Happy older person, by PennStateNews on Flickr
People who enjoy life maintain better physical function in their daily activities and keep up faster walking speeds as they age, compared with people who enjoy life less, according to a new study led by Professor Andrew Steptoe (UCL Epidemiology & Public Health). The research, published in CMAJ ( Canadian Medical Association Journal ), was based on data from the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing (ELSA). It followed 3,199 men and women aged 60+ in England over an eight year period in order to examine the link between positive well-being and physical well-being. Participants were divided into three age categories: 60-69 years old, 70-79 and 80+. UCL researchers then assessed the participants' enjoyment of life on a 4-point scale in response to statements such as: "I enjoy the things that I do", "I enjoy being in the company of others", "On balance, I look back on my life with a sense of happiness" and "I feel full of energy these days". Older people who enjoy life are also at lower risk for developing problems with activities of daily living, and for showing declines in physical function. It appears that enjoyment of life contributes to a healthier and more active old age.
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