Optimism and Longevity
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Optimism and Longevity

As a gerontologist, I have always researched for elements and qualities in life that would promote health, aging and living a long and fulfilling life. What I have found, don’t rely on fad diets or 5-minute insanity workouts. The very things that most of us might not think about or take for granted are indeed the most important when it comes to longevity. Many studies have shown that being a positive, optimistic individual may lengthen our life expectancy.

Optimism and Living Long

Not only have studies shown that people who are optimistic live longer, but they suffer from fewer illnesses and diseases. Stress kills. It bounces back and forth between the 5th and 6th leading cause of death among adults. If being optimistic reduces or better manages stress in our lives, it makes sense that we would reach older ages, and possibly in better physical and emotional health. Stress increases the risk of health problems and poor mental health. It is also associated with premature death. So, anything we can do to minimize or manage stress in our lives would seem to help us to age healthy. Some experts say that optimistic people are more likely to reach exceptional longevity, which is age 85 and older.

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What about Pessimists?

Does this mean that negative people are doomed to live short and unhealthy lives? Not necessarily, but their quality of life may be compromised. Optimism is more than the absence of negativity and depression, meaning that those who do experience depression can benefit from being optimistic. The optimistic depressed person may even live longer by being optimistic despite their mood problems.

What’s the Connection between Optimism and Longevity?

There are many reasons found in research that connects a long life to optimism. Here are a few key ingredients to add to your daily diet. Optimistic people experience less stress because they let things go and don’t dwell on things over and over. Some people ruminate. They wish they could change the past. If only things turned out differently. But, we cannot change the past, so rumination may be wasted negative energy that might become depression. Optimistic people feel like they own their lives and are in control more than pessimistic people. If we make a mistake, own it and move on. Lesson learned.

Optimistic people are less likely to throw in the towel and give up, regardless of the hurdles or situation. They bounce back more easily and don’t let problems keep them down. There will always be setbacks in life, but that is all they are – setbacks, not the end of the world. Optimistic people also rarely feel hopeless or helpless, which are also associated with stress and depression. Negativity associated with helplessness is linked to poor physical and mental health and higher rates of illnesses and disease. Another part of your daily life should include taking good care of yourself, because that’s what optimistic people do. They care not only for themselves, but for others around them. They make friends easier and keep them. They foster healthy relationships and value the people in their lives. Having good relationships is also a strong factor in loving a long healthy life. One last ingredient is gratitude. Optimistic people are grateful for the things and people they have in their lives. Sure, they want more and strive to achieve greater things in their lives, but they also practice and express sincere gratitude for what they have right now.

Final Words on Optimism and Longevity

We all want certain things in life. Some success, people, and things that bring us happiness and fulfillment. Most people also want to have these things for a long time. Longevity can be achieved when we manage stress and deal with depression in healthy ways. We can even be optimistic when we are depressed. I think of longevity as a big mixing bowl that needs a bunch of ingredients to make it come out just right. According to research and common sense, living in the present, feeling in control, bouncing back from setbacks, being positive, taking good care of one’s self and others and practicing gratitude can improve our odds of living a better, longer, happier life.

(NOTE: Interested in learning more about Employee Wellness? Checkout my Employee Wellness CEUs on CEU Academy and try a FREE CEU today!)

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