Optimistic perspective linked to longer lifespan in women after 90

Optimistic perspective linked to longer lifespan in women after 90


If you’re a happy lady and you know it, clap your hands — because there may be plenty of years ahead for you.

A new study from the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health indicates that optimism and its benefits are widespread, and hold across all racial and ethnic groups.

Although there’s a significant body of research that looks at the risk factors behind diseases and early death, this study’s findings suggest that concentrating on positive psychological factors, like optimism, may be a new way of supporting healthy aging and longevity.

Researchers looked at data from almost 200,000 participants in the Women’s Health Initiative, which included postmenopausal women across the United States. These women, ages 50 to 79, were evaluated for up to 26 years.

The 25% who were the most optimistic were 5.4% more likely to have a longer lifespan and a 10% greater chance of living beyond their 90th birthday. Notably, these associations held true even after researchers took factors like demographics, depression and chronic illnesses into account.

The benefits of this positive thinking extend beyond our health and into how research on it is conducted in the first place. Previously, research had a tendency to focus on the “bad” — risk factors that harm our health. Looking at the positive resources people have easy access to, like optimism, may be just as beneficial and important to emphasize.

Inevitably, life throws us for a loop, so relentless positivity isn’t always realistic or even helpful. But if you tend to look on the brighter side, you’re in good, long-term company.

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