Optimistic people have a longer life expectancy and a better chance of living past ninety. That’s according to a new study that sampled nearly 160,000 women from different races and backgrounds. Healthy choices related to diet, physical activity, body mass index, smoking and alcohol consumption account for less than a quarter of the link between longevity and optimism, according to a study published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society.
“Although optimism can be influenced by social factors, our findings suggest that the longevity benefits of optimism cut across racial and ethnic groups.” This is what the study’s lead author Hayami Koga, a postdoctoral student at the School of Public Health T.H. Chan of Harvard University. “Optimism should perhaps be a key target of longevity interventions in various groups,” Koga adds.
It’s good to be optimistic
This is not the first study to find a strong link between longevity and looking on the bright side of life. According to a 2019 study, men and women with higher levels of optimism live an average of 11-15% longer than those with less positive thinking. Specifically, optimists with the highest optimism scores are most likely to reach and exceed eighty-five years old. The findings apply regardless of socioeconomic status, health status, depression, smoking, social relationships, poor diet and alcohol consumption. Optimism doesn’t mean ignoring life’s stressors, experts say. But when negative situations arise, optimists are less likely to blame themselves and more likely to see the obstacle as temporary or even positive. Optimists also believe that they are in control of their lives and can create opportunities for good things to happen to them in the future.
Diet and exercise
Optimism also improves our health, according to studies. Previous research has identified a direct link between optimism and better eating and exercise habits, as well as:
- better heart health
- stronger immune system
- better lung function
- lower risk of mortality
Twin studies have shown that only 25% of our optimism is influenced by our genes. The rest is up to us and how we face the challenges. However, if you tend to whine when stressed, don’t worry. As it turns out, we can train our brains to see things more positively. One of the most effective ways to increase your optimism is called the “best self” method, according to a meta-analysis of research. In this exercise, imagine yourself in a future scenario where you have achieved all your goals and solved all your problems.
Write down what you have achieved
Start by writing down exactly what you have achieved and take five minutes to imagine what that reality looks like and how you feel. According to experts, if you do this every day, your positive feelings will be enhanced. In 2011, as part of a study students did this exercise once a week for eight weeks. Not only did they feel more optimistic, but the positive feelings lasted for about six months. Another way to boost your optimism is to keep a journal of each day’s positive experiences. Over time, this focus on the positive can reshape your perspective, experts say. Taking a few minutes each day to write down things you’re grateful for can improve your outlook on life, too. Several studies have shown that practicing gratitude contributes to better problem management by replacing negative thinking with optimism. This practice, reflecting on the blessings in our lives, and even helps reduce behavioral problems in teenagers. Experts point out that, in order to maintain the positive outlook of our brain, optimism exercises should be done on a regular basis, like gymnastics. But isn’t it worth the effort to have a longer and happier life?
