Those who face life with optimism are more likely to reach 85 years and generally live longer. This reveals a new study published in the British newspaper Guardian. That’s why we have to be optimistic!
Research to date has shown that optimism is associated with a reduced risk of heart disease and early death. The present study is the first to investigate the association between optimism and life expectancy.
The research and the conclusions
To examine the relationship between optimism and longevity, the researchers divided a sample of 70.000 women with an average age of 70 years into four groups depending on their level of optimism. The teams were followed from 2004 to 2014. It was found that the life expectancy of the team with the most optimistic women was 15% longer.
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At the same time, the sample of men used by the researchers was monitored from 1986 to 2016. It was divided into five groups and averaged 62 years. It was found that the group of the most optimistic men lived 11% more than the group of the least optimistic.
That’s why we have to be optimistic!
Researchers argued that those who were more optimistic also adopted healthier habits and lifestyles. When considering the level of physical activity, diet, smoking and alcohol, the most optimistic women appeared to have a 9% longer life expectancy than the less optimistic. In men, the proportion was 10%. Also, the most optimistic people, both women and men, were more likely to reach 85 years.
Specifically, women who were more optimistic were 20% more likely to reach this age.
Lee, who led the research, points out that the reasons why optimism relates to longevity are still unknown. “Healthier habits, fewer symptoms of depression and more social bonds partly explain this relationship”, she points out.
