Here are four keys to help you live longer, according to researchers – Edition du soir Ouest-France

What is the secret of longevity? American researchers from the University of Michigan in the United States paid attention to this question. In a scientific study, they managed to isolate four essential factors for aging as well as possible and hoping for a long and beautiful life.

Healthy aging requires regular physical exercise, a healthy diet and quality sleep. But that won’t be enough. According to researchers at the University of Michigan in the United States, psychological health is the real secret to longevity and more specifically four factors: optimism, happiness, social support and having a goal or finding meaning in life. The scientists presented their findings in a study reported by Scientific Magazine on Wednesday, April 13, 2022. Greater Good from the University of California at Berkeley.

Also read: Eight simple habits that can give you up to 24 years of life

Studies based on emotional states

Researchers studied the emotional states of 21,000 adults aged 50 and over. They were based on data collected as part of another survey focused on health and retirement conducted by scientists at the University of Michigan.

Every four years, participants in this previous study had to answer a questionnaire on their psychological health, asking them about their happiness, optimism, satisfaction with their lives, or social support. This made it possible to establish their well-being score.

Between 2006 and 2020, nearly 5,000 participants in the Health and Retirement Study died. The researchers then studied how their psychological health may or may not have contributed to their longevity. They then compared the psychological well-being of the deceased, by analyzing their well-being scores, with those of the same age who were still alive.

Also read: Surprising advice from centenarians for living a long life

Having a purpose in life is the single most influential factor in longevity

And the observation is clear: Study participants who are still alive have much better overall mental health. So emotional well-being plays an essential role in longevity.

The researchers were also able to analyze the most influential factors in detail. Having a purpose in life comes first. Happiness and optimism will also be very important. Social support will be the factor that least influences lifespan.

How psychological well-being extends lifespan still eludes scientists. However, lead researcher Jennifer Boylan thinks that what could explain it would be the fact “People who are psychologically healthy tend to take better care of themselves by being physically active, getting better sleep and engaging in more preventive health care.”

And then, accordingly, “Being mentally healthy can help people cope better with stress, reducing the harmful physiological reactions that accompany it, such as increased heart rate or blood pressure.”

Also read: In which countries do people live the longest in good health?

Good psychological health can add eight years to life

Although they have not clearly identified the reasons why good psychological health promotes longevity, researchers have managed to define the number of additional years of life of happy, positive people who have a purpose in life and who are surrounded by it. When all four criteria were met, at age 50, among study participants, and significantly above average, these people lived an average of five to eight years longer than average.