The Importance of Emotional Health in Longevity

Understanding Emotional Health

Now, before you all shut me off, just listen. I’m talking about FEELINGS! Whenever someone would ask me how I’m FEELING, I would always answer in reference to the physical – I’m hot, I’m tired, I’m good! Emotions never played into the equation.

Today, I'm going to talk about something I didn’t prioritize for much of my life: emotional health. For years, I focused on tangible aspects of health—nutrition, exercise, and sleep—while overlooking the importance of emotional well-being. Growing up, my British mother instilled in me a belief that one must press on, pull oneself up by the bootstraps, and never show vulnerability. However, if we want to achieve truly fulfilling lifespans into our 80s, 90s, and beyond, we need more than just physical health. We need a strong foundation of emotional well-being.

The Challenges of Emotional Awareness

Being predominantly left-brained, I often neglected the emotional side of health. I now realize it’s a critically important aspect. As I get older, I see more clearly how necessary it is for both myself and my clients. If I consider emotional well-being, I ask: What’s the point of living longer if you’re not happy? More importantly, what if the people you care about aren’t happy when you’re around?

I have discussed how stagnation occurs as we age. However, if we aren't genuinely enjoying life, does that really represent Quality Aging? If our family dreads seeing us or stops inviting us to gatherings because we're miserable, how does that impact the quality of our later years?

The Impact of Emotional Health

Emotional health is not just the cherry on the parfait. It’s a critical component of our overall well-being. It influences not only our physical health but also our ability to help others. If you feel miserable and angry, it's difficult to listen to others who seek your support.

There are no blood tests or biomarkers to measure emotional health, making it arguably the most challenging aspect to quantify. This presents a significant challenge for someone like me, who relies on facts and data. So, what can we do to address this emotional health gap?

Self-Assessment Questions

I suggest two simple self-assessment questions:

• On average, how do I feel? Happy, sad, depressed, angry, frustrated?
• On average, how do I make the people around me feel? Do they feel energized after being around me, or do they make excuses to escape?
  
  

When reflecting on these questions, consider how deeply emotional health intertwines with other health factors. If you are feeling depressed, you are less likely to get up and exercise. Feelings of anger or stress can directly impact your gut health. Frustration and anxiety often rob you of a good night’s sleep. This is why a holistic approach to health is essential, taking every aspect of our well-being into consideration.

The Myth of Age-Related Emotional Decline

It’s worth noting that, unlike cognitive and physical health, there’s no biological phenomenon that causes emotional health to decline with age. In fact, there’s every reason for it to improve as we age. This realization encourages us to find ways to enhance our emotional well-being.

Perhaps getting involved in a community group that aligns with your passions—be it golfing, sewing, working with animals, or spending time with children—can provide that engagement we sometimes miss. As retirees, many of us have the availability to invest time in these fulfilling activities. Volunteering offers countless opportunities to connect with others and make a difference.

The Benefits of Prioritizing Emotional Health

By prioritizing emotional health, we can dramatically improve our healthspan. Without emotional wellness, a longer lifespan might feel more like a curse than a blessing. Therefore, I encourage you to pay close attention to how you’re feeling this week. If you aren’t experiencing ideal feelings, seek to change them.

In some cases, this could involve counseling, which is often seen as a taboo topic but is essential for many. The phrase “Let’s Get Better!” encapsulates the spirit of what we aim for. If you genuinely want to live your best life, it's worth starting today. Identify one action to improve your emotional health and take that step.

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