To what extent is health influenced by psychological and social factors, and what role does optimism and a positive outlook play in maintaining a healthy lifestyle?

These are just some of the questions being posed by researchers in the field of Health Psychology.

Mind & Body – Understand the Relationship

Humans have indeed pondered the relationship between the mind and body for thousands of years, however it is only recently that the discussion has evolved into a formal discipline, explains Health Psychologist Dr. Georgia Pomaki. Pomaki conducts research in this area, and also teaches courses regularly, across the Metro Vancovuer region, on the psychological dimensions of health.

Dr. Pomaki feels people need to reexamine the way they think about illness, specifically the conventional view that physical and mental health are separate from one another. “Many people have tended to view health and disease from a purely medical perspective, but we are increasingly seeing evidence that physical, mental and social well-being are also factors in positive and negative health outcomes,” she explains.

Think about these questions. Why do married men live longer than single men? Why do women generally live longer than men (despite higher rates of illness and disability)? Why is it that people in developing countries – like Costa Rica – enjoy the same life expectancy rates as developed countries, despite spending far less on health care services? Is it that the common factor of social relationship plays a positive role in the promotion of good health for these groups?

Key Factors: Outllook, Stress, and Where We Live

Positive Outlook. Pomaki believes that maintaining a positive outlook is essential. “Pessimists are more likely to engage in health-damaging behaviours, and tend to have less success in relationships – factors that can influence one’s health. However, those who regularly experience happiness, joy, excitement, enthusiasm, and contentment, tend to experience greater longevity, fewer diseases, and other symptoms of pain,” she contends. And among other experts in this field, it is felt this may have something to do with how these behaviours influence the immune and cardiovascular systems.

Lowering Stress. A healthy abundance of optimism, moreover, is also linked with a person’s ability to shield themselves from the negative health impacts of stress. Admittedly, stress is part of our everyday lives, but ensuring you don’t experience too much stress on a daily basis is essential to staying healthy. Research on this question provides a powerful incentive for us all to ‘de-stress’ regularly.

According to one Duke University research study, for example, 107 patients who entered into a stress management program saw a 74% reduction in cardiac arrests.

Our Communities. Researchers are also becoming more aware of how a person’s surroundings can influence his or her health. For advocates like Dr. Pomaki, public policymakers have a role in promoting vitality – especially when it comes to older adults.

For example, in BC the current policy is increasingly focused on helping older adults stay mobile, physically active, and healthy, through age-friendly community initiatives across the province, says BC’s Minister for Healthy Living and Sport, Ida Chong. “Last year”, she says, “the province invested $1.8 million focusing on building better, more accessible neighbourhoods for older adults though the construction of ActNow BC Seniors’ Community Parks in 18 different communities. These parks provide a place for seniors and everyone else to connect socially and interact on many levels.”