Emotional well-being can be just as important as physical health for longevity, new study finds

Patients in Canada who were able to improve their emotional and mental well-being were on track for positive change later in life, a new study found. Maskot/Digital Vision/Getty Images

When it comes to aging and healthy living, we’re often given the same advice: Eat better, exercise every day and sleep more. But solely focusing on your physical health isn’t enough to achieve longevity, a new study has found.

Researchers looked at older adults’ optimal well-being, which they define as having social support; positive perceptions of aging, physical and mental health, happiness, and life satisfaction; and the ability to carry out daily activities without severe limitations.

“Our study of over 8,000 older adults found that many who were not in optimal well-being at the start of the study w