Some people are simply more optimistic than others. In short, optimists look on the bright side. But optimism may mean more than just the ability to feel happy and elevate the mood of the people around you. Optimism also has been associated with improved cognitive health.They often are uplifting, fun and engaging to be around. They may also provide an even more important benefit both for themselves and their partners: their optimism proves a powerful tonic against cognitive decline.
Optimism can surface from time to time with everyone, but optimistic people are a breed apart. They believe the best possible outcome will happen in each situation, even if that outcome seems unlikely. They often look for the best in people, institutions, society as a whole or any given social situation. That includes finding reasons to be thankful for their age and not letting the challenges of aging get them down.
And it doesn’t just help the optimist. A 2019 study by the University of Michigan found that optimistic people contributed to the health of their partners. Their optimism staved off “the risk factors leading to Alzheimer’s disease, dementia and cognitive decline as they grow old together.”
The mind has a profound effect upon the body. 🙂