Between 1900 and 2000, American life expectancy jumped from 47 to 77 years. Advances in genetic engineering, tissue engineering, stem cell therapies, nanotechnology, hormone therapies, and other fields are likely to foster a longevity revolution in which lifespans get much longer and people look and function younger at older ages.
This course on Psychology of Aging
and Positive Psychology explores what the research on aging and on centenarians (people 100+ years old) can teach us about living longer, healthier, and happier lives. It focuses on how we, as therapists, can apply this knowledge to our clients (and to ourselves).
What does it take to live well into your hundreds?
While 25% is genetic, 75% depends on your thinking and the lifestyle you choose. Positive psychology and research on vital centenarians have a lot to say about how to live a longer, healthier, happier life.
Did you know?
Longitudinal research finds that optimists live longer
In the New England Centenarian Study, centenarians averaged one prescription medication and most didn't have any disabilities until at least age 95
People who, as children, held negative stereotypes about aging developed more cardiovascular problems decades later
Centenarians have twice as many positive memories as negative memories
Longitudinal research indicates altruistic people live longer
Genetics accounts for 50% of your happiness, but only 25% of your longevity
Research finds that head butting soccer balls can cause subtle brain damage
Evidence based research finds that on the whole, conservative medical treatment has comparable outcomes to the more intrusive and expensive stents, angioplasties, and bypass surgeries
Sham arthroscopic knee surgery was just as effective as the real surgery
As people age they tend to become more positive and focus more on emotional experience
People in their seventies report being happier than people in their twenties, thirties, forties or fifties
Psychology of Aging and Positive Psychology is offered for 3 CE Credits and will teach you how to apply positive psychology and anti-aging research to understand the aging process and help your clients be healthier and happier. The course identifies 33 beliefs that promote living longer, healthier, and happier.
