The key to living longer is optimism, study states
| Aug 29, 2019, 10:59 IST
For decades humans have looked for cures that can help people live longer, better lives. From different diets to certain lifestyles and even medication, people have tried it all. But researchers claim that the key to a long life lies in something much more simple. And that simple thing is optimism. Researchers claim that individuals who are optimistic in nature live longer lives and achieve “exceptional longevity”.
“While research has identified many risk factors for diseases and premature death, we know relatively less about positive psychosocial factors that can promote healthy aging,” said Lewina Lee, Assistant Professor at the Boston University. “This study has strong public health relevance because it suggests that optimism is one such psychosocial asset that has the potential to extend the human lifespan. Interestingly, optimism may be modifiable using relatively simple techniques or therapies,” Lee added.
For the study, researchers surveyed 69,744 women and 1,429 men. These participants were asked to complete surveys which measured their levels of optimism as well as recorded their health, habits, diet, and other factors like smoking and drinking. While men were followed for 30 years, women were followed for 10 years. When their initial levels of optimism were measured, the researchers found that optimistic people on average showed 11-15% better chances at having a longer lifespan. They also had a 50-70% greater chances of making it to the age of 85.
These results were established after keeping certain factors in mind like age, demographic factors such as educational attainment, chronic diseases, depression as well as health factors like diet, exercise, drinking habits etc. “However, exactly why optimistic people appear to live longer is still up for debate,” Lee said. The researchers said that maybe optimistic people live longer because they tend to follow healthier habits like eating right or exercising more often or consuming less alcohol and smoking less. Stay tuned for more updates.
“While research has identified many risk factors for diseases and premature death, we know relatively less about positive psychosocial factors that can promote healthy aging,” said Lewina Lee, Assistant Professor at the Boston University. “This study has strong public health relevance because it suggests that optimism is one such psychosocial asset that has the potential to extend the human lifespan. Interestingly, optimism may be modifiable using relatively simple techniques or therapies,” Lee added.
For the study, researchers surveyed 69,744 women and 1,429 men. These participants were asked to complete surveys which measured their levels of optimism as well as recorded their health, habits, diet, and other factors like smoking and drinking. While men were followed for 30 years, women were followed for 10 years. When their initial levels of optimism were measured, the researchers found that optimistic people on average showed 11-15% better chances at having a longer lifespan. They also had a 50-70% greater chances of making it to the age of 85.
These results were established after keeping certain factors in mind like age, demographic factors such as educational attainment, chronic diseases, depression as well as health factors like diet, exercise, drinking habits etc. “However, exactly why optimistic people appear to live longer is still up for debate,” Lee said. The researchers said that maybe optimistic people live longer because they tend to follow healthier habits like eating right or exercising more often or consuming less alcohol and smoking less. Stay tuned for more updates.