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The Surprising Power of Optimism in Aging

As we age, our outlook on life plays a pivotal role not just in how we feel day to day, but in our overall longevity. Research has consistently shown that older adults with a positive outlook toward aging can live longer. One study involving over 70,000 people “found that those who rated themselves as having high optimism were more likely to live to age 85 or older compared with less optimistic individuals,” reported Harvard Health Publishing. This isn’t just about feeling good—it’s about living longer, healthier lives. 

Why optimism matters 

Optimism isn’t merely seeing the world through rose-colored glasses. It’s a specific mindset that influences how we handle stress, make lifestyle choices, and approach problem-solving. Optimism helps manage stress and reduces risk factors for heart disease. Optimists tend to have healthier habits, such as being active and eating well, which contribute significantly to longevity. 

The biology of optimism 

Optimism doesn’t just improve mental health; it has tangible effects on physical health too. Optimistic individuals have lower inflammation levels and better heart health. They are also more likely to recover from illness and surgery more quickly. This link between a positive outlook and physical health outcomes is a compelling reason for adopting a more hopeful perspective. 

Cultivating optimism 

So, how does one become more optimistic, especially in older age? An article in the New York Times reports that something as simple as “visualizing your best possible self” can impact your mental health. It quotes a psychologist who has seen improvement in clients who write notes about their “dream life” once a week. “It works, she said, because you’re strengthening your ‘optimistic muscles’ by ‘thinking about all your dreams coming true as opposed to worrying about the worst possible outcome.’” 

Other practical steps that can strengthen one’s sense of optimism include setting manageable goals, practicing gratitude, and focusing on positive outcomes rather than dwelling on negatives. For older adults, this might mean celebrating small daily achievements or setting goals that bring joy and purpose. 

Work that optimism muscle 

“Pessimism is one of the personality traits that’s highly heritable, but also modifiable by specific exercises,” said Martin Seligman, director of the Positive Psychology Center at the University of Pennsylvania, in the New York Times article.   

This isn’t to say that everyone should wear rose-colored glasses—life is complicated and often stressful. But by adopting a mindset that views aging as a series of opportunities rather than declines, older adults can enjoy not only longer but richer, more fulfilling lives.