The Secret Behind Aging Gracefully

Author: Elsevier
Published: 2011/07/15 - Updated: 2022/02/13
Topic: Aging Related Conditions - Publications List

Page Content: Synopsis - Introduction - Main

Synopsis: Aging successfully linked with the positivity effect a biased tendency towards and preference for positive and emotionally gratifying experiences.

Lifespan theories explain that positivity bias in later life reflects a greater emphasis on short-term rather than long-term priorities. The study by Dr. Brassen and colleagues now provides another clue to how the brain contributes to this age-related shift in priorities.

In addition, the finding of a relationship between rostral anterior cingulate cortex activity and emotional stability further strengthens the hypothesis that this increased emotional control in aging enhances emotional well being.

Introduction

Whether we choose to accept or fight it, the fact is that we will all age, but will we do so successfully

Main Item

Aging successfully has been linked with the "positivity effect", a biased tendency towards and preference for positive, emotionally gratifying experiences. New research published in Biological Psychiatry now explains how and when this effect works in the brain.

German neuroscientists studied this effect by using neuroimaging to evaluate brain engagement in young and old adults while they performed a specialized cognitive task that included supposedly irrelevant pictures of either neutral, happy, sad or fearful faces.

During parts of the task when they didn't have to pay as much attention, the elderly subjects were significantly more distracted by the happy faces. When this occurred, they had increased engagement in the part of the brain that helps control emotions and this stronger signal in the brain was correlated with those who showed the greatest emotional stability.

"Integrating our findings with the assumptions of life span theories we suggest that motivational goal-shifting in healthy aging leads to a self-regulated engagement in positive emotions even when this is not required by the setting," explained author Dr. Stefanie Brassen.

"In addition, our finding of a relationship between rostral anterior cingulate cortex activity and emotional stability further strengthens the hypothesis that this increased emotional control in aging enhances emotional well being."

"The lessons of healthy aging seem to be similar to those of resilience, throughout life. As recently summarized in other work by Drs. Dennis Charney and Steven Southwick, when coping with extremely stressful life challenges, it is critical to realistically appraise the situation but also to approach it with a positive attitude," noted Dr. John H. Krystal, the Editor of Biological Psychiatry.

Lifespan theories explain that positivity bias in later life reflects a greater emphasis on short-term rather than long-term priorities. The study by Dr. Brassen and colleagues now provides another clue to how the brain contributes to this age-related shift in priorities.

This makes aging successfully sound so simple - use your brain to focus on the positive.

The article is "Anterior Cingulate Activation Is Related to a Positivity Bias and Emotional Stability in Successful Aging" by Stefanie Brassen, Matthias Gamer, and Christian Buchel. The authors are affiliated with the Department of Systems Neuroscience, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany. The article appears in Biological Psychiatry, Volume 70, Number 2 (July 1, 2011), published by Elsevier.

Attribution/Source(s): This quality-reviewed publication was selected for publishing by the editors of Disabled World (DW) due to its relevance to the disability community. Originally authored by Elsevier and published on 2011/07/15, this content may have been edited for style, clarity, or brevity. For further details or clarifications, Elsevier can be contacted at elsevier.com NOTE: Disabled World does not provide any warranties or endorsements related to this article.

Explore Similar Topics

- Study reveals evaluation and treatment of symptoms of depression may improve or maintain cognitive functioning in some seniors diagnosed with MCI.

- Details discovered that will help researchers better understand the biological bases for Alzheimer's disease and dementia in older populations.

Citing Information and Page References

Disabled World (DW) is a comprehensive online resource providing information and news related to disabilities, assistive technologies, and accessibility. Founded in 2004 our website covers a wide range of topics, including disability rights, healthcare, education, employment, and independent living, with the goal of supporting the disability community and their families.

Cite This Page (APA): Elsevier. (2011, July 15 - Last revised: 2022, February 13). The Secret Behind Aging Gracefully. Disabled World (DW). Retrieved February 15, 2025 from www.disabled-world.com/health/aging/successful.php

Permalink: <a href="https://www.disabled-world.com/health/aging/successful.php">The Secret Behind Aging Gracefully</a>: Aging successfully linked with the positivity effect a biased tendency towards and preference for positive and emotionally gratifying experiences.

While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, it's important to note that our content is for general informational purposes only. We always recommend consulting qualified healthcare professionals for personalized medical advice. Any 3rd party offering or advertising does not constitute an endorsement.