Attitude in
Recovery
Contents
·
Helping Patients
Adjust
·
Ten Ostomate
Commandments
·
Emotions and Ostomy
Surgery
·
A Positive Image of
Ostomates
·
Attitude in Recovery
·
Quality of Life
·
You’re Not Alone
·
It’s a Matter of
Sharing
·
Ostomy Surgery and
Depression
·
The Dumbest Things
Ever Said
·
Think Positive ...
Lengthen Life
Helping Patients Adjust
--Ostomy Highlife
The patient with an ostomy is apt to foresee a life of ostracism. Even though he/she may have been ill and
limited in activity for a long period, it will be difficult for him/her to
acknowledge the inability to voluntarily control his/her bowel or urine
function.
As his/her family doctor, you may be able to handle the patient's
questions and emotional difficulties better than the consultant, a stranger to
the patient. But, the best medicine is a
visit by a healthy, happy, fellow ostomate.
It is also important that the patient is associated with an enterostomal
therapist.
If the patient is a woman, the sight of an ostomate in a slim sheath
without a telltale bulge can provide assurance.
And, the visitor will answer the type of questions the patient might be
reluctant to ask others. The following
are typical questions new ostomates ask, and the answers a fellow ostomate can
provide.
Can I have Intercourse? When the patient asks about the potential for
sexual intercourse, it's a harbinger of a successful adjustment. A man will be concerned about his ability to
perform; a woman about her ability to attract and satisfy. All too often, the subject is skirted or,
even worse, is handled negatively with, "What difference does it make at
your age?" or "This operation is going to save your life—isn't that
enough?"
According to the United Ostomy Association, it is estimated that
approximately 10-20 per cent of male ileostomates suffer impairment of sexual
function and potency. But fortunately,
this is only temporary in most cases.
Males who have had urinary ostomies early in childhood can usually
perform sexually, but they may be sterile.
More than half of the males who have urinary surgery as adults for
bladder malignancy are impotent. The
average age for this surgery is 74.
Male colostomates vary in their degree of potency from full potency to
complete impotency. In many instances,
potency is retained, but in these cases the patient is sometimes sterile. In some patients, potency is lost due to the
extent of the surgery. In a few cases,
regardless of the type ostomy, it may take as long as two years to regain
potency.
Is marriage possible for me? Many ostomates have married. An ostomy is not a barrier to getting
married. The first ET nurse, Norma Gill,
was married after her ostomy surgery.
And usually, no marriage breaks up solely on the basis of the ostomy,
although it may put added pressure on an already weak relationship as will any
serious illness or emotional event. In
fact, a remarkable 82% of ostomates are still married to the same spouse a year
after surgery. This compares to 76% of
the normal population.
Can I have a child? A patient contemplating pregnancy should
consult her physician for evaluation of her individual situation, but an ostomy
in a woman does not preclude a successful pregnancy. In addition, an ostomy is not an indication
for a caesarean section. Many ostomy
woman have normal vaginal births.
There is a need, however, for close medical care during pregnancy. The ostomy may tend to enlarge or
protrude. This may require a temporary
change in her ostomy management system to permit the modifications to the size
and location of the stoma. An ostomy
woman may also require more careful monitoring of her diet and fluid
needs. But, on the other side, ostomy
women never worry about constipation or hemorrhoids like their continent
friends.
Can I travel? The patient can go anywhere in any type of
vehicle. An ostomy alone does not stop
someone from climbing mountains; riding horseback; flying in airplanes; driving
in autos; riding bicycles; taking cruises; etc.
All ostomy patients should buy a copy of the book, Yes We Can! by
Barbara Kupfer. It is currently the best
resource on traveling, and offers all types of valuable advise on traveling
with an ostomy and tips for everyday living.
Will I be able to sleep at night? Any comfortable position may be assumed with
a correctly applied ostomy appliance.
Having an ostomy will probably improve the sleep of a patient who had
previously been sick.
Can I participate in sports? Ostomates report enjoying many types of
sports—water skiing, body surfing, skin diving, tennis, golf, baseball,
football, hockey, weight lifting, running, bicycling, hiking…you name it.
Rough contact sports require special protection for the stoma. But, there are professional athletes in all
types of sports with stomas. An ostomy
alone is not a reason not to participate in sports. You can assure your patient that he/she will
be back on the golf course, hitting them as good as always. The ostomates desire is to return to his/her
normal way of life, and there is every reason he/she will do just that.
