It is all about how you perceive things. The happier you see things, the more comfortable you will ever be. Also, it depends on how you think of yourself. Do you see yourself as all worth to be loved? Do you see yourself to be doomed?
Studies have shown that if a person has an optimistic approach towards life, they will tend to have a longer physical and mental partnership with their partner.[1] Being optimistic also helps to ward off several health issues that may be harmful in the long run. A couple that grows old together is bound to have several problems, but if they are optimistic and supportive towards each other, they can surely get out of the problem.
What do Michigan State University researchers say?
Michigan State University researchers helped find out the link between a sharper mind and an optimistic partner. The risk of cognitive decline will eventually lower down by a healthier rate.[2]
While optimism helps to bring about healthier cognitive function, it was to determine whether or not the presence of an optimistic partner can help in improving the cognitive function.
The study, with over 4,457 heterosexual couples of more than 50 years of age, tried to prove the effectiveness of this. The participants were checked for optimism via a questionnaire. The cognition was determined in the group, and everyone was checked five times within the specified time period.[3]
In the cognition assessment, you check both the short-term memory and computational memory. Most of the questions were related to daily lives and their memories.
On data analysis, it was found that optimistic people had a better cognitive function and a healthier relationship. Being married to someone positive may have positive impacts on your life.
Identify The Link
The study was conducted among heterosexual couples for eight years. The study itself showed the link between marrying an optimist and the results it had on the cognitive capacity.
But the main question is, how does one expect their partner to be optimistic all the time? The expectation that good things are on the way may be hard, but it is something to consider. The optimists can do a range of things and be positive about the results.[4]
Compared to others, optimists tend to be more physically active, maintains their diet, and also avoids the consumption of harmful substances such as drugs and alcohol.
Scientists say that optimists always lead, while the partners follow their part. Moreover, these people tend to spend more time with their partner to get close to them.
Pessimistic people are more prone to Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. However, this is not the case with optimistic people. Compromising on health in the early stages of life will eventually be harmful, leading to a sharp cognitive decline. A healthier life is responsible for a better experience.
You need to be on the move, avoid illness, and have a balanced lifestyle to avoid the risk of cognitive decline. But one of the main reasons that can eventually boost your healthy living is how optimistic you are about life.[5]
Although the studies helped us to determine the importance of being optimistic, it is yet to be decided how and why it helps so much. Nonetheless, cognitive functioning is a lot influenced by how we work. Therefore, it is necessary to pay close attention to it.
Can we become more optimistic?
According to scientists, most of the optimism that we have is heritable, but the rest can be learned as well. Studies have shown that change in personality and lifestyle can help engage in a lot of things, thereby ensuring things can be easily done.
Changes in optimism are common and can be brought by if one aims to. The main events of your life can help you learn and be more optimistic about life.[6] However, more research needs to be done about how changes can be brought.
The researchers are now more interested in determining how they can interact and improve interventions. The feeling of feeling good is not what optimism is; it is how you perceive life and what you see.[7] Experts suggest that rather than focusing on optimism, one should try and bring control to the people’s perception.
As couples, you can always motivate each other towards a more positive and healthier life. There are ways you can hurt each other, but you need to find out ways through which you can support each other.
Can you make your mind sharp?
Scientists have always been a little hesitant in finding out different methods of cultivating optimism to prevent cognitive decline.[8] However, there are ways through which you can make your mind sharp.
One of the best ways to boost your optimism and prevent cognitive decline is to be socially active. Activity engagement with physical activity has been known to be one of the best ways to maintain cognitive effectiveness.
Experts have always shown that social engagement can play an important role in boosting your cognitive facility. It is always suggested to be in touch with your friends and family.
Being physically fit can reduce the risk of cognitive decline. Optimistic partners together tend to do everything correctly. Hence, they have an important role to play.
Heart health
Studies over the years have reflected the importance of the link between heart health and brain health.[9] The heart pumps blood via blood vessels that are directly associated with your brand. To ensure that the risk of cognitive decline, it is necessary that you make heart-healthy choices.
Making heart-healthy choices will ensure that you will have to stay active, keep moving, and have heart-healthy foods.
Slight changes in your deadline can play an important role in later ages. An optimistic partner will eventually prove to help boost your cognitive health for later years, thereby lowering the risk of dementia, schizophrenia and more.
[1] https://www.cdc.gov/aging/data/subjective-cognitive-decline-brief.html
[2] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/29658744
[3] Petersen RC. Clinical practice. Mild cognitive impairment. N Engl J Med. 2011;364:2227–2234. [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
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[5] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3807005/
[6] Weinstein ND. Unrealistic optimism about future life events. J Pers Soc Psychol. 1980;39(5):806–20. [Google Scholar]
[7] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2923489/
[8] Colcombe S, Kramer A. Fitness effects on the cognitive function of older adults: A meta-analytic study. Psychological Science. 2003;14:125–130. [PubMed] [Google Scholar]