Optimistic people 'live longer'

Scientists suggest

Adam Saville
clock • 1 min read

Positivity may be 'important psychosocial resource' for extending life span in older adults, research finds

Always looking on the bright side of life is directly linked to living a longer, healthier life, a scientific study has suggested. According to research by the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America (PNAS), optimism is likely to improve the odds of an individual achieving ‘exceptional longevity' - and living to the age of 85 or beyond - and results suggested that a positive outlook is associated with 11-15% longer life span. The study follows a previous report which found that individuals with a positive outlook are less likely to suffer from c...

To continue reading this article...

Join COVER for free

  • Unlimited access to real-time news, key trend analysis and industry insights.
  • Stay on top of the latest developments around health and wellbeing, diversity and inclusion and the cost of living crisis.
  • Receive breaking news stories straight to your inbox in the daily newsletter.
  • Members only access to monthly programme 'The COVER Review'
  • Be the first to hear about our CPD accredited events and awards programmes.

Join now

 

Already a Cover member?

Login

More on Individual Protection

The COVER Review: NHS waiting list, provider news and AI

The COVER Review: NHS waiting list, provider news and AI

Week commencing 9 February 2025

COVER
clock 13 February 2026 • 1 min read
Quilter Foundation pledges £3m for UK financial education

Quilter Foundation pledges £3m for UK financial education

Structured lessons and volunteer training

Jaskeet Briah
clock 13 February 2026 • 2 min read
NHS waiting list drops to 7.29m

NHS waiting list drops to 7.29m

Average wait time increased to 13.4 weeks

Jaskeet Briah
clock 12 February 2026 • 2 min read