Why Many Older Adults Feel Good About Their Health

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's 2017 National Health Interview Survey found 82 percent of adults ages 65 to 74 described their health as "excellent," "very good," or "good" — far more than those who called their health "fair" or "poor," reports the Daily Herald . Meanwhile, 73 percent of respondents 75 and older reported their health as positive, while just 27 percent skewed negative. This trend can be explained by the fact that many people consider good health to go beyond lack of illness or disability. This positive-leaning group tends to ascribe more value to vitality, emotional well-being, positive social relationships, remaining active, and satisfaction with life. Emory University Professor Ellen Idler said even when dealing with medical conditions and impairments, older adults can usually think of people their age who are worse off, such as those who have died or ended up in assisted living communities. "People hit their 80s and 90s, look around, and feel pretty good about just being alive," she noted.