A groundbreaking study by researchers at Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine has revealed that mental well-being is a significant factor in promoting healthy aging, irrespective of socioeconomic status. Published in Nature Human Behaviour, the research highlights the profound impact of mental health on longevity and resilience.
Analyzing genetic data from populations of European descent, the team examined various aging outcomes using multiple datasets, including one encompassing up to 2.3 million individuals. The findings indicate that individuals with higher levels of mental well-being tend to experience healthier aging, marked by increased resilience, better self-rated health, and longer lifespans.
The study also found strong correlations between income, education, occupation, and mental health, with higher income levels showing the most substantial association. Additionally, lifestyle factors such as reducing sedentary behavior and smoking, along with increasing the consumption of cheese and fruit, were linked to improved mental well-being and healthier aging.
These insights underscore the necessity of integrating mental health support into public health policies and aging research. The researchers suggest that interventions aimed at enhancing mental health could be a viable strategy to promote healthy aging across diverse populations.
Reference(s):
Chinese researchers find mental well-being key to healthy aging
cgtn.com
