The Secret Ingredient to a Longer, Happier Life
By
Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Posted July 26, 2024
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
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...
Tiny Allies Could Revolutionize Weight Loss
We usually think of bacteria as the bad guys, right? Well, plot twist! Some of those bugs are actually GOOD for us. I’m talking about the friendly bacteria probiotics, of course. They hang out in your gut and help keep things running smoothly down there. Now, in the ongoing battle against obesity, scientists are exploring...
Bring Home the Magic of Outdoor Sleeping (No Backpack Required!)
I’m an avid backpacker and love sleeping outdoors. In fact, I dream of spending more nights sleeping under the stars than under a roof. There are many benefits to breathing outdoor air. (More on those in a moment.) But you don’t have to strap on a backpack to get the benefits of outdoor sleeping… A...
Fruit Bowl Secret to a Healthier Heart
We often think that improving our health requires drastic changes or complicated regimens. But that’s simply NOT the case. In fact, new research reveals eating more of a simple, tasty fruit could significantly lower your risk of cardiovascular disease. Keep reading to discover the delicious fruit-bowl secret to a healthier heart… New research suggests that...
Mailbag: The Sip, Swish, Smile Fix for Dry Mouth
“Had dry mouth for a while. Which are the best mouth rinses that don’t taste bad?” – Dry As a Desert Dear Dry, Dry mouth isn’t just annoying. It can also lead to dental problems if left unchecked. I’ll share the name of an effective mouth rinse in just a moment. But before relying on...
Olive Extract Boosts Weight Loss and Blood Sugar Control
On this Labor Day, we’d like to take a moment to honor the hard work and dedication of all workers who contribute to our nation’s strength and prosperity. Forget fad diets and grueling workouts. New research suggests a humble compound found in olives might be the weight loss and blood sugar breakthrough we’ve all been...
Herbal Hero CRUSHES Bad Cholesterol and Blood Sugar
We all know garlic is supposed to keep vampires at bay. But what if I told you this 5,000-year-old pungent bulb could also ward off some real-life health villains? A groundbreaking new study suggests that garlic can be a secret weapon in the fight against high blood sugar and cholesterol. How does this humble herb...
What Your Poop Schedule Says About Your Health
We need to talk about something we ALL do. I’ll admit, it isn’t dinner table conversation, but it IS important. While discussing your bathroom habits might make you blush, new research suggests they could be a crystal ball for your long-term health. A groundbreaking study from the Institute for Systems Biology (ISB) uncovered a vital...
Are Your Senses Sending You an SOS?
As you journey into and through your golden years, you’re bound to notice some changes in how you experience the world. You may have found yourself turning up the volume on the TV more often or holding the newspaper at arm’s length to read it. Well, you’re not alone… but there’s more to these changes...
"Rise and Shine" Energy Hack Transforms Your ENTIRE Day
Imagine an all-natural, entirely free hack that improves sleep quality and has you kickstarting your day with a burst of energy that lasts until bedtime. I know it sounds too good to be true. Heck, if I didn’t know better, I’d be looking for the catch, too. But I assure you, it’s legit. This simple...