--- title: The Power of Optimism for Healthy Longevity description: Explore the profound connection between optimism and longevity. Learn how a positive outlook can enhance health and extend lifespan. image: https://www.centreforoptimism.com/hubfs/Happy%20old%20couple%20smiling%20in%20a%20park%20on%20a%20sunny%20day-1.jpeg --- ###### [Check out Our latest insights on Optimism](https://www.centreforoptimism.com/blog) [![Centre for Optimism_Logo](https://www.centreforoptimism.com/hubfs/Centre%20for%20Optimism_Logo.svg)](https://www.centreforoptimism.com?hsLang=en) - [Home](https://www.centreforoptimism.com) - [Subscribe](https://www.centreforoptimism.com/subscribe) - [Why Optimism?](https://www.centreforoptimism.com/whyoptimism) - [What is Optimism?](https://www.centreforoptimism.com/whatisoptimism) - [The Optimism Principle](https://www.centreforoptimism.com/blog/theoptimismprinciple) - [Need Optimism?](https://www.centreforoptimism.com/services-and-workshops) - [The Optimism Workshop](https://www.centreforoptimism.com/workshop) - [Victor Perton - That Optimism Man](https://www.centreforoptimism.com/victorperton) - [Magnetic Optimism for Organisations](https://www.centreforoptimism.com/magnetic-optimism-workshops) ![Close Icon (3)](https://www.centreforoptimism.com/hubfs/Close%20Icon%20(3).svg) ![Search (2)](https://www.centreforoptimism.com/hubfs/Search%20(2).svg) ###### [Longevity](https://www.centreforoptimism.com/blog/tag/longevity) , ###### [Carol Graham](https://www.centreforoptimism.com/blog/tag/carol-graham) # The Power of Optimism for Healthy Longevity Numerous studies have emphasised the robust connection between optimism and increased lifespan. Dr Carol Graham, a prominent researcher at the Brookings Institution, reinforced the significance of this correlation, stating, "The connection between optimism and longevity is substantial."  This assertion is substantiated by research conducted by a collaborative team from the Boston University School of Medicine, the USA National Center for PTSD, and the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. Their work determined that individuals with higher levels of optimism had a higher probability of living longer and attaining "exceptional longevity," defined as reaching or surpassing the age of 85. Having dispositional optimism, which is the tendency to look forward to positive outcomes, is considered a valuable health trait. Research suggests that heightened levels of optimism are linked with a lower risk of chronic diseases and mortality, as well as with an increased likelihood of healthy aging, characterised by the absence of major chronic diseases and both physical and cognitive impairment.  More recent studies have revealed that higher levels of optimism, compared to lower levels, were associated with up to a 10% greater lifespan. Why is this so? The American Heart Association's 2021 Scientific Statement illustrated the association between optimism and healthier lifestyle behaviours. Individuals with an optimistic disposition are likelier to engage in physical activity, show lower smoking rates, adhere to a healthier diet, report superior sleep quality, and exhibit higher overall cardiovascular health scores. Beyond these lifestyle behaviours, optimism has been linked to healthy aging, reduced risk of cardiovascular diseases (including stroke and heart failure), and decreased all-cause mortality rates. Further supporting these findings, a comprehensive Chinese longevity survey revealed a substantial correlation between optimism and a lower mortality risk among China's elderly population. Furthermore, the survey established a positive relationship between optimism and survival, with the impact of optimism on lifespan being significantly more influential than the positive effects attributed solely to healthy behaviour. Consequently, these findings led researchers to propose that interventions designed to cultivate optimism among older individuals could improve health outcomes as they age. Collectively, these studies underscore the powerful connection between optimism and longevity. Dispositional optimism, as a beneficial health asset, can mitigate the risk of chronic diseases, promote healthier behaviours, and enhance overall well-being. Adopting an optimistic perspective contributes to an extended lifespan, promotes healthier aging, and decreases the risk of cardiovascular diseases and all-cause mortality. The increasing body of evidence reinforces the importance of fostering optimism as a central facet of leading a healthy and fulfilling life. [Written by Victor Perton](https://www.centreforoptimism.com/blog/author/victor-perton) ##### Keep up to date with the latest from Centre for Optimism ##### We appreciate any contribution you can make to help us spread optimism with the world [![Give Today](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/21889975/daed54ec-1173-4b99-9390-e69152e87436.