Ten Ostomate Commandments
By
Ron Bartlett, Halton-Peel, ON Newsletter
1. Thou shalt not take out thy feelings of
anger and frustration on thy spouse, friends or family.
2. Thou shalt not demand special
consideration. Thy ostomy doth not make
thee an invalid or render thee disabled.
3. Thou shalt remember to leave the bathroom
clean and fresh after ostomy care.
4. Remember that thy family needs thy love and
affection just as thee needs theirs.
5. Honor they ET nurse. He/she is your friend in need.
6. Thou shalt not be ashamed of thy ostomy, it
has saved thy life.
7. Thou shalt be ready at all times to support
others who had or will have ostomy surgery.
8. Thou shalt not feel sorry for thyself. Instead, thou shalt give thanks for a new
lease on life.
9. Thou shalt remember at all times that thy
partner in life suffers with thee and thou shalt not add to his/her suffering.
10. Above all, thou shalt give thanks to God
for a new life and freedom from pain.
By Julie
Maloy, RN/CETN
Ostomy surgery causes a
threat to one’s self esteem and causes a readjustment of one’s body image. Self esteem is based on how each person
accepts and values himself or herself. Fears have a negative effect on self esteem. Some of the common fears that one who has had
an ostomy may experience first after surgery are fear of rejection, leakage,
odor embarrassment and a decrease in feelings of personal attractiveness.
Not only can these fears
lower one’s self esteem, but also, they can create a barrier in an intimate
relationship. Successfully fitting, changing and caring for an appliance
independently, along with honest, open communication, are the steps necessary
for restoring one’s self esteem and returning to the previously held roles in a
relationship. There are several phases in rehabilitation from ostomy surgery. The meaning the diagnosis has to each person
can cause an emotional impact, as well as the adapting and adjusting to an ostomy.
In the first few weeks after
surgery, energy is exerted toward recovery and toward the task of mastering
ostomy care. Independence, when possible, has a positive effect on self esteem.
The need to wear a pouch may cause
anxiety. To minimize appliance anxiety, a pouch that is unobtrusive, odor proof
and secure, is essential. Develop a routine of changing the appliance before a
leak occurs. Check the appliance regularly for signs of wearing or undermining,
such as staining under the tape or discoloration from the stoma to the edge of
the pouch. Keep the tail of the pouch
clean. Individual moist towelettes
carried in a pocket or purse are handy to clean the pouch tail after emptying.
As one masters the task of
stoma care, it is not unusual to discover that there is a hypersensitivity to
the reaction of others. Any behavior or
reactions that are interpreted as negative can have an effect on interpersonal
relationships, self esteem, self confidence and the physical competence of the
person. The person with an ostomy who
can be independent yet allows the spouse to stay in a caregiver role is
fostering an invalid image and not promoting the return of the previous sexual
relationship.
Good personal hygiene will
help decrease anxiety and promote confidence, particularly during intimate
times. Pouch covers that are plain, lace
or in pastels or prints are available for those who would like to cover the
appliance. Taping the body of the appliance in place will help prevent pouch
movement during sexual activity. A
common fear of the spouse is one of hurting the partner or the stoma. Reassurance will dispel fears. Experiment with positions that will not rub or
irritate the stoma.
During recovery from ostomy
surgery, holding, touching, caressing and kissing are all important methods of
expressing affection that should not be forgotten. The readjustment period
continues for several months after surgery as each person reestablishes a
suitable lifestyle. The supportive
network of friends, family and health care team is important; however, the
overall adjustment is ultimately the responsibility of each person. Patience is necessary with oneself as the
process unfolds; however, if a particular hurdle seems very large, seek help to
put things in the proper perspective.
By Pat Murphy, RN, CETN
Each of us can make life better—for
ourselves and for those we meet who might someday have to face ostomy surgery
for their own good. I’d like to suggest
two ways to do this:
First,
support the United Ostomy Association—not only financially but also giving
volunteer help in your local chapter. Your involvement keeps the chapter strong
and makes it interesting and fun.
Second,
become aware of the image of an ostomate that you project to others. Be sure it’s a positive one! Whether an ostomate or not, everyone at some
point in life chooses between life and death. You can tell which one people
have chosen by observing their attitudes and lifestyles. We are advised to
choose life. And that involves
projecting a positive image to others.
