The health benefits of "retail therapy." AAAARRRGHHH.

[Skidmore]

It was only a matter of time before we saw something like this.


http://women.webmd.com/news/20110407/study-retail-therapy-increases-longevity-people-over-65

Do Shopping Trips Help You Live Longer?
Study Suggests ‘Retail Therapy’ Increases Longevity in People Over 65
By Tim Locke

April 7, 2011 -- Regular trips to the store may help people live longer, even if they don't buy anything, according to researchers in Taiwan.

So does this mean "retail therapy" could be classed as an actual therapy for healthy aging? Other factors also come into play, one expert on aging tells WebMD.
Retail Therapy

The researchers in Taiwan say physical activity alongside social and economic activity are already recognized as being vital for healthy aging, but they say few studies have looked for a link between shopping and long-term survival.

Researchers in the U.K. looked at retail therapy in 2004 and concluded that rather than being a therapy in itself, shopping was a distraction from problems.... more

[ejpoeta]

1. i don't think it's the 'retail' part that is the good part of that... it's the walking. so

one could just as easily get 'therapy' walking in a park. our school lets people walk in there in the evening while school is in session. so during the school year, when the scholl is open then I could go down there in the evening and walk the halls. In fact, when I would go there to pick up my daughter from something I would often see people walking. And there is also a social component I believe, which could easily be achieved by going to a park maybe or joining a bridge club or chess club or something. shopping need have nothing to do with it.

[Skidmore]

3. Doesn't hurt the corporations if you do your walking in the mall

and buy a few things while you are at it. I loathe shopping and only go once a week, so I expect a short life.

[ejpoeta]

6. i hate shopping too. i end up having to go into the store though a couple times a week

because i forgot something. try to go first thing in the morning so as to avoid the crazy people. then i get sucked into their layout scheme wandering around the store not remembering what i went in there for. uggh. do better when i go the other way for some reason. I like to ask my husband to pick stuff up for me so i don't have to go. I mean, he is in there anyway.... he fixes the cash registers and POS machines at walmart, lowes, starbucks, and a lot of other places. I friggin hate shopping!!

[Tunkamerica]

2. I've been shopping several times... and I'm still alive, so it must be true.

[Uben]

5. Bye bye!

I've never been shopping and I'm 56, so I might not be around tomorrow to bid you all a farewell. I know, I know, I shoulda at least bought some new underwear or sumpin cuz it might have saved my life, but who knew? Maybe I'll go shopping today for a funeral policy. It could save my life!

[Taitertots]

4. Doing something is better for you than doing nothing, break out the nobel prizes

This one is pulling out the big guns to defend conspicuous consumption.