If you want to stay strong and show fewer signs of frailty as you get older in years try keeping an upbeat view of life. Researchers at the University of Texas say our genes, physical health and psychosocial factors play a role in how quickly we age. They believe there is a connection between the mind and the body, which helps to dictate how well or not so well we age. They found that those people who had a positive outlook on life were significantly less likely to become frail as they became older in years. More research is required to pin down exactly why there is a link. The speculation is that positive emotions may directly affect health by altering the chemical balance of the body. It may very well be that a positive attitude helps a person to have better health and be more successful in life, which in turn helps slow down the aging process.

Smile Away the Common Cold

Studies show people with a positive attitude produced fewer signs and symptoms of the common cold. This is probably because people with healthy attitudes tend to practice and promote healthy lifestyle habits.

The study appeared in the July issue of Psychosomatic Medicine. The study reports that people with a positive attitude, who are energetic, happy and relaxed, are less likely to catch colds than people who are depressed, nervous or angry.

Researchers hope their findings will lead to more studies about how a positive attitude affects health, not only in fighting the common cold, but also to ward off other illnesses.

Keeping a positive attitude as well as eating your apple a day might just the right medicine to help you fight off the common cold.

A positive attitude can help you find a job even in the hardest of times.

The Georgia Institute of Technology study reveals how certain personality traits affect job-search behavior. Those with positive attitudes are more likely to look harder jobs and consequently experience more success finding jobs. Some of the personality traits were:

* Optimistic, upbeat and positive attitude job seekers view the job loss as an opportunity to improve their position.

* Higher in self-esteem and self-efficacy, those with a positive attitude are more confident in their ability to search for a job.

* They are generally extroverted people.

* They are more conscientious, organized and concerned with follow-up.

Some tips on how to obtain and keep a positive attitude:

* Read positive material every day.

* Listen to uplifting audio programs.

* Spend time with people who are positive.

* Use positive language.

* Pursue your passions in life. If you are passionate about something you will get excited about it, come alive and bubble over when you talk about it. Decide what your passions in life truly are.

* If you hate what you are doing all day, it is hard to find and keep a positive attitude about anything. You will probably be one of the first to get the sniffles!

* You don't have to quit your job that pays your mortgage to pursue something you are passionate about. Do it as a hobby on the side.