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dick van dykeThe great american actors and comedian who starred in classics such as mary poppins And chitty chitty bang bang, Will turn 100 on December 13Dear actor gives credit for this remarkable longevity Because of his positive attitude and never getting angry.
Whereas live longOf course, while it depends on many factors — including genetics and lifestyle — there may be some truth to Van Dyke’s claims. Many studies have shown that keeping Tension Maintaining a low level and a positive, optimistic outlook is related to longevity.
For example, in the early 1930s, researchers asked a group of 678 novice nuns – most of whom were around the age of 22 – to write an autobiography upon joining a convent.
Six decades later, researchers analyzed his works. They also compared their analyzes to long-term health outcomes for women.
Researchers found that women who expressed more positive emotions early in life (such as saying they felt grateful rather than angry) lived an average of ten years longer than women whose writing was more negative.
A UK study also found that people who were more optimistic lived 11% to 15% longer than their pessimistic counterparts.
And, in 2022, a study of nearly 160,000 women from different ethnic backgrounds found that those who reported being more optimistic were more likely to live into their 90s than pessimists.
One possible explanation for these results relates to the effects of anger on our hearts.
People who have a more positive or optimistic outlook on life appear to be better able to manage or control their anger. This is important, because anger can have many significant effects on the body.
Anger triggers the secretion of adrenaline and cortisol, which are the body’s primary stress hormones – especially in men. Even short-term anger can lead to a decline in cardiovascular health.
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put extra pressure on it chronic stress And venting anger on the cardiovascular system increases the risk of developing conditions like heart disease, stroke and type 2 diabetes. These diseases cause approximately 75% of early deaths. Although stress and anger are not the only causes of these diseases, they are significant contributors to them.
So when Dick Van Dyke says he doesn’t get angry, it may be one reason for his longevity.
About the author
Jolanta Burke is Associate Professor in the Center for Positive Health Sciences at RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences.
This article is republished from Conversation Under Creative Commons license. read the original article,
There’s also a deeper, cellular explanation behind the effects of stress on longevity, which has to do with our telomeres. These are the protective coverings found on the ends of our chromosomes (the packages of DNA information found in our cells).
In young, healthy cells, telomeres remain long and strong. But as we age, telomeres gradually become shorter and fray. Once they become too damaged, cells cease to divide and repair themselves. This is one reason why aging accelerates over time.
Stress has been linked to rapid shortening of telomeres, making it harder for cells to communicate and renew. In other words, stress-inducing emotions like uncontrolled anger can accelerate the aging process.
One study also found that meditation, which can help reduce stress, is positively associated with telomere length. So better anger management can help support a longer life.
Added to this is the fact that optimistic people are more likely to engage in healthy habits like regular exercise or healthy eating, which can support health and longevity by reducing the risk of heart disease. Even Dick Van Dyke himself still tries to exercise at least three times a week.
improve longevity
If you want to live a long time like Dick Van Dyke, there are some things you can do to manage your stress and anger levels.
Contrary to popular belief, trying to “get out” your anger by punching a bag, screaming into a pillow, or running until the emotion is gone doesn’t actually help. These actions keep the body in an agitated state which affects the cardiovascular system and can prolong the stress response.
A calm approach works better. Slowing down your breaths, counting them, or using other relaxation techniques (such as yoga) can help calm the cardiovascular system instead of overstimulating it. Over time, this reduces stress on the heart, which may help you live longer. It is important that you do this when you are feeling particularly stressed or angry.
You can also boost positive emotions by trying to be more present in your daily life. By living in the present, you become more aware of what is happening around you and within you.
For example, if you’re planning to go out for dinner with your partner, try to be more conscious about this. This could include booking a restaurant you both really like, or asking to eat at a quieter place in the restaurant so you have more time to spend together. Slow down and try to pay attention to the moment as much as possible, noticing all the senses you are experiencing.
You can also promote positive feelings by taking time to play. For adults, play means doing something simply because it is enjoyable – not because it has any specific purpose. Playing will promote positive emotions in you, which may benefit your health.
Dick Van Dyke’s advice may be correct. Although we can’t control everything that impacts our health, learning to manage anger and make space for a more positive outlook in life can help support both well-being and longevity.