A positive boost to the immune system

A positive boost to the immune system
Credit: AI-generated image (disclaimer)

(Medical Xpress)—A positive attitude can improve your immune system and may help you live longer, according to a University of Queensland study.

The research, published in Psychology and Aging has found that older people who focused on positive information were more likely to have stronger immune systems.

Lead researcher Dr Elise Kalokerinos, from UQ's School of Psychology, said a played an important role in healthy ageing.

"Despite the fact that people often think of late life as a period of doom and gloom, older people are often more positive than younger people," Dr Kalokerinos said.

"Our research suggests that this focus on the positive may help older people protect their declining health."

The study involved following 50 adults, aged 65-90 years, across two years.

Participants were shown a series of positive and negative photos, which they were later asked to recall, and their was also measured through a series of blood tests.

Dr Kalokerinos said participants who remembered more positive than negative images also showed better immune functioning up to two years later.

"Participants who recalled more positive than had antibodies in their blood suggesting stronger immune systems than those of their counterparts, who did not show this positivity in memory," she said.

"By selectively remembering the positive, seem to boost their immune functioning just when they need it the most.

"We already know that happiness provides a range of health benefits and this research shows that focusing on positive information may have the same effect for .

"A person who focuses on over negative information may be better able to cope with stressful situations, may take a more positive long-term outlook on life, and may maintain positive social interactions, thus reaping the immune benefits.

"These findings raise the possibility that humans have evolved to become more positive late in life in order to enhance their own longevity."

Journal information: Psychology and Aging
Citation: A positive boost to the immune system (2014, September 15) retrieved 28 March 2024 from https://medicalxpress.com/news/2014-09-positive-boost-immune.html
This document is subject to copyright. Apart from any fair dealing for the purpose of private study or research, no part may be reproduced without the written permission. The content is provided for information purposes only.

Explore further

Why do older adults display more positive emotion? It might have to do with what they're looking at

 shares

Feedback to editors