Page 24 - Megan Reichman

A guide for family, friends and loved ones in
preparing for the effects of the growing elder

population …a Public Service from “Those Who
Care” Provided by Visiting Angels
America’s Choice in Homecare! ™

“Positive Thinking as We Age” all those around you, a sense of well-being and optimism.

Q: With so many things to stress over nowadays…is it really true "Tai Chi and Yoga for Seniors"
what they say about positive thinking making a difference. My fa-
ther, age 85 yrs. is “Mr. Worse Case Scenario”…maybe some hard Q: Okay…I’ve given up on keeping up with so many of those
facts will turn him around and get him on the road to a healthier fast paced aerobic classes. So, what about Tai Chai and Yoga? It
lifestyle. Thanks! seems wonderful, but am I truly going to benefit from something
that seems so calm and peaceful?
A: Mark Stibich, Ph.D., wrote an article for www.About.com (April
5, 2009) about positive thinking and the aging process. He cited a A: Knowing how to fuel your body’s furnace is a great beginning to
statistic from a longitudinal study completed in Oxford, Ohio in 1975 being healthy. However, without exercise, the rate of metabolism, es-
(follow-up study in 1998) which asked several questions of a group pecially as it relates to those bad things we tend to load up on (chips,
of participants (660 in number). The statistic showed that those who sugars, etc.), will never stay ahead of the food we do eat, and thus we
answered the questions in the affirmative lived an average of 7.5 years will always lose the “let’s be healthy” battle. Yet, even as we age, the
longer than those that answered the same questions in the negative. need for exercise is always present. The good news is that exercise
Although no “hard” evidence was used, the results did indicate that is not just for the young and the athletic. Tai Chi is a form of exercise
people, who lived a positive life, could live longer than those who lived founded in the 13th century and Yoga is an Indian tradition; providing
their lives from a pessimistic point of view. And, as seen from the facts both relaxation and a beneficial form of exercise that is enjoyed by
below, positive thinking (and a lifestyle, which I will detail a bit later) both young and old alike.
does seem to have a greater impact on longevity than other common Tai Chi is designed to exercise the major muscle groups of the body
indicators for longer life expectancy: in slow, gentle movements, called “The Dance.” Yoga focuses on
Low cholesterol 4 yrs. breathing and meditation to both improve mental, as well as, physical
Low blood pressure 4 yrs. health. However, the real wonder of both these forms of exercise is
Healthy weight 1-3 yrs. that they can easily be adapted to fit the more limited physical abilities
24 Not smoking 1-4 yrs of an aging population. With the correct instructor and a supportive
Regular exercise 1-3 yrs group (every group for Tai Chi that I have attended was wonderfully
(Source: Levy, B.R. et al, “Longevity increase by positive self-percep- supportive); these two activities can be both fun and beneficial.
tions of aging.” Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 2002, Tai Chi or Yoga can provide very useful results, often, in a very short
Aug; 83(2): 261-70.). time frame. In 2006, the University of Illinois performed a controlled
In a New York Times article on November 19, 2002, “Power of Posi- study with a group of seniors with an average age of 80. The study
tive Thinking Extends, It Seems, To Aging,” author Mark Duenwald showed positive results in approximately six (6) months in balance,
writes: “Recent studies have correlated long life with optimism, with energy levels, flexibility and sleep. Numerous additional studies have
positive thinking; and with a lack of hostility, anxiety, and depression.” shown benefits such as reduction in chronic pain, fewer falls, reduced
Many factors may have a role in these studies such as: sex, race, stress, reduced blood pressure and overall improved fitness. Clearly,
socioeconomic status, loneliness, etc. Yet, the one consistent factor to get involved in either form of exercise is good for the body and the
(positive thinking) did seem to be a strong level of conscientiousness soul.
in those who lived longer. It seems that being competent, truthful, Yoga, the Hatha form, the most commonly practiced in the US or
responsible, stable and leading productive lives made the significant Tai Chi, the Yang school, the most prevalent in this country, gives the
difference. Those people who lead healthy lives also fared better than practitioner a renewed “life force.” It is likened to a form of sunshine
the average in longevity, as well. For example, cooperating with medi- within the body – a force or power that heightens one’s awareness of
cal treatment, wearing seat belts, avoiding drug abuse, staying active, the self in your own environment – this increase in awareness of one’s
associating with healthy and stable people has an impact on mortality presence helps to prevent falls, as well as, reduce stress. Holistically,
risk over time. these forms work well as preventative measures for overall health.
Below are some tips for living longer through positive thinking accord- We know that exercise and nutritional health go hand-in-hand, yet
ing to Karen Wolf in www.About.com: as we age, the tendency is to move further and further away from exer-
• Focus on what you’re thinking about. Control what we think, i.e., cise. One reason for this is that we see strenuous exercise as only for
replace our negative thoughts with positive thoughts as quickly as pos- the young. However, exercises that offer benefits to our bodies need
sible not be strenuous; they simply need to focus on the proper elements of
• Stop letting other’s negative attitudes influence yours. The theory of exercise and the positive results will be forthcoming. Tai Chi and Yoga
“birds of a feather flock together” works here combine aerobic, strength training, stability and flexibility/balance into
• Make a list of all areas of life you want to change, including attitudes forms that are adaptable to all age groups – even for seniors in wheel-
• Take time to write strong life-giving positive affirmative statements. chairs. So, check out your local community for the availability of either
Read these statements out loud to yourself everyday or both of these exercises. Most likely a community center will offer
In addition to those tips listed above: such group classes. See if you, your family, your care recipients would
• Give money to charities benefit from such a program. I’m betting they would . . . .
• Work out. (Remember to always check with your doctor before doing any new
• And as Winston Churchill said, “A pessimist sees the difficulty in exercise routine.)
everyday opportunities – An optimist sees opportunities in everyday
difficulties.
Try to lead your life from an optimistic format and attempt to instill in
September/October 2010