Study Links Optimism To Living Longer

Having a positive outlook could lead to having a longer life, according to a new study from researchers at Boston University School of Medicine that linked being optimistic to “exceptional longevity,” meaning living to age 85 and older. The study showed the link in both men and women, and remained even after things like smoking, alcohol use, physical activity, diet, weight and depression were accounted for. Scientists don’t fully understand the link, but some theories include that optimistic people: are more likely to have goals and the confidence to reach them, which may help them have healthier habits; may be better at regulating their emotions in stressful situations and so get less of the negative health effects of stress; and are more likely to form social connections because they see the good in people, and those relationships protect against loneliness, which can be harmful to health. Although some people are naturally more optimistic than others, you can do things to learn to be more positive. These can include keeping a daily gratitude journal of things you’re grateful for in your life, keeping track daily of positive things that happened that day, and regularly visualizing a future in which everything has turned out as well as possible and you’ve achieved your life goals.