Increase Your Wellbeing For a Longer Lifespan

Our happiness can shape our life span

A study in London recently indicated that factors that shape our lifespan is linked to our happiness, and our sense of purpose. The questionnaire measured the participants eudemonic well-being which is related to their sense of control, the feeling of being worthwhile and their sense of purpose in life. During the study, participants were put into different categories including highest eudemonic wellbeing and lowest eudemonic wellbeing.

It was determined that more people who were classified as having the lowest eudemonic wellbeing died earlier in comparison with those who were in the higher categories.  Those who were classified as having a high eudemonic well-being were 30% less likely to die over the duration of the study and live 2 years longer than others.

Increasing our well-being will improve our health

Other studies have shown the relationship to happiness and a long life, and this study in London reinforced this idea. We already know that increasing our well-being will improve our health, and this will lead to a longer lifespan. This reinforces why it is so important to stay active, eat better and be mindful of lowering our blood pressure as well as reducing our risk of cardiovascular disease.

Life satisfaction drops around middle age

An interesting point that was raised in this study, was that a persons’ life satisfaction drops around middle age. It was found that in some countries this feeling stayed low as people aged, for example in Eastern European countries, Latin America and Caribbean Countries. However, in Africa it seemed that overall life satisfaction was very low at all ages, not just as one ages. Economic influences will directly affect an individuals life satisfaction.

There are many factors that need to be taken into consideration when looking at improving ones lifespan. Ruling out the possibility of disease or illness, improving one’s sense of being worthwhile and purpose in life will help to increase someone’s lifespan.

Ref:https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736%2813%2961489-0/fulltext