PERMAnently Positive for a Longer Life!
PERMAnently Positive for a Longer Life!
By James E. “Jed” Foster, Jr., MA, LMFT
A recent study out of the Boston University School of Medicine shows that optimistic people not only live longer; but they also have a greater chance of living exceptionally longer (beyond 85 years of age). The longitudinal study included data from more than 20,000 people and spanned 30 years. Optimists generally lived 11-15% longer and had a 50-70% higher probability of reaching the age of 85 than those reporting lower levels of optimism. And here’s the good news: you have a choice. Optimism can be learned, practiced, and applied by anyone. SO…those of you that think you’re simply wired for pessimism, think again.
I have a certificate in Applied Positive Psychology that informs just about every aspect of my practice. Why? Because it’s the science of well-being. Positive Psychology is the branch of psychology that looks at what makes “successful” or “happier” people more resilient and less effected by maladaptive behaviors, mood disorders, or other challenges that seem to keep others from getting as much joy out of life. I’ve previously blogged about how positive psychology interventions can be helpful in weight management, and stress reduction; and they can be preventative against depression and anxiety.
In his book, “Flourish: A Visionary New Understanding of Happiness and Well-being,” Dr. Martin Seligman, known as the “father of positive psychology” furthered the notion that concentrating our efforts in 5 areas can improve our overall well-being and have a transformative effect on how we experience life. The 5 areas were given the acronym PERMA and are as follows:
Positive Emotions, Engagement, Positive Relationships, Meaning and Purpose, and Accomplishment
Many of the positive psychology interventions are designed to activate optimism. They’re designed to help us embrace more of the positive emotions like gratitude, hope, motivation, and happiness. As one starts focusing on flexing the optimism muscle, it becomes clear that each of the categories of PERMA fuel each other and build a foundation for increasing well-being. In short: Inject more PERMA into your life. Feel better. Live longer.
Check out the Boston University Study below, and please also check out Dr. Seligman’s work at:
https://www.authentichappiness.sas.upenn.edu
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2019/08/190826150700.htm
***Fun fact: Dr. Troy took a psychology course taught by Dr. Seligman at University of Pennsylvania where she did her undergraduate work. No surprise here…she got an A+.