President
Bush’s brother, Marvin, said in an article that his ostomy surgery had given
him a “second chance” to live. What a
marvelous thing to be able to have—a second chance! To be able to live, enjoy family, friends and
work or play, is the greatest joy. Marvin
Bush wrote how grateful he was to have a second chance to live.
We
should all feel this way, because we have chosen life. Sometimes, though, we
can get on a negative track and focus on our problems instead of being
grateful. Look at yourself today. Have you been focusing on your complaints and
problems? What kind of image do you project to others?
Here’s
a simple plan to help us all become more positive and project a better image: Watch yourself for a few days; see if negative
thoughts and feelings keep repeating. Replace negative thoughts with thankful
thoughts. You can’t just remove negative thoughts; that leaves an empty spot,
and they’ll just come back.
You
must put positive thoughts in their place. Express your thankfulness to those
around you. Be optimistic in what you
say, instead of saying, “I’m so busy, I don’t know what to do,” for example,
you could say, “I have so many interesting challenges I don’t know which one to
take on first.” Make thankfulness a habit. If you do, you will project a wonderful,
powerful, positive, attractive image to all you meet. This will help others to choose life—or an
ostomy, if need be—in their future.
Attitude
in Recovery
--Ostomy
Digest, Omaha, NB, edited by The New Outlook
Do you feel as if
the bottom has dropped out of your world?
Has your doctor just shown you your ostomy for the time? Are you surprised that your stoma is so red? You cannot visualize how life is going to be
from now on. You wonder if you will ever
become accustomed to this strange thing.
Be assured that you will … in time.
An ostomy is the result of a life saving surgery. You can make it whatever you desire. You can hibernate becoming a recluse and
withdrawing into your own small world.
Or, you can take it in stride learning the proper care of your ostomy
and then forgetting about yourself enjoying the extra time God has allotted to
you.
You will find, as
time goes on, the bewilderment will disappear, and the problems you encounter
as a new ostomate will be solved. You
will minimize the issues you originally thought overwhelming. You will be delighted to find you can still
lead a perfectly normal life. You can
participate in activities of normal living just as you did before surgery. You may like swimming, dancing, reading,
running, working, playing, golfing, boxing, sky diving, bungee jumping,
praying, visiting friends… whatever.
If ulcerative
colitis was the reason for your surgery, then you will be able to do more than
you did before surgery. Your life will
be better. You will virtually never have
to run to the toilet again. The new ostomate
has a tendency to become overly sensitive about little things like if the
prosthetic shows, if you smell, if your stoma is making noises, or if you'll
have an accident. There are many
techniques experienced ostomates use to address these issues. You'll find clothes look the same on you as
they did before; that nobody can really see your appliance; commercial odor
controls are available from all ostomy suppliers, if you even need them; noises
are generally louder to you than anyone else and most people have noises of
their own anyway; you'll have more accidents driving a car then you will once
your experienced with your ostomy equipment.
Yes, at first you
will be all thumbs trying to tackle the art of ostomy management, whether it is
because of challenges applying your system or learning irrigation techniques
according to whichever ostomy you have. As
you become familiar with your appliance, your care time will be a fraction of
what it is originally. With the new
appliances and supplies available, your management will eventually become
easier and almost automatic. Don't
become discouraged. Summon up your patience
and courage to see you through this phase of your rehabilitation.
Remember, all of
us ostomy graduates went through this same thing after surgery. We come to our local UOA chapter meetings to take
comfort in the fact that we are not alone; to bolster up our morale; to be
educated in options regarding ostomy management and equipment; to receive
practical hints on skin and health care; to help ourselves by serving others …
etc. Always check with your health care
professional regarding anything new you learn.
We at UOA do not practice medicine.
But, this being said, most doctors do recognize that many experienced
ostomates at UOA are near expert in the care and management of stomas.
Fight that
depression. It is your enemy. Things are going to get much better than they
are right after surgery. And, be happy. You have been given a new life.
QUALITY OF LIFE
Excerpted from
article by Kevin McHugh, MD, Hamilton, ON
I have postulated for
some time that both medical professionals and to some extent people involved
with ostomy associations have some wrongly-skewed impressions about living with
an ostomy. I have heard a young gastroenterologist say, “Ostomies are fine, as
long as you never want to go to the beach.”
And, a member of the executives of IOA said to me: “I don’t believe a
person with an ostomy can ever feel truly normal.”
