Is Your Personality Making You Old

The surprising ways your outlook can age you, and the easy attitude adjustments that will make you feel younger and more vibrant.

The (very) good news about defying age: It’s the small stuff you do that has the biggest impact. In fact, experts are now finding that everything from your choice of friends to your willingness to embrace new challenges affects your longevity and how healthy and youthful you feel every day. The downside is that seemingly harmless habits and personality traits could be inadvertently aging you. Here are five to watch out for:

You prefer to stay home alone

Outgoing people are 50 percent less likely to develop dementia, according to a recent study of more than 500 men and women ages 78 and older from the Karolinska Institute in Sweden. Participants also described themselves as not easily stressed. Researchers speculate that their more resilient brains may be due to lower levels of cortisol--studies show that over secretion of this “stress hormone” can inhibit brain cells' communication. If being the life of the party isn't your style, even small interactions—striking up a quick conversation at the coffee shop or making small talk before a class at the gym—can help. To lower levels of cortisol, try meditating or sipping tea.

You’re a technophobe

Researchers say using the latest technology helps keep us not only mentally spry but socially engaged, Stay connected to friends, family, and current events, and you feel vital and relevant.

Your glass is half empty

About 17 percent of Americans are flourishers, says a study in American Psychologist. They have a positive outlook on life, a sense of purpose and community, and are healthier than “languishers”—about 10 percent of adults who don't feel good about themselves. Most of us fall somewhere in between.. “In Sardinia, Italy and Okinawa, Japan, where people live the longest, hard work is important, but not more so than spending time with family, nurturing spirituality, and doing for others.”

You don’t regularly embrace new challenges

People who consider themselves self-disciplined, organized achievers live longer and have up to an 89 percent lower risk of developing Alzheimer's disease than the less conscientious, according to two studies. When you're good at focusing your attention, you use more brainpower,

Set personal or career goals, and challenge yourself to meet them by a certain time. Also, try new things to stimulate your brain: If you always read fiction, pick up an autobiography instead. The next day, try to recall three facts you learned from your reading.

You never see your friends

“Good interpersonal relationships act as a buffer against stress,”. Knowing you have people who support you keeps you healthy, mentally and physically: Chronic stress weakens the immune system and ages cells faster, ultimately shortening life span by four to eight years, according to one study. Not just any person will do, however. “You need friends you can talk to without being judged or criticized,".

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Dr. Majida, as always..you bring up wonderful topics. I like it and I also agree with the # five issue..life without friends is no life. And good friends help someone moving up from depression.

Greetings
Hanaa

Dr. Hanaa Thanks for your kindness replay

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