Aging can cause us to feel invisible and unwanted in a society that worships youth. However, the key to staying youthful into your latter years doesn’t lay in the hands of your hair stylist or medical spa, but instead in your attitude.

Research shows internalizing negative stereotypes about aging harms your health, which speeds up aging. However, having a positive attitude toward aging can boost immune function, promote healthy behaviors, and help you feel in control of your life.

Embrace aging for the following benefits

Here are some benefits researchers have found to a positive perception of aging, such as feeling useful and happy with yourself:

• Positive perception of aging has been shown to be more important than cholesterol, blood pressure, weight, and even exercise when it comes to improving longevity.
• One study found positive self-perception around aging lowered the risk of aging-associated disability and preserved daily function and ability.
• Positive aging improves preventive behaviors such as sticking to a good diet, exercising, and following through with check-ups.
• Expecting to lose your memory has been shown to increase cognitive decline by up to 30 percent […]