Do Mentally Resilient People Live Longer?

Author

Scott Ward
November 09, 2024

Ever find yourself forgetting words, struggling to summon energy, or questioning if your resilient enough? In today’s fast-paced world, staying mentally and physically sharp is no easy feat. Fortunately, there are strategies to tackle these common challenges! First, we dive into how resilience can help us potentially live longer, we unravel the mystery of the “tip-of-the-tongue” phenomenon that many of us experience more often as we age (and no, it doesn’t mean your memory is failing!). We also explore hidden causes of chronic fatigue, offering practical solutions to reclaim your energy and vitality. So, grab a cup of tea, settle in, and get ready to learn some actionable tips for a healthier, more energized life.

In today’s email:

  • Put your Mind to it: Can being mentally resilient actually help you live longer?

  • On the Tip of Your Tongue: How word-finding struggles can increase with age — without signalling cognitive decline.

  • Fuel Your Day Right: Unmask the hidden culprits behind low energy and how to fight back.

TOP STORY

Mental Resilience: The Secret to a Longer, Healthier Life

In a world that often feels like it’s moving at warp speed, it’s no wonder that stress and adversity impact our mental and physical health. But here’s a piece of good news: a recent study has revealed that strengthening your resilience — your ability to bounce back from life’s challenges — may actually extend your lifespan. Published in BMJ Mental Health, this large-scale study underscores the profound link between mental resilience and longevity, showing that people who are better equipped to handle adversity are less likely to face early mortality.

Key Findings

Researchers analyzed data from over 10,000 Americans aged 50 and above, using information from the Health and Retirement Study, which has tracked participants every two years since 1992. In this study:

  • High resilience was linked to a 38% lower risk of death from all causes compared to those with low resilience scores.

  • Resilience was measured based on traits like perseverance, self-reliance, calmness, purpose, and the understanding that some challenges must be faced alone.

  • Those who displayed greater resilience were also more likely to report positive emotions, self-rated good health, and satisfaction with social support.

The researchers believe that interventions designed to boost resilience could be a powerful way to help people manage adversity and improve health outcomes over time.

Why Resilience Matters

Mental resilience acts as a buffer against life’s stressors, helping to protect both mental and physical health. Resilient individuals are often better at adapting to change and recovering from setbacks, which can reduce the negative health impacts of stress and increase overall well-being. By enhancing positive emotions and supporting mental fortitude, resilience can help mitigate the harmful effects of chronic stress on the body.

How to Build Resilience: Tips for Coping

Resilience isn’t something you’re simply born with — it’s a skill that can be developed and strengthened. Try integrating these two main types of coping strategies to boost your resilience:

Problem-Based Coping

This approach focuses on actively addressing the issue causing stress. Some strategies include:

  • Seeking support: Talk to a friend, family member, or therapist to gain perspective and guidance.

  • Breaking down tasks: Create a to-do list for complex projects to make them feel more manageable.

  • Setting boundaries: Limit commitments and say no when necessary to prevent overwhelm.

  • Practicing time management: Organize your day to prevent feeling rushed or overloaded.

Emotion-Based Coping

These strategies focus on managing your emotional response to stress, especially when a problem is out of your control. Techniques include:

  • Distracting yourself: Engage in hobbies or enjoyable activities to redirect your focus.

  • Practicing self-care: Make time for relaxation and activities that make you feel good, like taking a bath or reading a book.

  • Exercising: Physical activity, even a short walk, can help release tension and improve mood.

  • Using relaxation techniques: Deep breathing, meditation, and mindfulness practices can reduce stress and foster a sense of calm.

By regularly using these coping strategies, they’ll become second nature, helping you to adapt better to challenges over time.

Final Thought

Strengthening resilience is an ongoing journey, but one that pays off in significant ways. Not only can it make life’s rough patches easier to navigate, but it can also improve your health and longevity. So next time you’re faced with a challenge, remember that every effort to strengthen your resilience is an investment in a longer, healthier life.

