A long-held belief suggests optimists enjoy greater longevity. Now, rigorous science backs it up: a collaborative study across top institutions reveals optimists indeed live longer.
Researchers from Boston University School of Medicine (BUSM), the National Center for PTSD at VA Boston Healthcare System, and Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health analyzed data from 69,744 women and 1,429 men. Participants completed detailed surveys assessing optimism levels, overall health, diet, smoking, and alcohol use. Findings, published in PNAS, show highly optimistic individuals have an 11-15% longer lifespan on average and a greater chance of reaching 85 or older compared to their less optimistic peers.
Optimism is defined as expecting positive outcomes and a favorable future. While risk factors for disease and early death are well-studied, positive psychosocial traits like optimism that support healthy aging have been underexplored—until now.
Women were tracked for 10 years, men for 30. Results held steady even after adjusting for age, education, chronic conditions, depression, and behaviors like exercise, diet, alcohol use, and medical 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 lead author Lewina Lee, PhD, 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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Though the optimism-longevity link is clear, mechanisms remain under investigation. “Other research suggests that more optimistic people may be better able to regulate emotions and behaviors, as well as recover from stressors and difficulties,” noted co-author Laura Kubzansky, PhD, professor of social and behavioral sciences at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health.
Optimists also tend to embrace healthier habits, like regular exercise and avoiding smoking. “Research on why optimism matters so much remains to be done, but the link between optimism and health is becoming increasingly clear,” added Fran Grodstein, ScD, professor of epidemiology at Harvard T.H. 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,” Lee concluded.
Source: PNAS
