![]() Many species-crows, dolphins, barnyard beasts-have unique ways of demonstrating a positive outlook.One man ventures into the depths of pessimism-and lives to tell about it.Planning for the worst can often position us for the best possible outcome. Sometimes it’s not a bad idea to think negatively.Though we may underestimate our ability to cope with misfortune, our minds are equipped to quickly reframe challenges in a positive light.When it comes to optimism, which is more important: genes or environment? Turns out, that’s the wrong question.Are we born optimistic (or pessimistic)? Science is only beginning to understand the origins of our outlook on life.Finding optimism even in difficult times can lead to better moods and stronger mindsets-so long as that optimism is real.This special issue looks at the benefits of an optimistic mindset in all aspects of life, how to frame everyday thoughts in a favorable light, and how to maximize positive inclinations. And for those who may see the glass as half full, it is possible that pessimistic thinking can actually lead to positive outcomes. Though there is evidence that optimism has biological and genetic roots, research has shown that we can shape our attitude to see the best possible outcomes in life, cultivating happiness, gratitude, and resilience while reducing stress and anxiety. Strategies to improve optimism and other positive perceptions may have promise to increase life satisfaction and protect middle-aged and older adults from the negative effects of functional limitations.Having a positive outlook translates into a happier and healthier life-and it’s not as elusive as you might think. “This study reinforces that not every adult with difficulties performing ADLs or IADLs has low levels of life satisfaction. “This current study shows that optimism can positively influence life satisfaction, and optimism can attenuate the negative effects of activity limitations on life satisfaction,” Smith added.Īlthough the study was one of few looking at the relationship between activity limitations and life satisfaction/optimism, the research team notes that further research is needed to explore how optimism training (guided exercises that urge individuals to focus on positive life experiences) could impact older adults’ life satisfaction. As activity limitations increased, life satisfaction statistically significantly decreased however, an increase in optimism was related to an increase in life satisfaction.” “Race, Hispanic origin, marital status, and self-rated health appeared to have strong associations with life satisfaction. “Mean-centered age was positively associated with life satisfaction, suggesting a slight increase in life satisfaction for every additional year lived,” Smith said. The average age of the sample was 68.5 years, and the majority of respondents were white, married women who were not in the labor force and had moderate-to-high levels of optimism, life satisfaction and functional ability. Using data from the 2008-2018 Health and Retirement Study Leave Behind Survey waves, the team examined if activity limitations were negatively associated with life satisfaction, if optimism was positively associated with life satisfaction, and if optimism lessened the impact of activity limitations on life satisfaction among middle-aged and older adults over time. Matthew Lee Smith, PhD, MPH, associate professor in Environmental & Occupational Health at the Texas A&M University School of Public Health, along with Kent Jason Go Cheng, PhD, from Syracuse University, and Darcy Jones (DJ) McMaughan, PhD, from Oklahoma State University, recently published a study examining the relationship between activity limitations and life satisfaction in the Journal of Applied Gerontology. ![]() While previous studies have focused on the association between activity limitations and life satisfaction, few studies have examined how optimism can decrease the effects of activities of daily living (ADLs) and instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs) on life satisfaction. In turn, functional limitations and barriers to living independently can impact life satisfaction-attitudes and beliefs about quality of life. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, adults 80 years and older are 43 percent more likely to have physical limitations than their younger counterparts aged 50-59. As a person ages, activity limitations can affect their ability to live independently.
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