Gratitude not only improves emotions and mental health, but now research reveals other benefits. A recent study by Harvard University in the United States has found that gratitude can help seniors live longer, ultimately extending their lifespan.
The Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, in a press release on July 3rd, highlighted that epidemiologist Ying Chen led the study and explained the uniqueness of this research compared to previous studies.
Chen stated, “Previous research has shown that gratitude is associated with lower risk of psychological distress, better emotional well-being, and social happiness. However, there is limited understanding of its relationship with physical health.”
She added, “Our study provides evidence for the first time based on experience that gratitude can extend the lifespan of seniors.”
In this study, researchers used data from 49,275 elderly women to assess the level of gratitude and mortality rate. In 2016, these participants, with an average age of 79, completed a gratitude questionnaire. They rated statements expressing their agreements or disagreements on various aspects.
These statements included “There are many things in my life to be thankful for” and “If I had to list all the things I’m grateful for, it would be a long list.”
By 2019, researchers tracked the mortality of these participants, recording all-cause mortality rates (i.e., rates of death from all causes) as well as specific causes such as cardiovascular diseases, cancer, respiratory diseases, neurodegenerative diseases, infections, and injuries.
During the study period, 4,608 people died, with cardiovascular diseases being the most common specific cause of death.
The study found that participants scoring in the highest tertile of the gratitude questionnaire had a 9% lower risk of dying in the next four years compared to those in the lowest tertile. Gratitude seemed to prevent every specific cause of death studied, with the most significant impact on preventing cardiovascular diseases.
Researchers noted that to more accurately quantify the impact of gratitude on mortality rates, the study took a “conservative approach” by controlling for demographic data, health history, and lifestyle factors. Lifestyle factors included social engagement, religious activities, and maintaining optimism, which often coincide with gratitude.
Chen mentioned that previous studies suggested conscious methods to cultivate gratitude, such as writing down or discussing things for which you are grateful a few times per week.
She said, “Promoting healthy aging is a primary goal of public health. We hope for further research to enhance the understanding of gratitude as a psychological resource for extending lifespan.”
The above study was published on July 3 in the “JAMA Psychiatry” journal.
In addition to extending lifespan, gratitude can also make one happier.
Previously reported by Dajiyuan, Yale University psychology professor Laurie Santos mentioned that writing down a few things you are grateful for each night before bedtime can make you happier the next morning.
Research by University of California, Davis psychologist Robert Emmons found that this simple act of noting grateful events in life can significantly enhance happiness status. Therefore, Santos suggested people develop the habit of listing a gratitude inventory before going to bed.