Stop Belieiving These Longevity Myths to Live Longer, be Healthy and Happy

Editor's Note: We are all susceptible to believing ideas that fall into the cateogry of myths. There are many about agiing and longevity. In a an article for Prevention, Stephen Douglas dispells several prominent myths about longevity. Here is an excerpt, with a link to the full article at the bottom of the page.

The oldest living American in 2021 was a Charlotte, NC woman named Hester Ford, who was either 115 or 116 years old (the record is fuzzy.)

Unfortunately, if she has the secret to a long and happy life on this earth (and how she managed not to be hospitalized until age 108!), she’s not talking. “I just live right, all I know,” Ford told her local CBS TV station in August of that year.

But while Miss Ford may not know why she’s made it this far, we do know that there are some misconceptions about longevity that we need to clear up.

Myth: A sunny, optimistic disposition increases your life span.

An upbeat personality won’t help you in the long-life sweepstakes. A Longevity Project study that followed more than 1,500 people for 80 years found that the cheery, happy-go-lucky folks actually lived shorter lives. The ones who lived longest: persistent and prudent types. The lighthearted folks, based on an everything-will-turn-out-fine philosophy, tended to take more risks with their health (such as skipping recommended screenings) as they aged.

That’s not to say you need to be dour or worried to tack on more years of life. Laughter actually is good medicine—one study found that older adults who laughed every day had lower rates of heart disease and stroke. Just try to balance life enjoyment with a serious approach to maintaining your health.

Myth: Working too hard will put you in an early grave.

Hard workers actually have a 20% to 30% lower risk of early death, according to the Longevity Project study. If your workplace causes you take-home stress, that’s bad for your health. But for most, the social engagement and mental stimulation of working bring real benefits. One study found that healthy people who worked a year longer before retiring had an 11% lower risk of dying during the 18-year study period.

But it’s not being paid so much as having a sense of purpose that helps extend longevity, says research in Psychological Science. You can find purpose in just about any type of activity, from volunteering to helping care for a grandchild to taking up a social hobby. “It’s about the importance of community and being in service to others,” says Catherine Johnson, M.D., founder and medical director of Precision Medical Care in Clarendon Hills, IL.

Here are three more myths. Can you guess what Douglas has to say about them? To find out, followi the link below..

Myth: If people in your family tend to die young, you will too.

Myth: Aging is the worst!

Myth: It’s too late to do any good by giving up bad habits like smoking and tanning.

Go to the full article to learn more about these myths.