The “Tip-of-the-Tongue” Phenomenon: A Sign of Knowledge, Not Decline

We’ve all experienced that frustrating moment when a word is just out of reach — it’s on the tip of our tongue, but we can’t quite get it. This “tip-of-the-tongue” (TOT) phenomenon is common, and while it can become more frequent with age, it may not be a sign of cognitive decline. In fact, it could indicate just the opposite: a lifetime of accumulated knowledge.

Key Takeaways

  • TOT Is Normal and Universal: According to Roger Kreuz and Richard Roberts, co-authors of Changing Minds: How Aging Affects Language and How Language Affects Aging, TOT moments are universally experienced and increase in frequency with age. The TOT phenomenon occurs more often with proper nouns and can feel frustrating, but it is a natural part of the aging process.

  • TOT and Memory: TOT states are about temporary access issues rather than forgetting or cognitive decline. Research by psychologists Roger Brown and David McNeill in 1966 showed that even young adults experience TOT when recalling uncommon words. Interestingly, providing partial information (such as the first letter or number of syllables) can help in retrieving the word.

  • More Knowledge, More TOT: Older adults may experience TOT more frequently, not because they’re “forgetting,” but because they have more knowledge stored in their memories. Psychologist Donna Dahlgren suggests that more extensive knowledge can mean that the brain has more information to sift through to find a specific word.

  • Positive Perspective on TOT: Rather than seeing TOT as a retrieval failure, some experts believe it signals that the brain has access to relevant information that just needs a little extra help surfacing. TOT states can be viewed as a form of retrieval success, as they show that the information is still present in the memory.

  • Boosting Recall: Aerobic activities, such as regular walks, can help improve word recall and mental clarity, as physical fitness is linked to better cognitive function. Additionally, researchers believe that TOT states could have implications for designing memory tests by recognizing that memory often operates on a spectrum between total recall and partial retrieval.

Final Thought

The TOT phenomenon may simply be a reflection of a well-stocked mind. Instead of worrying, try to view each instance as a reminder of your rich knowledge base — and remember that your brain is hard at work, just taking a bit more time to dig through its deep archives.

Unmasking the Hidden Causes of Low Energy

Ever feel like you’re dragging yourself through the day despite a healthy lifestyle? Occasional tiredness is normal, but if fatigue has become your constant companion, it might be time to dig deeper into what’s draining your energy. Here are some of the top reasons for chronic low energy — and how to tackle them from the folks at Fountain Life.

Key Energy Drainers and Solutions

  • Poor Sleep Quality
    Even if you’re logging enough hours, poor-quality sleep can leave you feeling groggy. Sleep disorders like sleep apnea, insomnia, or even an irregular sleep schedule disrupt the restorative processes your body needs.
    Solution: Prioritize good sleep hygiene by setting a consistent sleep schedule and improving your sleep environment. If you suspect a sleep disorder, consider consulting a specialist.

  • Stress and Anxiety
    Chronic stress keeps your body on high alert, draining your energy reserves over time. Elevated cortisol from constant stress can interfere with sleep and digestion, leaving you feeling perpetually worn out.
    Solution: Try relaxation techniques like mindfulness, deep breathing, or therapy to manage stress and protect your energy.

  • Poor Nutrition
    Diet plays a big role in energy levels. Processed foods, sugary snacks, and unhealthy fats can cause energy crashes, while nutrient deficiencies (especially in iron, vitamin D, and B vitamins) lead to chronic fatigue.
    Solution: Focus on a balanced diet rich in whole foods and stay hydrated. A registered dietitian can help identify and address any nutritional gaps.

  • Medical Conditions
    Chronic fatigue can also be a symptom of underlying medical issues, such as thyroid disorders, chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, or anemia.
    Solution: If you suspect a medical condition, see a healthcare provider for a thorough evaluation and targeted treatment.

  • Hormonal Imbalances
    Imbalances in thyroid, adrenal, or sex hormones can disrupt your body’s natural energy regulation, causing fatigue.
    Solution: Consult with a specialist in hormonal health if you think a hormonal imbalance could be the culprit.

Final Thought

Chronic low energy can have many hidden causes. While a healthy lifestyle is essential, it might not be enough to restore your vitality if other factors are at play. Understanding what’s truly behind your fatigue is the first step to reclaiming your energy and feeling like yourself again.

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