A Sense of Purpose: Health Story
Aired on Superstation WGNSaturday, February 19 and April 16, 2005Show 207
Hester Besteda is 77 and works out every day. An accomplished piano player who can't imagine a life without music, she is in top health. "People with high self esteem who are optimistic and have a sense of meaning and purpose have better physical health," says Dr. Ann Vincent, a physician and clinical researcher at Mayo Clinic. Almost 90 percent of Americans say they are very happy. "Happy people with purpose have lower blood pressure, lower bad cholesterol and higher good cholesterol," says Carol Ryff PhD, a psychology professor at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and the Director of the Institute on Aging. "Having a good attitude plays a big part in how your body functions. Mind/body research has shown that optimistic people in the face of adversity maintain high levels of well being," Carol says. "Appreciation and other characteristics of happy people can be taught and learned," says Dr. Vincent. "We are all responsible for our own happiness," says a wise Hester.
For Health and Medical Information at Mayo Clinic, visit Mayo Clinic.
For more about Professor Carol Ryff and MIDUS, Midlife in the United States, visit Midlife in the United States.
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