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/21889975/daed54ec-1173-4b99-9390-e69152e87436) #### Here are some similar articles ###### [Longevity](https://www.centreforoptimism.com/blog/tag/longevity) #### [Where in the World Are People Most Optimistic About Healthy Longevity?](https://www.centreforoptimism.com/blog/leger?hsLang=en) [Read Article](https://www.centreforoptimism.com/blog/leger?hsLang=en) ###### [Longevity](https://www.centreforoptimism.com/blog/tag/longevity) , ###### [Ageing](https://www.centreforoptimism.com/blog/tag/ageing) , ###### [Older Adults](https://www.centreforoptimism.com/blog/tag/older-adults) #### [Optimism and Older Adults: A Vital Key to Health and Wellbeing](https://www.centreforoptimism.com/blog/older-adults?hsLang=en) [Read Article](https://www.centreforoptimism.com/blog/older-adults?hsLang=en) ## Connect With Us ##### We love to connect with everyone who is ready to open up and share their optimisim. - [![Facebook 2](https://www.centreforoptimism.com/hubfs/Center%20of%20Optimism%20Assets/Facebook%202.svg)](https://www.facebook.com/optimistsvoices/) - [![instagram (6)](https://www.centreforoptimism.com/hubfs/instagram%20(6).svg)](https://www.instagram.com/centreforoptimism/?hl=en) - [![linked in 2](https://www.centreforoptimism.com/hubfs/linked%20in%202.svg)](https://www.linkedin.com/company/centreforoptimism/) - [![youtube (3)](https://www.centreforoptimism.com/hubfs/youtube%20(3).svg)](https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFd4GnToz3WLasQSfsz_z8w) - [![twitter](https://www.centreforoptimism.com/hubfs/twitter.svg)](https://twitter.com/Centre4Optimism) #### Keep up to date with the latest from The Centre for Optimism ##### Contact Us Call Us: [+61 417 217 241](tel:+61%20417%20217%20241) (Australia) PO Box 5081, Garden City, Victoria 3207, Australia ##### [The Centre for Optimism](https://www.centreforoptimism.com?hsLang=en) - [Why Optimism?](https://www.centreforoptimism.com/whyoptimism) - [What is Optimism?](https://www.centreforoptimism.com/whatisoptimism) - Why be Optimistic? - Our Advisory board ##### Our Research - What makes People Optimistic? - Transformation and Change - [The Better Normal](https://thecentreforoptimism.wildapricot.org/The-Better-Normal) - Strategy and Optimism ##### Join Us - Become a Patron - Join the Optimism Movement - Volunteer ##### [Services](https://www.centreforoptimism.com/workshop?hsLang=en) - [The Optimism Workshop](https://www.centreforoptimism.com/workshop) - The Optimism Roundtable - Beacons Of Optimism Workshop - [The Habits of an Optimist](https://www.projectoptimism.com.au/courses/optimism-can-be-learnt-the-habits-of-an-optimist/) ##### The Centre for Optimism - [Why Optimism?](https://www.centreforoptimism.com/whyoptimism) - [What is Optimism?](https://www.centreforoptimism.com/whatisoptimism) - Why be Optimistic? - Our Advisory board ##### Our Research - What makes People Optimistic? - Transformation and Change - [The Better Normal](https://thecentreforoptimism.wildapricot.org/The-Better-Normal) - Strategy and Optimism ##### Join Us - Become a Patron - Join the Optimism Movement - Volunteer ##### Services - [The Optimism Workshop](https://www.centreforoptimism.com/workshop) - The Optimism Roundtable - Beacons Of Optimism Workshop - [The Habits of an Optimist](https://www.projectoptimism.com.au/courses/optimism-can-be-learnt-the-habits-of-an-optimist/) ©2026 The Centre for Optimism - Privacy Policy - Terms and Conditions ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "BlogPosting", "author" : { "@type" : "Person", "name" : "Victor Perton", "url" : "https://www.centreforoptimism.com/blog/author/victor-perton" }, "dateModified" : "2024-10-01T00:52:54.812Z", "datePublished" : "2023-06-06T10:16:56.000Z", "headline" : "The Power of Optimism for Healthy Longevity", "image" : [ "https://www.centreforoptimism.com/hubfs/Happy%20old%20couple%20smiling%20in%20a%20park%20on%20a%20sunny%20day-1.jpeg" ], "mainEntityOfPage" : { "@id" : "https://www.centreforoptimism.com/blog/longevityupdate", "@type" : "WebPage" }, "publisher" : { "@type" : "Organization", "logo" : { "@type" : "ImageObject", "url" : "https://www.centreforoptimism.com/hubfs/Centre%20for%20Optimism_Logo.svg" }, "name" : "The Centre for Optimism" } } ```