2 Keys to a Longer Life

New rewards for doing good and being well.

By Beth Howard
From Reader's Digest
Advertisement
 
Two recent studies suggest surprising but heartwarming keys to a longer life. You're more likely to rack up the years if you:

Expect the best. Of 100,000 women in the Women's Health Initiative study, those rated optimistic by special questionnaires were 14 percent less likely than pessimists to die during the study's first eight years. "Optimists are master copers," points out investigator Hilary Tindle, MD. "They have strong social networks and handle stress better, which could make a difference."

Care for a loved one. Despite the stress involved, men and women who put in the most time taking care of a spouse cut their own risk of dying by 36 percent over a seven-year period, researchers at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor found. Aiding a loved one may release the "bonding" hormone oxytocin, countering cortisol, a stress hormone that can raise blood pressure and interfere with regulation of the immune system, the scientists speculate.

See more anti-aging tips.

From Reader's Digest - June 2009
 
Must Read Should Everyone Read This? Yes! I vote for this story
Share Your Comments
Post a Comment
 
Remaining Character Count:
 
See All Comments
  • Most Popular
  • How to Finish a Basement: Framing and Insulating
    How to frame a basement and install insulation.
  • 6 Delicious Christmas Cookie Recipes
    Bake a batch of any of these easy to follow recipes or just drool over the stunning Christmas cookie pictures.
  • Spinach, Pear, and Shaved Parmesan Salad
    A spinach salad, especially one with ripe fall pears, is a welcome addition to the Thanksgiving table. The salad can be served in a large bowl as part of a buffet, or on individual salad plates alongside the main course.
  • Delicata Squash Soup with Parmesan Croutons
    Delicata squash, as its name implies, is a finely flavored, richly sweet winter squash with a nearly fibreless flesh. Cylindrical in shape, with elongated ridges, this squash has yellow to pale orange skin with green striations. Its beautiful yellow flesh and delicate flavor make it perfect for this puréed soup.
  • Thanksgiving Desserts
    It will be difficult to wait until the end of the meal for these gorgeous desserts.

Advertisement
 
Related Links

Advertisement

Digg

Popular stories from the source site rd.com sorted by diggs
Powered by Digg's Users