The Key to Successful Aging

Put on a happy face...

Forget the Fountain of Youth: According to a new study, those who have an optimistic outlook and possess the ability to "roll with the punches" have found the key to successful aging.

Researchers at the University of California, San Diego School of
Medicine say they have discovered that the more common predictors -- such as the absence of disease or disability -- does not necessarily paint the entire picture of who will age well.

They asked 500 people, ages of 60 to 98, who were living independently, to rate their "personal degree of successful aging." What they found was that the majority of respondents rating themselves highly were not necessarily the healthiest of the group.

Instead, these individuals were the ones who had developed effective coping styles and were more optimistic. They also were more likely to be active in their communities and socially connected. All of these traits turned out to be more important than the traditional measures of health and wellness that the medical community usually applies to successful aging.
 
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What is...acupuncture?

Acupuncture is based on the belief that disease is the result of an
imbalance in our body's flow of energy, or qi. To strengthen the flow of energy or to remove blockages in the pathways of energy, thin, flexible needles are inserted just under the skin along pressure points relating to organs or body systems. The acupuncturist may twist the needles to increase the flow of energy. Several sessions may be needed to see results.

Yours in good health,
Amanda Ross
Editorial Director
Nutrition & Healing