These are only two examples of a prejudice that I believe is
pervasive. My contention is this: Medical
professionals and people involved in ostomy groups interact far more with
people who have difficulty adapting to life with an ostomy than with those who
adapt well. I would go so far as to
opine that the majority of people who have the surgery adapt well, have few
problems, and do not interact with either the medical or ostomy communities,
thus leading to the false perception that there are many more problems
associated with the procedure than found in reality.
The term “quality of life” is used in medical research to define a
person’s ability to participate in and enjoy their chosen activities of daily
life. A quick search of Medicine (a catalogue of all medical
publications), reveals over twice as many articles in the last ten years on
“mastectomy” and “quality of life” than “ileostomy” and “quality of life.” Moreover, the articles on ileostomy often
compare the surgery only to people who have alternative procedures; i.e.,
pelvic pouch, and not to the general populace.
This discrepancy is also found with regards to publications on
colostomies and mastectomy, which is remarkable in that both are generally
performed in the same age group and for cancer, albeit in a different
anatomical location. Further investigations will reveal if this reflects a
higher incidence and prevalence of breast cancer over colon cancer or if there
is another explanation. A recent publication in the Journal of The Royal
College of Surgeons of England, by Brennan and Steele, of Dundee, Scotland,
entitled: Objective Assessment of Quality of Life Following
Pan-proctocolectomy and Ileostomy for Ulcerative Colitis, is some of the
first research comparing the “quality of life” of people who have undergone
ostomy surgery to that of the general public.
While the fact that this study only examined people undergoing ileostomy
for ulcerative colitis, limits its applicability to other ostomy surgeries,
some extrapolation is possible. The
study compared forty-nine patients who had a permanent ileostomy for ulcerative
colitis with population norms of similar age and gender in the UK. The study
found that not only is “quality of life” good after surgery, but it is similar
and in some ways better than that of the general population. Patients with an ileostomy reported less body
pain, more energy and vitality, and higher social functioning. This research
finding stands in stark contrast to the attitudes I described having
encountered in the medical and ostomy worlds.
I hope that this research spurs more and larger studies of this
kind. Moreover, I would urge all people
with ostomies to discuss with their surgeons and ETs if they are actively
involved in ostomy research. The United Ostomy Association of Canada could be a
significant resource for this research and would benefit from having better
knowledge of the number and status of people with ostomies in the country. Some Canadian surgical centers are already
leaders in this area and others should be prompted to follow their example.
While some may wish to view their ostomy with the attitude, “It is
better than death”, this report clearly demonstrates that a significant cohort
of people undergoing ileostomy surgery have little or no negative impact due to
their stomas. I think the research underscores the importance of the ostomy
association fulfilling its mandate of assisting people in adjusting to their
ostomy. With this demonstration of the successful adaptation of a group with
ileostomies, the importance of addressing the needs of those who are having
difficulty in adapting is reinforced.
Clearly, research of the nature described here is critical to improving
the lives of all people with ostomies.
You're Not Alone
--Milwaukee Chapter of UOA
New ostomates, do you feel as if the bottom has dropped out of your
world? Your doctor has just shown you
your ostomy for the first time. You
cannot visualize how it is going to be from now on. You wonder if you will ever become accustomed
to this strange thing. Be assured that
you will…in time.
An ostomy is a lifesaving device, you can make of it what you
desire. You can hibernate, become a
recluse and withdraw into your own small world, or you can take it in stride;
lean the proper care of your ostomy; then forget about yourself and enjoy the
extra time God has allotted to you.
You will find that as time goes on, the bewilderment will disappear, and
the problems you encountered with the first association of your ostomy will
become minimized. You will be delighted
to find that you can still lead a perfectly normal life: swim, dance, work and
participate in things just the same as before surgery. If ulcerative colitis was the reason for your
surgery, then you will be able to do more things than you did before surgery.
The
new ostomate has a tendency to become overly sensitive…particularly to
odor. There are many ways of eliminating
all odor should this be a future problem.
Most modern appliances are odor proof.
That means that if they are just used as directed, there will be no
odor. In addition, there are over the
counter internal deodorants as well as many tablets, liquids and powders to be
used in the pouch itself.
Yes, at first you will be all thumbs tackling an appliance or irrigating
according to whichever ostomy you have.
As you become familiar with your apparatus, care-time will be cut to a
fraction of what you use as a new-bee.
With the new appliances and supplies available, your job will eventually
become easier and automatic. Don't
become discouraged. Summon up all your
patience and courage to see you through this phase of your rehabilitation.
