Why are older adults in a better mood than youngsters?

Research has shown that older adults are generally in a better mood than their younger counterparts on a day-to-day basis, causing much confusion among the medical community.

Logic would dictate that declines in cognitive function and physical health during the ageing process would lead to a prevailing downward spiral in mood, but this isn't the case.

Instead, older adults have more positive emotions and manage to snap out of bad moods much quicker than youngsters.

Researchers at the Association of Psychological Science now claim the reason for this is due to what people look at.

Dr Derek Isaacowitz of Northeaster University explains that older adults regulate their emotions by directing their eyes away from negative material and towards positive subjects.

He claims that there is a "causal relationship" between positive looking and mood, with those possessing good attentional abilities able to regulate their emotional disposition better.

The findings have positive implications for treating mental health complaints, suggesting new strategies that can be employed by patients to manage mood.

Read about support and personalised care at Barchester care homes for anyone with mental health concerns.