New Research Suggests That Showing More Gratitude May Help You Live Longer, With Grateful Older Women Facing A 9% Lower Risk Of Death
A new study conducted by researchers from the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health suggests that showing more gratitude may help you live longer – with grateful older women facing a 9% lower risk of dying.
The team believes their findings could help pave the way for opportunities to extend lifespans and improve our well-being just by promoting gratitude.
For the study, the researchers monitored almost 50,000 female nurses – who were 69 to 96 years old – over the course of approximately three years. The women were all part of the long-term Nurses’ Health Study.
First, they filled out a questionnaire assessing how often they felt grateful. Then, the research team tracked the health outcomes of each participant, including their deaths.
The results showed that women in the top 33% for gratitude actually had a 9% lower risk of mortality from any cause of death as compared to women in the lowest 33%.
And even after various factors that could affect mortality risk were adjusted for – including age, physical health, lifestyle habits, and mental well-being – the association still rang true.
“Prior research has shown an association between gratitude and lower risk of mental distress and greater emotional and social well-being. However, its association with physical health is less understood,” explained Ying Chen, the study’s lead author.
“Our study provides the first empirical evidence on this topic, suggesting that experiencing grateful affect may increase longevity among older adults.”
Now, saying “thank you” to someone who helps you with your groceries at the supermarket or compliments your outfit may be polite. But strong gratitude goes beyond that.
Djomas – stock.adobe.com – illustrative purposes only, not the actual person
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Those who feel grateful actively recognize and appreciate all of life’s positive aspects, regardless of where they come from. According to the research team, it’s this grateful perspective that triggers a series of positive effects in both the mind and body.
Showing gratitude may help extend our lifespan by improving cardiovascular health. In the study, grateful women faced a 15% lower risk of dying due to heart disease, which supports earlier research that linked gratitude to reduced inflammation, lower blood pressure, and healthier lipid profiles.
Gratitude may also promote healthier lifestyle choices, thereby enhancing longevity. Those who are grateful are more likely to eat a nutritious diet, exercise regularly, and adhere to their medications. Plus, they even tend to get a better night’s sleep.
And aside from physical health, gratitude also has the power to influence mental health. Grateful individuals often experience lower levels of anxiety and depression and frequently report having stronger support networks and social connections, which can help protect against premature death.
While the study centered around women in older age, the research team still thinks that the positive effects of being grateful apply to men and younger people, too. The best part? You can develop and enhance gratitude as a skill.
“Prior research indicates that there are ways of intentionally fostering gratitude, such as writing down or discussing what you are grateful for a few times a week,” Chen said.
“Promoting healthy aging is a public health priority, and we hope further studies will improve our understanding of gratitude as a psychological resource for enhancing longevity.”
To read the study’s complete findings, which have since been published in JAMA Psychiatry, visit the link here.
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