Is It True That Optimism Prolongs Life?

Whether you believe in a bright future or not is a choice. Science hasn't made up its mind yet, but several studies show that optimists live longer and happier lives in general.

What Does Modern Science Know About Optimism and Longevity?

Optimism and pessimism are measurable mindsets. Scientists can place a person's outlook on a spectrum between the two and study how it relates to their health. Research shows that optimists tend to have above-average health indicators. Their cardiovascular system, lungs, metabolism, and immune system generally function better than pessimists'.

In 2019, cardiologist Adam Rozanski and his team at Mount Sinai Morningside Hospital in New York analyzed 15 studies involving over 220,000 people. They found that individuals with higher levels of optimism were 35% less likely to develop cardiovascular disease. Optimists also had a lower mortality rate overall.

According to Rozanski, optimists are more likely to care for their health by eating well, exercising, and quitting smoking. In contrast, pessimists often neglect these healthy habits. Pessimism is also linked to higher levels of stress hormones like cortisol, which can cause inflammation and weaken the body. Pessimists may also suffer from depression, a known risk factor for heart disease.

Optimists Tend to Live Longer

A study from Boston and Harvard universities analyzed data from 70,000 women and 1,500 men and found that optimists live 11-15% longer than pessimists. Optimists also have a higher chance of reaching "exceptional longevity" (living to 85 years or more).

This trend wasn't influenced by socioeconomic status, lifestyle, or general health. The researchers suggest that optimists are better at handling setbacks and more determined to overcome obstacles, which may contribute to their longer lifespans.

Optimists Are More Likely to Achieve Their Goals

Optimism also plays a role in goal-setting and persistence. When optimists face obstacles, they are more likely to push through and keep working toward their goals, while pessimists are more likely to give up. Studies show that optimists are not necessarily smarter but tend to be more persistent and motivated, which helps them succeed in various areas of life.

In a 1990 study by psychologist Martin Seligman, swimmers were told they performed worse than they actually did. After a break, the optimists swam faster, while the pessimists slowed down. This suggests that optimists use failure as motivation, while pessimists see it as confirmation of their doubts.

Optimists Age More Slowly

There's even some evidence that optimism can slow aging at the cellular level. Elizabeth Blackburn, who won the Nobel Prize for her work on telomeres, found a correlation between pessimism and accelerated shortening of telomeres—the protective caps at the ends of chromosomes. Shorter telomeres are associated with aging and disease. A 2021 study of 490 elderly veterans found shorter telomeres in pessimists, suggesting they may age faster.

While many studies suggest a connection between optimism and better health, none definitively prove that optimism causes longevity. It could be that healthier, happier people naturally tend to be more optimistic. Those who exercise, eat well, and manage stress might also have a more positive outlook simply because they feel better.