painful surgeries.
View More Free Articles
Sweet Cancer Breakthrough Creates a Buzz
That jar of honey in your pantry might be more than just a sweet treat. In fact, if it’s the right variety, it could be a secret weapon against one of the most common forms of cancer affecting women. (Can you even imagine a world in which fighting this killer could be as simple as...
EASY Morning Routine Fights Frailty
Think you don’t have a muscle loss problem? Think again! The fact is we ALL lose muscle mass as we age. It starts sometime in your 30s or 40s and ramps up in your senior years, between 65 and 80. In fact, you can lose up to eight percent of muscle mass every decade! This...
“Dirty Brain” Breakthrough Slashes Brain Disease Risk
Have you ever wondered why seniors are more prone to diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s? (And no, it’s not because we’re running out of room from storing decades-worth of information!) In truth, scientists have long suspected it’s related to the brain’s ability to clean itself. Now, groundbreaking research has revealed why this happens and a...
Tiny Troublemaker Ramps Up Arthritis Pain [5 Ways to Fight Back]
If you’re one of the millions living with rheumatoid arthritis, you might be surprised to learn that the key to managing your condition could be right under your nose—or, more precisely, in your mouth. Recent research from Tokyo Medical and Dental University uncovered a fascinating link between oral health and the severity of arthritis symptoms....
Evaluate Your Health with Five “Living Room” Tests
You don’t need a medical degree or expensive equipment to get a snapshot of your health. In fact, there are five simple tests you can do right now from the comfort of your own living room (or neighborhood) that will give you valuable insights into your overall fitness and well-being. Let’s take a look at...
How the War on Fat Is Harming Your Health
For decades, we’ve been taught to fear fat. Low-fat and fat-free products have been practically shoved down our throats. It’s been drilled into our heads that fat is enemy no. 1. But what if I told you that this fat phobia is likely doing far more harm than good? In fact, a “forgotten fat” could...
Mailbag: Diabetes Busting Solutions that WORK
“How do you eliminate diabetes and can supplements help?” – Seeking Solutions ***** Dear Seeking, Let’s first be sure we’re talking about the same thing: type 2 diabetes. Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease in which the body can no longer produce insulin. It can be a challenging condition to manage. But if you...
Health Risks of Plant-Based Eating EXPOSED (Study)
You’ve seen the headlines. “Go vegan for your health!” “Plant-based is the way forward!” But before you ditch that steak for a veggie burger, there’s something you need to know… A shocking new study has uncovered a dirty little secret in the world of plant-based eating. And it might just make you think twice about...
Potent Extract Boosts Immune Function
Remember when CBD products were suddenly popping up everywhere, from trendy cafes to your local gas station? Well, while the initial craze has settled, this powerful compound is still making waves in the health world. And its latest trick could be a godsend for folks who need to beef up their immune system… A new...
Don’t Ignore This Weight Loss Drug WARNING
By now, you’ve heard the buzz about GLP-1 weight loss drugs such as Ozempic. They’re being hailed as game-changers in the fight against obesity, with everyone from celebrities to everyday folks singing their praises. But what if I told you these miracle medications might be hiding a dark secret? Or that ignoring this potential side...