Stanford News has an interesting article, Despite COVID-19 risks, older people experience higher emotional well-being than younger adults, Stanford psychologist finds:
What makes older people more resilient to stress than younger populations?
Two factors likely account for these age advantages. The first is experience: Older people have had more years to encounter stressful and negative experiences, and they’ve had more time to learn how to cope with these experiences, as well as what works for them and what doesn’t in times of stress. Another important factor is that older people experience changes in their motivations and goals. There is considerable evidence that older people are more motivated to focus on the good in their daily lives and accept rather than dwell on what’s bad. Instead of focusing on and worrying about the future, older adults tend to prioritize goals about the here-and-now.
What do you think younger people can learn about stress and well-being from older populations?
Time becomes more and more precious as we age – the older we get, the less time we have left – and it may be beneficial to focus our time, energy and motivation on what’s meaningful and less time dwelling on the negative aspects of life. It’s important to note that this type of shift isn’t a denial or avoidance of the negative aspects – it’s more about not becoming overwhelmed by the negative and focusing more attention and energy on what brings joy and pleasure.
Amen to that. Commitment and practice is a powerful combination.
October 30, 2020
this last sentence says it all doesn’t it.
‘ it’s more about not becoming overwhelmed by the negative and focusing more attention and energy on what brings joy and pleasure. ‘
the trick is to remember that. whatever our age! xoxo
Yep, the quality of our lives depends on how we focus our energy and our attention. 🙂
That entire last paragraph sums up nicely how I feel. Time is short and I want to focus as much as possible and reasonable on the good things and let the less good slip into the background.
As the old saying goes,
i completely agree with everything you have said! From my own personal experience, too!
Yes, hurray for experience!
Amazing at this time in my life what’s become apparent … and more so, less important. Thanks for sharing!
It’s powerful stuff.
In a way, throughout life, I tried to live with a positive attitude & philosophy…why not? Negatives tend to create stressors we don’t need. My brothers called me naive but that’s okay…ignorance is bliss.
This study shows positives from dealing with negatives in the past…it’s a learning process. And sometimes I think those that are so negative stopped learning and now don’t know how to cope.
I usually expect things to go wrong, but I don’t worry about it. My optimism is the belief that I can learn and grow by dealing with challenges.
i find at my age, really old, i am more content with what i have and not always seeking to find something to DO… i agree with this and one sentence that i think as seniors we know from experience, this too shall pass
My saying is usually a question, “What small step can I take right now to make myself happier?”
I totally agree with this. I know for myself, I handle stress much better than I used to. I’ve learned that some things just really aren’t worth getting worked up about.
And it’s a lot easier to solve problems when we’re not upset.
I agree with all that. Yes, older people have had many more challenging life experiences and have learnt how to cope with them. And yes, in general they appreciate the positive things and don’t dwell on the negatives. Plus we no longer have the stress of trying to constantly advance in our work-life but have put all that behind us. What’s not to like?
Hurray for retirement! I was born for it.
I’m not sure if we do become “content” – I know that in the last few months, I’ve not been content – striving to fix what might be left of my future.
But late last week, my life turned upside down and all that “future” – well it’s still there, but it’s baby steps for now.
And it’s not the first time in my life where things went wayward and all things came to a halt – and I had to rebuild…
It’s different for different people. I’m so sorry you’ve had another setback when you had some plans for a better future.