Personality trait linked to longevity

A large American study has found that optimism, defined as a lasting tendency to expect positive outcomes and believe in one's ability to influence the future, is significantly linked to a higher chance of living to at least 85 years.

Study spans decades and thousands of participants

The research, published in the journal PNAS in 2019, combined data from two large epidemiological studies—the Nurses' Health Study and the Normative Aging Study—covering a total of 71,173 people over many years.

Optimists live longer on average

The most optimistic participants in the study lived 11 to 15% longer than the least optimistic, suggesting a strong correlation between optimism and increased lifespan.

Optimism tied to healthier behaviors

The study highlights that optimistic individuals tend to engage in healthier behaviors, such as less smoking, more physical activity, better diet, and improved emotional regulation, which contribute to their longer lives.

Optimism may help manage stress

Researchers suggest that optimistic people may better regulate their emotions and behaviors, recover more effectively from stress, and reduce inflammation and biological imbalances linked to chronic diseases.

Optimism is partly learned

The study indicates that while some aspects of optimism may be influenced by genetics, a significant portion is shaped by environment, life experiences, and thought habits. Psychologists suggest that "learned optimism" is possible through specific training and exercises.

Exercises to boost optimism

Psychological techniques such as the "best possible self" exercise—where individuals imagine a realistic future where everything goes well—and keeping a gratitude journal have been shown to increase optimism levels.

Optimism as a tool for longevity

The study does not guarantee a life free of illness or a specific lifespan, but it suggests that cultivating a more positive outlook on the future could be a practical way to increase the chances of living longer.