Do you tend to see the glass as half full rather than half empty? If so, you might be pleased to learn that this positive outlook can actually benefit your health. Numerous studies have shown that optimists enjoy higher well-being, better sleep, reduced stress, and improved heart and immune health. Recently, a study found a link between optimism and longevity.
Researchers tracked the lifespans of nearly 160,000 women aged 50 to 79 over 26 years. At the study’s start, participants completed a survey to gauge their optimism levels, classifying the highest scorers as optimists and the lowest as pessimists. By 2019, researchers assessed the lifespans of those who had died and found that the most optimistic individuals were significantly more likely to live longer, with many reaching their nineties. This phenomenon is termed “exceptional longevity,” given that the average lifespan for women in developed countries is about 83 years.
Notably, these findings remained significant even when accounting for other life expectancy factors such as education, socioeconomic status, ethnicity, and chronic health conditions. However, since the study focused solely on women, it’s unclear if these results apply to men. Another study that included both genders found that the most optimistic individuals lived 11% to 15% longer than their pessimistic counterparts.
So, what accounts for this longevity among optimists? Initially, it might seem linked to healthier lifestyles. Research suggests that optimists are more likely to eat well, exercise, and avoid smoking—all habits that enhance heart health and reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases, a leading global health threat. A healthy lifestyle can also lower the likelihood of other fatal illnesses, like diabetes and cancer. However, lifestyle factors only explained 24% of the link between optimism and longevity, indicating that other elements contribute.
One potential factor is how optimists manage stress. In stressful situations, optimists typically confront challenges directly, employing adaptive coping strategies that either address the stressor or help them view it in a more manageable way. For example, they may solve problems, make plans, seek support, or look for the silver lining in tough situations. These strategies can mitigate stress and its biological effects, such as elevated cortisol levels, increased heart rate, higher blood pressure, and reduced immune function—all of which can negatively impact health over time, raising the risk of serious diseases like cardiovascular issues. Essentially, optimists’ approach to stress may shield them from its harmful effects.
Researchers view optimism as a stable personality trait influenced by genetics and early life experiences, such as nurturing relationships with caregivers. However, if you don’t naturally lean towards optimism, you can develop this trait. Studies suggest that optimism can be nurtured through simple exercises. For instance, envisioning and writing about your “best possible self”—a version of you that has achieved your goals—can significantly enhance optimism, especially when the goals are realistic rather than merely wishful.
Additionally, reflecting on positive future events can boost your optimistic outlook. It’s also essential to manage your expectations with a realistic perspective on what you can and cannot control. Optimism tends to flourish when anticipated positive outcomes are met but can decline when reality falls short. While further research is needed, consistently visualizing yourself achieving positive outcomes and taking practical steps toward those goals may foster a more optimistic perspective.