The
longest, most comprehensive study ever done on aging by the Harvard Study of
Adult Development has turned up some unexpected results. The study, which began in the 1930s, examined
more than 800 men and women from adolescence into old
age. The purpose of the research is to find clues
to the participants’ behaviors that translate into happy and healthy longevity.
George
Vaillant, MD, director of the Harvard study and senior physician at Brigham and
Women's Hospital in Boston, states that, "I had expected that the
longevity of your parents, the quality of your childhood, and your cholesterol
levels would be very influential. So I
was very surprised that these particular variables weren't more important than
they were."
Another
commonly held belief regarding aging well has typically included avoiding stress. However, the results from the study indicate
that stressful events did not predict future health and that some people who
have had a lot of stress have aged quite well despite it. The important thing seems to be how well you
deal with the stress.
The
Harvard study also found that genetics may not play as big of a role in how
well we age as do things such as not smoking or overeating, maintaining a
healthy body weight, and developing good coping skills. Exercising, keeping good social connections,
and being a life-long learner are additionally all precursors to a healthy
longevity. If fact the overriding
conclusion of the study appears to be that we have more control over our longevity
that we may have thought in the past.
At
MorningStar
of Sparks, we are committed to provide the best senior living
Reno or Sparks offers, and we take our residents wellbeing very seriously. Our signature wellness program, WellStar, is
designed to enhance health and wellness, stimulate the brain and encourage social
connections. Please visit
our website for more information.
The
unique mission statement of MorningStar of Sparks, “to honor, to serve, to
invest,” sets us apart from other senior living communities. Our foundation is
built upon honoring God, valuing all seniors, and investing in staff with a
felt calling to serve. Dedicated to creating a real home for residents within a
beautiful setting, we encourage you to learn more about the finest senior
living Reno/Sparks has to offer.
Source: webmd.com/healthy-aging/features/secrets-of-aging-well#1