Health Radar reports that a healthy lifestyle — a nutritious diet, exercise, adequate sleep, and such — can extend our life span. While there’s plenty of evidence to support this, there’s another critical factor that influences how we age and how long we live: a positive or negative outlook.

Many people with arthritis don’t get enough physical activity, which is known to alleviate symptoms. And a recent study of 99 men and women with arthritis helps to explain why. Those who have a more positive view of their health and aging are more likely to be physically active.

“A negative perception of the aging experience is correlated with lower self-reported physical activity levels in older adults with arthritis,” said lead study author Sarah B. Lieber, MD, MS, rheumatologist at HSS. 

This article was published in the January 2024 print edition of Health Radar.