Okay shopping enthusiasts, this is the news you’ve been waiting for, it’s been confirmed by multiple researches that shopping is healthy. Retail therapy is indeed therapeutic. First in line is Guy McKhann and Marilyn Albert, two of the world’s innovative experts on brain research who jointly have a theory that women live longer than men because They shop more!!

McKhann and Albert were curious on what makes the elderly tick — why some have longer and more productive lives than others. So in 1985 they began a decade long study of 3,000 senior citizens. Their findings make up a large part of Keep Your Brain Young (Wiley, N7, 045), a reference book of sorts for how to keep the brain functioning in tip-top form.

According to another 10-year study conducted by scientists of Taiwan’s National Health Research Institutes, those who shopped almost every day were about 25% more likely to live longer than average. And the biggest revelation (wait for it) is men are more likely to benefit from shopping than women! Women who shop everyday were 23% less likely to die but men who shop everyday were 28% less likely to do so (Need more motivation to open that wallet?)

So really what’s the co-relation between shopping and attaining methuselah age status?

[epq-quote align=”align-right”]Multiple research suggests that walking 20 minutes every day strengthens your heart and increases your lifespan. When you are out shopping, you go beyond your 20-minute walk because a few minutes aren’t enough to have your fill. Combined with all the heavy shopping bags you carry, shopping can turn out to be quite a semi-rigorous workout.[/epq-quote]

[epq-quote align=”align-right”]Secondly, making decisions challenges the brain and keeps it at its peak: `you have to compare prices,’ `Will this particular item fit in your new home?’ `Do you need another black suit?’ “does your butt look big in this” Decisions Decisions.[/epq-quote]

[epq-quote align=”align-right”]Most people shop in the company of other friends or with their partners. This helps build and strengthen social bonds and facilitate communication. Moreover, you get a better understanding of your partner’s or friend’s likes and dislikes that gives you a better insight into the relationship.[/epq-quote]

[epq-quote align=”align-right”]When you purchase a suit or dress that fit you perfectly, don’t you feel really good about yourself? Or how about when you can get some steal worthy discount deals and buy pretty dresses for lower than the usual prices (you should check out the smemarkethub.com for good bargains) Smart bargaining skills and picking up a flattering outfit make you feel good about yourself and create a positive self-image[/epq-quote].

[epq-quote align=”align-right”]An artist, for instance, may get pleasure from choosing between two colours of paint. A drummer will find pleasure in the varieties of drums and their sounds in a music shop. Shopping gives you a better insight into the colours, textures, sights, and sounds that appeal to you.[/epq-quote]

With all this info, it’s imperative to be a healthy and not a compulsive shopper. The difference between healthy and compulsive shoppers is that compulsive buyers often experience remorse when they get home and see what they bought. Meanwhile, healthy consumers who use retail therapy modestly (mostly by shopping with a list) don’t regret their purchases. Happy shopping!