There has long been a popular belief that optimistic people have a better life expectancy. But what about a scientific point of view? Today, a team of researchers resulting from the collaboration between several institutions answers this question following a vast and long study. Result:yes, optimists live longer!
Researchers from Boston University School of Medicine (BUSM), the National Center for PTSD at the VA Boston Healthcare System, and the Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health, found that optimistic people are more likely to live longer than the average and to achieve "exceptional longevity", i.e. to reach 85 years of age or more.
Optimism refers to the general expectation that good things will happen, or the belief that the future will be favorable. While previous research has already identified many factors that increase the risk of disease and premature death, until now we know much less about the positive psychosocial factors that can promote healthy aging.
The study was based on 69,744 women and 1,429 men. Both groups took part in an in-depth survey to gauge their level of optimism, as well as their overall health and habits such as diet, smoking and alcohol consumption. The results were published in the journal PNAS .
The women were followed for 10 years and the men for 30 years. When individuals were compared based on their initial levels of optimism, researchers found that the most optimistic men and women had, on average, an 11-15% longer lifespan and a higher likelihood high to reach the age of 85 compared to the less optimistic groups.
The results were maintained after controlling for age, demographic factors such as education level, chronic disease, depression, and also health-related behaviors, such as alcohol consumption, exercise, diet, and primary care visits.
“While research has identified many risk factors for disease and premature death, we know relatively less about the positive psychosocial factors that may promote healthy aging explained author Lewina Lee, clinical research psychologist at the National Center for PTSD at VA Boston and assistant professor of psychiatry at BUSM. “This study is of great public health interest because it suggests that optimism is one of the psychosocial assets that can prolong lifespan. Interestingly, optimism can be modified using relatively simple techniques or therapies .
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Although the data shows a clear link between optimism and longevity, it is not yet known exactly how optimism helps people extend their lifespan. “Other research suggests that more optimistic people may be able to regulate emotions and behaviors, as well as recover better from stressors and difficulties said one of the lead authors, Laura Kubzansky, professor of social and behavioral sciences at the Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health.
The researchers also consider that more optimistic people tend to adopt healthier habits, such as being more likely to exercise and less likely to smoke, which could extend their lifespan. “Research on why optimism matters so much remains to be done, but the link between optimism and health is becoming increasingly clear said lead author Fran Grodstein, professor of epidemiology at the Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health.
“Our study contributes to scientific knowledge about health factors that may protect against mortality risk and promote resilient aging. We hope our findings will inspire further research on interventions to improve positive health factors that can improve population health added Lee.
