Besides exercising, eating healthily and getting enough sleep, science is discovering that gratitude plays an important role in healthy ageing. Gratitude doesn't just mean saying thank you, but paying more conscious attention to the good things in life. That can involve big things, such as love and health, but also small moments that make you happy.
Research shows that people who regularly feel and express gratitude have a lower risk of premature death. For instance, a major study among older women revealed that those who are grateful had an almost 10 percent lower risk of dying from, for example, heart disease. Grateful people also often have better blood pressure and less inflammation in the body, which promotes healthy ageing.
Gratitude also helps to reduce stress. Stress hormones such as cortisol can harm our health and accelerate the ageing process. By being grateful, we relax more and recover better. In addition, gratitude promotes pleasant social connections, which in turn helps to stay healthy for longer.
Sleep quality also improves through gratitude. People who are grateful fall asleep faster and sleep better. Because sleep is essential for the recovery of body and mind, this contributes to good long-term health.
Gratitude is a simple way to make a positive contribution to your health. It costs nothing and can be practised anytime and anywhere. It is therefore a valuable addition to other healthy habits for anyone who wants to remain long-lived and vital.
Source: Buck Institute
