Based on a new study conducted by researchers from the Yale School of Public Health, elderly people who are exposed to positive mental suggestions about the aging process showed improvements in their physical functions. This study was built on a previous principle that negative stereotypes regarding aging exerted detrimental effects on how older people functioned physically.
According to the researchers, this is the first time that the relationship has been established between the improvement of physical function and exposure to such positive images of aging. The research team came up with a unique intervention method in order to accurately assess whether these positive age stereotypes would be able to reduce the effects of their negative counterparts.
The team observed 100 senior subjects who were all within the average age of 81. All the subjects were asked to see in front of a computer screen where they were randomly exposed to rapidly flashing words that were too fast for these subjects to detect consciously. The words being shown on the screen were positive subliminal messages, which included words such as "creative" add "spry." Based on the results of the analysis, the team reported that those who were subjected to positive subliminal messages were displaying improved psychological and physical outcomes. For instance, these participants were showing signs of significantly improved physical balance. A result that was still observable even up to three weeks following the intervention. Researchers also noted that these participants in particular displayed a stronger and more positive perception about aging.
Associate professor Becca Levy who is also the director of the Yale Social and Behavioral Science Division said, "The challenge we had in this study was to enable the participants to overcome the negative age stereotypes which they acquire from society, as in everyday conversations and television comedies. The study's successful outcome suggests the potential of directing subliminal processes toward enhancement of physical function." She explained that the positive effects of the intervention work by setting off the cascade of beneficial effects starting with strengthening positive age stereotypes that reinforces a positive perception of themselves, which then leads to improved physical function.