The Wellbeing-Longevity Link: Insights from Neuroscience.
Written by: Selin Kucukcan (October 14, 2024)
In 2023, the Docuseries ‘Live to 100: Secrets of the Blue Zones’ brought a lot of attention to the factors that impact longevity and living a long, healthy life. Although it is important to remember that factors like diet, exercise and limiting alcohol consumption are crucial aspects of living to 100, in this article, we will be covering the social and environmental factors that contribute to longevity and wellbeing.
Our Brains Thrive on Human Connection
A healthy social network plays a crucial role in improving wellbeing as well as both mental and physical health. A 2022, an fMRI study found that even talking about friendships activated regions of our brain such as the ventromedial prefrontal cortex, ventral striatum and amygdala, which are all crucial regions of the brain’s reward system, releasing oxytocin and dopamine, chemicals that boost mood and reduce stress. Meaningful connections help regulate the body’s stress response, which can have significant impacts on our mental and physical health. A supportive social network is an important factor that contributes to longevity and overall wellbeing. In short, tell your friends you love them and make some plans for the weekend!
Stress Less, Live More
Reducing stress effectively involves more than just ‘relaxing’. We can use neuroscientific insights to create lasting changes in how we handle pressure. Research highlights several strategies to regulate the brain’s stress response. The amygdala is an important region of our brain which produces feelings of anxiety and general stress. It has been shown that even 8 weeks of mindfulness-based stress reduction exercises can lead to a significant decrease in the size of the amygdala! There are even easier ways to regulate our brain’s stress response. Cortisol is famously known as the body’s ‘stress hormone’. When we sleep, our bodies reduce the amount of cortisol released, regulating mood, calming and restoring our brain and our body, and therefore allowing us to cope with stress better. So, the next time you are going through a stressful period, something as simple as getting more sleep can make a significant impact.
Stay Alive and Thrive: The Power of Having a Purpose
Having a purpose in life is an indicator of a longer lifespan, and neuroscientific research offers insights into why. A study which was done across 14 years found that ‘purpose in life’ was a significant indicator to healthy aging and living longer. Several other studies show that those with a purpose sleep better, have a more robust immune system, have better cognitive function and lower stress levels, which all contribute to longevity. Having a purpose activates the prefrontal cortex, a crucial area for regulating emotions and stress response. A strong sense of purpose also increases motivation and resilience, which all together promote healthier lifestyle choices and social connections, all contributing to a longer, healthier life. In conclusion, finding a purpose in your life might just be the best anti-aging cream there is!
Summary
In summary, while we cannot forget the significant role that diet and exercise play in living a longer, healthier life, social connections, stress reduction, and having a sense of purpose all play crucial roles. Neuroscientific findings show that our brains thrive when all these factors are combines, boosting mental wellbeing alongside physical health. So, whether it’s spending time with your loved ones, getting enough rest, or finding your purpose, a combination of these factors can help us al live longer, more fulfilling lives.