Jan 20, 2014 09:13 PM EST By Jaleesa Baulkman, UniversityHerald Reporter

Senior citizens who get more enjoyment from life are more likely to maintain better physical functions as they age, according to a new study Counsel and Heal reported.

Researchers at the United College London followed 3,199 men and women from England aged 60 and older for more than eight years to examine the link between positive well-being and physical well-being. They found that people who enjoy their lives are more likely to retain their physical and mental health.

"The study shows that older people who are happier and enjoy life more show slower declines in physical function as they age," Dr. Andrew Steptoe of University College London said in a statement. "They are less likely to develop impairments in activities of daily living such as dressing or getting in or out of bed, and their walking speed declines at a slower rate than those who enjoy life less."

For the study, scientists separated the participants into three age groups, which were 60-69, 70-79, and 80-years-old and above. They used a four-point scale to assess the participants' positive well-being and physical well-being.

Based on their findings, researchers found that people in the 60-69-year-old group tended to have higher levels of well-being. Other factors that were tied to better well-being were higher socioeconomic status and higher education levels.  They also found that People who worked and were married had a good well-being, Counsel and Heal reported.

Researchers also said that people who reported lower levels of life enjoyment tended to have chronic illnesses, such as heart disease, diabetes, arthritis and depression. People with low well-being were more than three times as likely as their positive counterparts to develop problems in their daily physical activities.

 "Our results provide further evidence that enjoyment of life is relevant to the future disability and mobility of older people. Efforts to enhance well-being at older ages may have benefits to society and health care systems," Steptoe added.

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