Researchers find that a positive view can do far more than raise one's spirits. It may actually improve health and extend life.
研究人员发现,乐观的看法不仅可以振奋人们的精神,可能真的可以改善健康、延年益寿。
Studies have shown an indisputable link between having a positive outlook and health benefits like lower blood pressure, less heart disease, better weight control and healthier blood sugar levels.
研究显示,秉持乐观看法与降低血压、更不易患上心脏病、改善对体重的控制和更健康的血糖水平等健康方面的益处之间,存在着不争的联系。
In a study of more than 4,000 people 50 and older, Becca Levy and Avni Bavishi at the Yale School of Public Health found that having a positive view of aging can have a beneficial influence on health outcomes and longevity.
在一项针对4000名50岁及以上人士的研究中,耶鲁大学公共卫生学院的贝卡·雷维和阿夫尼·巴维希发现,积极看待衰老可以对健康状况和寿命产生有益的影响。
Levy said two possible mechanisms account for the findings.
雷维称,或许可以用两种机制来解释个中原因。
Psychologically, a positive view can enhance belief in one's abilities, decrease perceived stress and foster healthful behaviors.
从心理上说,积极的看法可以增强人们对自身能力的信心,减少能感知到的压力,培育健康的态度。
Physiologically, people with positive views of aging had lower levels of C-reactive protein, a marker of stress-related inflammation associated with heart disease and other illnesses, even after accounting for possible influences like age, health status, sex, race and education than those with a negative outlook. They also lived significantly longer.
从生理角度说,即使考虑到年龄、健康状况、性别、种族和教育等可能的影响因素,积极看待衰老的那些人体内的C反应蛋白水平也较低——C反应蛋白水平是与心脏病等疾病有关联的压力相关炎症的风向标,而他们的寿命也要长得多。