What's New at CBH
Growing Happier Every Day
According to Pew research projections, by 2050 one in five
Americans will be over the age of 65. This will put us at par with
the three oldest nations; Japan, Italy and Germany. By 2030,
Americans over the age of 65 will double to 70 million. Medical
advances and higher standards of living have brought an
unprecedented longer lifespan and it is only going to get better.
Living longer - though undoubtedly a good thing - may come along
with increased health challenges in our retirement years. These
challenges present us with opportunities that test our coping
abilities, and Wellness and Happiness may just be two of the most
important keys to aging well.
Wellness is often defined as the absence of illness and is usually
linked to healthy diet and exercising. Wellness, however, is not
necessarily a state indicating the absence of illness, but rather
our ability to embrace a positive approach to life. Happiness is
not only a mood characterized by joy and cheerfulness, but also
functions as an important protective factor in recovering from
illnesses. Many research findings have found that happiness may
increase longevity and functions as a protective factor in recovery
from illnesses and behavioral problems such as depression. So how
do we grow wellness and happiness in everyday life? Here is the
short-list:
Be positive - practice being thankful for all the
good things in your life and appreciating the glass is always
half-full. Not only your mood will improve, but there seems to be a
link between being positive and longevity. How much of a link? Some
studies have found that people who are optimistic about aging may
live 7.5 years longer than those with less positive
attitudes.
Have meaning in life - use your strengths and
skills to become involved with your community. Communities need
individuals involved and there are hundreds of volunteering
opportunities that will enrich your life and help your
community.
Joyful relationships - reach out to family,
friends and co-workers. Use humor to maintain cheerful and happy
relationships and shrug off every day little nuisances.
Practice altruism - not only it is the right
thing to do, but people who help others report increased
happiness-it is a win-win. Altruism has been found to improve
physical and mental health as studies on people who volunteer have
found that they live longer. It is also good for adolescents! Young
people who volunteer tend to have higher self-esteem and
aspirations than their peers who do not.
Smile - the jury is still out on the health
benefits of smiling and laughing. Further studies with larger pool
of subjects may clarify what role they may play in wellness and
happiness. Nevertheless some studies have found positive effects on
longevity, mood, and improved immunological system. Smiling in
particular may release naturally occurring endorphins, which make
us feel good.
Do not forget to vote - Okay, sadly there is no
relationship between voting and happiness. But it may make you feel
good just the same.
Dan A. Longo is a licensed psychologist and Director of Behavioral Health at Colonial Behavioral Health. Dr. Longo has over twenty years of experience in clinical and administrative practice in the inpatient and outpatient sector including public and private behavioral health providers. He has direct care experience in mental health, substance abuse, and forensic disorders. For the past six years, he has directed outpatient services for children, adult and geriatric consumers with a focus on strengthening recovery and community behavioral healthcare services. Dr. Longo has numerous publications on topics ranging from Mental Health, HIV, and Spirituality.