Remember, all of us ostomy graduates went through this period of
adjustment, and we are available for help whenever needed: if only to bolster
your morale; to assist in choosing an appliance or irrigating equipment;
practical hints on skin care, etc. But
be sure to check with your doctor or ET nurse first. We don't practice medicine. But, most doctors recognize the fact that
ostomates soon become near expert in care and management of stomas.
Fight that depression, it's your enemy.
Things are going to get a hundred per-cent better than they are
now. Thank God that you're alive, and
take comfort in the fact that "You're Not Alone."
It’s a Matter of Sharing
-- Ostomy News Review, Green Bay, WI
I know a man, a colostomate, when asked why
he didn’t join the ostomy chapter said, “I’ve adjusted just fine. I don’t need the group.” His complacency set me back a bit. I thought it over.
So, maybe he doesn’t need the chapter—whatever that means. But the group needs him and others like
him—well adjusted ostomates who walk around flat-tummied and non-odorous. Of
course, I’m not talking about
after-shave or perfume.
An ostomy chapter is not a “half-way house” sort of thing. We don’t get together to feel sorry for
ourselves, to talk exclusively about the “fun and games” of our various
operations. We get together because we
want to help each other or maybe to get some help with some little problem
that’s been bugging us. Something our
doctors can’t answer but another ostomate may.
We want to prove to all those non-believers—oops, guess I’d better call
them skeptics—and non-ostomates who may think an ostomy is the end of the
world—well, it’s not. In most cases,
it’s the beginning. We are alive because
we are ostomates.
Ostomy
Surgery and Depression
--Rosette Gazette, Owensboro, KY Ostomy Chapter
Sleepiness, loss of appetite, feelings of guilt or worthlessness, irritability,
and a desire to be alone, as well as a loss of sexual desire, are some of the
symptoms of depression. It can be
triggered by the inability to participate in normal daily pleasurable
activities, or by a sense of helplessness and lack of control over your body.
Depression also can be caused by medications, stress, malnutrition,
anesthesia, or metabolic imbalance. Some
patients conceal their ostomy from their spouse, families, or lovers because
they fear rejections, or feel embarrassment. This also can result in feelings of isolation,
depression and chronic anxiety.
Patients who base their self-esteem on their physical appearance, their
independence, their “always in control, take charge” character, or their Good
Samaritan—always the helper or solver—behavior have a harder time dealing with
cancer, their ostomy, their lack of control over their bodies, and their need
to depend on others for help, even if only temporarily. Constantly tired from efforts to cope with
daily household or work routines, as well as a learning to adapt to the
physical requirements of this unpredictable, new addition to your body, leaves
little energy for enjoyment of leisure activities or romantic involvement.
It takes time to return to our normal lifestyle, so relax. Do what you are capable of doing at this
time, and don’t try to rush things.
You’ve had enough pain and misery and deserve the time. You don’t want to return to the hospital if
you can help it, do you? Give yourself a
year for a good recovery and if it should happen to take a lot less time,
consider yourself a very lucky person.
In the meantime, do what you have to do in whatever way you are capable
of doing it but don’t give more than a passing thought to the things you can’t
do right now. You might have to take
some short cuts, do some fancy improvising, or indulge in some healthy
neglect. Don’t be bashful about asking
for and accepting help. You’d do the
same for them if they needed help, wouldn’t you? You are not alone—we all go through this.
The Dumbest Things Ever Said
--Pouchclip
I'm sure these stories will bring to mind
some funny things that happened to you that weren't so funny at the time:
·
After my ostomy surgery, a well-meaning
aunt told me not to worry. She said I
was still a beautiful girl—it's not like I wore the bag on my face.
·
Back when I had my ileostomy for about
three years, I had to have some surgery to clear a lingering Crohn's related
infection. While I was recuperating from
this surgery, my new-age nurse tried to convince me of the rejuvenating powers
of enemas. The pitch was
"Rejuvenation Through Elimination."
This with "Ileostomate" stamped on my medical records.
·
Last year, I went for a prostate cancer
check-up. The doctor showed up with a
student doctor, looked at my chart and then proceeded to tell me to drop my
trousers while putting on a pair of rubber gloves. Then, he asked me to turn
around and bend over. I stood there in
total bewilderment and asked, "what exactly are you going to do
doc?" After telling me about the
usual probing method involved, I smilingly informed him that he would have no
results with this exam. Miffed he asked
"why not?" I kindly told him, "Re-look at my chart." One advantage of my ostomy is that I'm sewn
up tighter than a drum back there…no one is ever going to cause me discomfort
in my butt again, thank you. He slumped
in a chair. Now he had the bewildered
look. Needless to say, I pulled up my
pants and hastily left his office. Makes
you wonder doesn't it?
