How a positive attitude to ageing boosts your health

A recent study has revealed that individuals who have a positive attitude towards ageing tend to recover better after experiencing a fall.

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Researchers from Imperial College London and Coventry University analysed data from 694 adults aged between 60 and 90 and reviewed information related to falls, as well as survey responses that reflected participants’ attitudes and beliefs about ageing.

They also looked at key recovery indicators after a fall, including walking speed, levels of physical activity, and whether individuals required assistance with daily tasks such as dressing, bathing, or getting out of bed

The findings showed that those with the most optimistic views on ageing - scoring highest on the “self-perceptions of ageing” scale - had significantly better outcomes.

This raises an important question: could a positive mindset around ageing influence other health outcomes as well? We spoke to some experts to find out...

Physical function