“Negative stereotypes about aging can actually shorten your life. Research has found that memory studies can intimidate elderly subjects into performing poorly. They score higher on memory tests if they aren’t explicitly told that the study is about memory and aging. They score worse on memory tests after reading a pessimistic newspaper account about aging and memory than those who read a cheerful article about growing older.

Another factor: Social support makes both men and women less vulnerable to health problems. People over 60 who described themselves as lonely were particularly at risk.