Harvard Study Links Gratitude to Longer Life for Older Women

Mary Tinetti, MD, emphasized the importance of the 'five Ms' approach to optimize care for older adults during a presentation at the ACP Internal Medicine Meeting. This method focuses on multicomplexity, patient priorities (what matters), mental health (mind), mobility, and medication management. Tinetti pointed out that treating chronic conditions in isolation can be harmful for older adults with multiple health issues. Additionally, a Harvard study found that gratitude may lower mortality rates among older women, linking positive emotional states to better physical health outcomes. Meanwhile, research on transcendental meditation suggests it can alleviate stress and promote healthier aging, with older practitioners showing improved cognitive function. Lastly, a study published in JAMA Network Open indicates that postmenopausal women who lose a modest amount of weight can significantly reduce their risk of death from various causes, highlighting the importance of a balanced diet and regular exercise.