Stress, anxiety, sadness. May those in their sixties who dread these little ailments rest assured: they are more likely to feel better in their sneakers at the dawn of their 70s than at 50. While aging is often associated with the risk of the onset of certain age-related pathologies and cognitive decline, a study of Medical Research Council (MRC) British people contradict the idea that personal satisfaction gets poorer with age.
The University College of London worked with the MRC to take the pulse ofdevelopment of seniors based on a panel of 3,000 men and women all born in 1946. These new and future septuagenarians had to assess 14 aspects of their psychological well-being including their morale, their self-confidence, their optimism and their state of relaxation when they were between 60 and 64 years old.
They were asked the same questions at the age of 69. It emerged that at age 69, responses were overall more positive than between ages 60 and 64, regardless of physical health. Most of the participants suffered from a chronic illness, for example arthritis, diabetes, hypertension or cancer.
“On average, well-being levels improve in their sixties,” notes Dr Mai Stafford, program director at the MRC, quoted by the BBC. “We have found that one in five people experience a substantial increase in their personal satisfaction with age.”
In their 60s or 70s, seniors are more likely to prioritize social relationships and take care of their mental health, according to the study. “At this age you focus more on what makes you feel good,” continues Dr Stafford.
The researchers will now seek to identify the factors that can explain this feeling of fullness found.
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