My Put on a Happy Face Series reaches a conclusion with Part 3: The Power of Optimism. Not only does optimism help prevent or overcome (Part 1) clinical depression and (Part 2) chronic loneliness, but this upbeat mood also withstands senior challenges of poor physical health, a recent bereavement, and financial problems. Indeed, putting on a happy face and trying to make ourselves and others smile and laugh is the best thing we can do for our health and the health of those around us.
Through many research studies, laughter has been found to relieve pain and stress leading to heart trouble, stroke, diabetes, and cancer. In fact, laughter-therapy workshops have recently proved to be an effective method of treating cancers. Optimism also lowers blood pressure and leads to better pulmonary function, which increases progressively over time.
Researchers also say that the power of laughter and optimistic thoughts is the fastest and most powerful way to get your mind and body back in balance. In one scientific program, seniors with wide smiling faces and an optimistic lifestyle produced immune cells and antibodies leading to a 7.5-year longer life span than their pessimistic senior counterparts. This increase in years lived proved to be far superior to longevity gained through a healthy lifestyle of exercising, maintaining a normal weight, not smoking, and lowering blood pressure and cholesterol counts. A Mayo Clinic study showed that optimistic seniors lived 20 percent longer lives than other seniors.
As mentioned in Part 1 of this three part series, it is vital that the clinically depressed senior creates opportunities to laugh and become optimistic in the process. Whether it be through a funny book or movie, a humorous TV show, or a friend who tells jokes, he/she needs to surround themselves with this form of happiness. In Part 2 of this same series, the chronic loneliness-inclined senior was advised to expect the best of personal relationships. Instead of thinking negative thoughts, he/she was told to change their thoughts to positive ones. Using positive self-cognitive therapy will help get rid of low self-esteem in these people.
Are you ready to put on that happy face? How else can you, as a resident of Sun City, adopt optimism in your daily life?
(1). Appreciating the good in the world can change the way you look at life. Make mental notes nightly of all the things you are grateful for.
(2). Volunteer and take your awareness outside of yourself and focus on the well-being of others. You will become less focused on the bad things you’ve been dealing with and even may form a connection with others in the process.
(3). Notice the good in a burdensome situation. Maybe you’ve gone through some personal growth and change because of what’s happened, or you’ve become closer to another human being.
We can’t change what happens to us or to loved ones, but we can change how we react to that occurrence. Though the new thinking process may take some time, it’s worth it because of the joy and peace of mind optimism can bring!
Family Alliance (815-338-3590), a private Woodstock organization discussed in Part 2, has a special program that puts on a happy face for seniors in McHenry and Kane Counties who are mentally and physically challenged. Their six-week horse therapy program takes seniors one day a week to ManeStay Farm in Richmond, Ill., where registered individuals are able to groom horses and can ride the horses at the conclusion of the final session. One of the many drivers who has provided transportation for these disabled seniors, Ken Dace, said the program “is extremely upbeat for all the handicapped seniors involved.”
We are very fortunate to live in a community where happiness through optimistic people is spread daily. These people put on a happy face through countless adversities. How do they keep positive through all of life’s burdens?
“There’s a light at the end of the rainbow/tunnel,” Annie Schoenfisch said. “You bring people ‘up’ or into the light with optimism; you stay in the dark with those around you with pessimism. I’m always an optimist.”
Nancy Moore puts it this way: “Use PMA now as senior women instead of PMS as younger women: the power of positive mental attitude.”
A woman with physical disability issues adds, “Wake up every morning with a good attitude. Say ‘Thank God I’m alive!'”
Terry Hora, recently challenged greatly through two difficult surgeries, puts it this way: “My wife, family, and friends are always there behind me and helping me. They don’t give up; why should I give up? There’s still so much to look forward to in life.”
Chris Hinde faced a health crisis a few weeks ago. When faced with the possibility of death, he told his special friend, “It’s all right. I believe in afterlife. I’ll be going to a better place where I can see people I haven’t seen for a long while.”
Faith does seem to play a very powerful role in optimistic thinking during very difficult moments, as also the loss of a mate, a child, or a sibling. Hilda Schmidt suffered such a loss six weeks ago and said, “First prayer, then water (swim therapy), then optimism: this is how I was able to live through the difficult times.”
Finally, Kathy Dace, who has had a very difficult life, adds, “It takes the same amount of energy to be optimistic that it does for negative thinking. I have to extend my limited energy to do good: the only choice I have. My strong faith gets me through and acts as my support system. Too many things in my life have proven my faith. Angels in my life have helped me when I asked for help.”
