Optimism equals longevity

On the quest to reach physical and mental health, positive thinking plays a paramount role. Optimism can help you sleep better and longer, fortify your immune system, and even act as an elixir for longevity. In a new decades-long study, researchers found that glass-half-full thinkers are 50 to 70 percent more likely to live past 85 than non-optimists are.

Optimists are creatures of self-care, says Anne C. Segerstrom, Ph.D., a professor of psychology at the University of Kentucky who authored a book on the subject. Yes, they’re more likely to exercise and less likely to smoke, she notes, but it’s more than good habits that keep them alive beyond the average lifespan. The social connections that result from having a positive outlook also contribute to the extra years.

Some research suggests optimists even have healthier genetic profiles, says Kendall Cotton Bronk, Ph.D., associate professor of psychology at Claremont Graduate University in California. For example, they may have oxytocin receptors linked to better social skills and a stronger ability to handle stress. 

Even if pessimism is your default state, here are three ways you can manifest a brighter outlook in your day-to-day.