A study by researchers at the Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health found that optimism adds extra life expectancy to people of all races and ethnicities.
Studies have revealed that optimism affects life expectancy. A study of mostly white American women found that optimism increases life expectancy by 15% and increases the likelihood of super longevity by 50%.
Researchers analyzed data from 160,000 women aged 50 to 79 who participated in the Women’s Health Initiative (WHI) from 1993 to 1998, followed for 26 years. The most optimistic 25% of respondents lived 5.4% longer than the worst-mooded 25%. The probability of exceeding the age of 90 was 10% higher than the other group.
Recent research has also revealed that stress is an important factor in weakening the immunity of the elderly. Optimistic people know how to deal with stress. In addition, past research has found that extreme stress can reduce life expectancy by 2.8 years.
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Source: thehill, sciencedaily
