Optimism is Linked to a Longer Lifespan in Women

Researchers from Harvard University; Boston University School of Medicine; Kaiser Permanente; UC Davis; UC San Diego; and Brown University explored the link between optimism and longevity in a 150,000 racially diverse women ages 50–79. Scientists found that women with the most optimism lived 5.4% longer (approximately 4.4 years) than the least optimistic women. Optimistic women were also more likely to achieve “exceptional longevity” which is defined as living to be 90+. One of the most interesting items to note is that these trends were consistent across all racial and ethnic groups of women. So if you are making a resolution for 2023, consider practices that impact your optimistic outlook! To read more about this research, see this link in the National Institute on Aging.