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Power of Positive Thought in Seniors

Getting older and retiring is no reason to quit on life and curl up and die. Shake off that self-pity and "woe is me" mentality and find power in positive thinking. Positive thinking is a powerful thing and yes, mind over matter does sometimes work, especially if that "matter" is your body! Some people as they age are so full of life and grab life's experiences by the horns. These are the people who always seem so healthy and robust. Well, that is no coincidence. Older adults who get sick or prone to injury are often those who don't get out as much or socialize and meet new people or have new experiences.

There are been many research studies on the power of positive thinking and how it can make the difference between leading a more robust life or one where you are just existing between doctor appointments. Sure, your genetic history and previous lifestyle play a part in how your retiring years will play out. However, there is something to the power of positive thinking.

These research studies compared older adults with physical weaknesses like weight loss, fatigue and a slower gait against other older adults who seemed more robust. The more robust group was questioned in-depth on a variety of subjects, actions and emotions. The frailer group showed less positive thinking and optimism than the active, robust group who always seems to have positive views to share about their feelings and life in general.

The most popular guess as to why the heartier group is affected more positively than the other group is that positive thinking kick starts certain chemical processes in the brain which sparks those neural pathways into overdrive. In other words, the power of positive thinking could all boil down to a chemical reaction within the body. When you think about it, what happens when you are happy or excited? Your heart pumps a little faster and your body is flooded with extra oxygen which can give you a temporary high.

Positive thinking can definitely boost a person's overall health from brain functions to extra oxygen in the blood. Intellectually, physically, socially and psychologically … these are all ways that positive thinking can trump anything else. Did you know that you do not expend any more energy on positive thoughts or even on negative ones? Therefore, why waste time being negative and seeing the darker side of things when you can be happy and enjoy the sunshine?

If positive thinking and anticipating the good in life does not come naturally to you, you will have to start small and work your way up to a better disposition. Learn to enjoy the little things in life like the sunrise or the giggle of a little baby. Consciously think happy thoughts and before you know it, you will be happier with those happy thoughts that come unbidden to you. Life, especially during retirement, is more enjoyable if you have a happy disposition about it. Life is one big comedy and it is up to you to see the humor in it all.