Seniors Desiring to Maintain Mental Health Need to Maintain Good Attitudes

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Seniors Desiring to Maintain Mental Health Need to Maintain Good Attitudes

Recent research has revealed important relationships between the attitudes of aging people and their quality of life. The March issue of the Archives of General Psychiatry reports on a study that adds significance to these relationships. Specifically, aging individuals who report that they have greater purpose in their lives seem to be less likely to develop mild cognitive impairment and it's successor, Alzheimer's disease.Dementia is one of the most frightening potential outcomes of aging. Given that context, these research findings are very important. Any time we can identify a factor that contributes to Alzheimer's disease and can be reduced, reducing that factor becomes a major concern for older individuals, those who care for them, and the entire society. When we take this research in the context of our rapidly expanding older population we can sense the urgent need to change factors that are available to improve the aging process. A strong sense of purpose clearly seems to be a major factor.In this study, purpose in life was defined as "the psychological tendency to derive meaning from life's experiences and to possess a sense of intentionality and goal directedness that guides behavior." This definition creates a major irony. North American cultures have come to associate aging primarily with declining health, immobility, and diminishing economic returns. That is, we see old people as expensive to maintain but bringing little economic productivity to the equation. Because our society tends to believe that the economic value of persons is very important, we have a negative view of aging.this traditional understanding of aging would be sad even if it was true. In human history, most societies have revered elders for what they have provided to society during the course of their lives, and for their wisdom. The greater costs and lower productivity of older persons is considered a normal part of the generational process.Moreover, to a large degree the perception of older persons as economic liabilities is based on outdated facts, especially in North America. In truth, the aging population is healthier and potentially more productive than in the past. nonetheless, as the study shows, many of the advantages of communication, information, and medical technology will be lost to our elderly because they will not seek them out.Because today's elderly folks experienced the irony of low expectations, they are not likely to seek out a greater purpose for their lives. This prevents individuals and society from experiencing the health benefits that come from positive attitudes toward aging. There is no doubt that this will change over the coming years. The actuality of a happier and healthier population of senior citizens will, in the future, start to have an effect on their expectations. Nevertheless, until that time those of us who clearly understand their potential need to encourage them to continue to pursue the same goals in their aging years as they did when they were younger. Improved physical, spiritual and mental health will bring major rewards to our entire society.

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