Microscope on Well-Being Reveals Link to Longevity

Microscope on Well-Being Reveals Link to Longevity

By Elizabeth Rula –

At a time when our nation is facing one of its most poignant periods of emotional and social turbulence, new research just released in Health Affairs’ November issue, “Population Well-Being Measures Help Explain Geographic Disparities In Life Expectancy At The County Level,” reveals there are disparities in life expectancy across the nation that aren’t explained by demographics or socioeconomic factors such as race, poverty and education.

Our investigation found that well-being is one of the most significant predictor’s of life expectancy; with well-being defined by many factors including not only physical health and living a healthy lifestyle through exercise and diet, but also a sense of optimism about the future, happiness and lack of stress. In fact, years could be added to your life as a function of increased well-being, even after other factors are accounted for.

fall scents for your home

The importance of well-being in explaining longevity provides a sense of opportunity. No longer can you assume that more static factors such as race and socioeconomic status will define the length of your life, but rather how you live your life – physically, emotionally and socially. Not only was the comprehensive well-being measure a significant predictor of life expectancy, but each of domains measuring aspects of physical, emotional and environmental well-being were independent predictors. In particular, the strongest association to longevity was found with physical health, health behaviors and basic access to healthcare, security and safety. The resounding message is that our efforts to create healthy, thriving communities today will determine our longevity tomorrow.

If our nation is able to harness the power of well-being, we will rise to meet the world’s longest living populations, typically found in Japan, Italy, Germany and Finland, where well-being is already at a high. Imagine our communities focused on the components of well-being – where fitness can override prescriptions, social gatherings can naturally boost immunity and a sense of purpose brings enjoyment and happiness.

This research underscores that our nation should be focused on achieving well-being. Further, it affirms the value of programs such as SilverSneakers Fitness that are aimed at improving aspects of well-being to contribute to both the quality and quantity of life by offering older adults options for physical activity and socialization. Given this research, it is no surprise that SilverSneakers has been shown to improve physical, emotional and social health, reduce risk of depression, and decrease hospital use and cost.

With thousands of Baby Boomers leaving the workplace every day, well-being has never been more important for a generation that is seeking a meaningful and healthy retirement. Boomers are using well-being to redefine aging, and are painting a new picture of what it means be an older American. The Baby Boomers are a pivotal generation in shifting our attention to well-being, and are setting a new precedent for generations to follow.

Let us continue this movement toward well-being and fulfill our potential to be one of the world’s happiest, healthiest and longest living populations.

 

Elizabeth Rula is Principal Investigator of Health Outcomes Research at Healthways. 

 

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Microscope on Well-Being Reveals Link to Longevity
Scroll to Top