·
Right after I returned to work from my
ileostomy surgery, I was in the lunch room eating my lunch. A co-worker who had seen me there several
days in a row, looked at my lunch and said, "I want to give you some
advice. If you don't eat more roughage,
you'll end up getting colon cancer."
I looked up at her and said, "Not likely."
·
I was in
a grocery store at the check-out stand.
I had a little gas and my pouch was sort of puffed out but hidden under
my shirt. The cashier challenged my as
to what was under my shirt—assuming I may have stolen something. I tried to explain but her facial expression
dictated I show-off. So, I opened my
pants reveling a full-pouch. The girl
turned purple with embarrassment. But
the little boy of the lady in line behind me responded, "Oh, neat, I want
one mommy!"
·
I was in
class one day when as I like to call it, my carry-on-bag sort of busted—it was
falling off. I went up to the
teacher—the name has been changed to protect the ignorant—Ms. Smell, and asked
her if I could go to the bathroom. She
replied, "Can't you just hold it."
I said pathetically, "I am."
Needless to say she didn't get the joke.
·
Shortly
after I had my surgery, I had an ultrasound performed. I asked the nurse if she could see on the
screen if the doctors had done a good job…without saying I had my colon
removed. She looked for my colon for an
hour; then, she was shocked when she couldn't find it. She keep right on looking for it. Makes you wonder how she graduated nursing
school.
·
You'll
love this…You know the crinkling plastic bag sound that can be so audible in a
quiet public restroom? Well, as I was
discarding contents at a night club, the guy next to me must have thought I was
opening a bag of cocaine or something. With
a real life voice of a surfer-dude cartoon character he whispered, "Hey
man, don't sniff it all yourself. How
about giving me a little hit?' Trying
terribly hard to contain my laughter after I figured out what he meant, I said,
"Yeah man, this is some really good s---."
·
"No. We can't go to that shopping center, Karen
doesn't know where all the bathrooms are."
·
A
questionably well-educated woman told me that after I had surgery to remove my
large intestine, my stomach should look flatter…Duh?
·
After
removal of my colon, on my ET's first visit, she told me the things I could and
could not do. "Don't have stoma
intercourse for at least six months." And, "Cut the end of the pouch
so it is shorter, and use a rubber band over the clip." The former will produce a quick trip to the
surgeon, only a moron would even attempt this.
The latter produced a stupendous mess right in the hospital. This occurred 12 years ago in Germany at a
military hospital. I have to say, since
her, I have only had very helpful and technically competent ET's.
·
A
co-worker of my husband said, "How much do you think a colon weights? I bet seven pounds or so. What an easy way that would be to lose a few
pounds."
·
There is
a major amusement park in the UK called Alton Towers. One of my brothers was planning to go there
and invited me. But, he wanted to know,
would my "thingy" stop me from going on the rides? My response, "Of course not. I'll be the only one who isn't in danger of
needing a change of underwear after The Corkscrew."
·
All my
life I've been overweight. By the time I
was diagnosed with Crohn's Disease, I'd been sick for five months and lost over
30 pounds. More than one person said to
me, "Gosh, I wish I could lose that much weight. You look really good."
Think Positive…Lengthen
Life
Contributed by Jane Michnik
Want to live longer? Then think positive,
researchers advise. A study of 660
volunteers ages 50 and older shows negative stereotypes about aging may have an
adverse effect on longevity. Even if you
are not aware of them, subtle associations of the elderly with illness or
frailty may be shortening your life by affecting your will to live, the study
suggests.
In fact, the scientists assert, positive
self-perceptions of aging may influence lifespan more than not smoking or
exercising, said lead researcher Becca Levy of Yale University's Department of
Epidemiology and Public Health. The study found that older people with more
positive self-perceptions of aging, measured up to 23 years earlier, lived 7.5
years longer than those with less positive ones.
"The effect of more positive
self-perceptions of aging on survival is greater than the physiological
measures of low systolic blood pressure and cholesterol, each of which is
associated with a longer lifespan of four years or less," The authors
wrote in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology. "It is also
greater than the independent contributions of lower body mass index, no history
of smoking and a tendency to exercise; each of these factors has been found to
contribute between one and three years of added life."