A new study found that even later in life, adults can make changes to positively influence their well-being.
The latest research, published in the journal PLOS One last month, challenged the belief that a decline in well-being is an inevitable part of aging. Instead, the study noted that changes, beyond traditional advice like diet and exercise, can lead to positive changes in health and mood.
“Our study of over 8,000 older adults found that many who were not in optimal well-being at the start of the study were able to regain it within just three years,” said Dr. Mabel Ho, the study’s first author, per CNN.
The findings, said Dr. Esme Fuller-Thomson, the study’s senior author, apply to adults aged 60 and up who are not presently in optimal health.
“The study offers hope and practical insights for older adults, caregivers, and policymakers by showing that with the right supports and lifestyle choices, many older adults can regain a high level of well-being even after experiencing sub-optimal well-being,” she said, CNN reported.
In 2023, more than nine out of 10 adults aged 65 or older in the United States reported living with at least one chronic disease, such as diabetes. While some chronic conditions are unavoidable, many can be prevented by making lifestyle changes.
“Individuals who began with strong psychological and emotional well-being were nearly five times more likely to reach optimal overall health by the end of the study,” said Ho.
While the researchers emphasized the importance of exercise, diet, and proper sleep hygiene, they noted that these measures are not as effective without also addressing issues of loneliness and focusing on maintaining positive relationships.
“One of the things I always say to my patients is, believe it or not, there’s no disease, dis-ease or lack of ease, without your mind. The mind-body connection is unbelievably underestimated by Western medicine,” said Dr. Andrew Freeman, director of cardiovascular prevention and wellness at National Jewish Health in Denver.
In fact, chronically lonely adults age 50 and older are linked to a 56% higher chance of stroke than less lonely adults, according to a previous report.
“Cultivating strong social connections is an essential component of overall well-being,” said Fuller-Thomson, professor and director of the Institute for Life Course and Aging at the University of Toronto’s Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work. In addition, “Lifestyle changes such as quitting smoking and addressing sleep issues like insomnia can also lead to meaningful improvements in health.”