Research has shown that people who are grateful for what they have tend to live longer.

 

According to a research team at Harvard University School of Public Health in the United States, older women who scored the highest on a gratitude measurement questionnaire had a 9% lower risk of premature death from all causes compared to women of the same age group who received the lowest scores.

 

The research team analyzed data collected from the Nurse’s Health Study. More than 49,000 women with an average age of 79 years who participated in the 2016 study completed a cognitive test consisting of six questions.

Participants had to answer a questionnaire containing questions such as "I have so much to be grateful for in life" and "If I had to list everything I feel grateful for, it would be a very long list."

 

As a result of a three-year follow-up study by the research team, over 4,600 participants had died, with the most common cause of death being heart disease. The study found that people who reported the highest levels of gratitude were at a lower risk of death from any cause compared to those with the lowest levels.

The study found that gratitude protects against all specific causes of death included in the research, and it was particularly effective in preventing deaths caused by heart disease. Other causes included cancer, respiratory diseases, neurodegenerative diseases, infections, and injuries.

 

The research team stated, "This study shows that people can improve their health by focusing on things they are grateful for."

 

Dr. Cheon Ing Park of the research team stated, "Previous studies have shown that there are ways to intentionally cultivate feelings of gratitude, such as writing or discussing things one is grateful for several times a week."

He said that expressing or feeling gratitude can help people live longer and healthier lives.

 

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I should be grateful for today as well.

Can I live longer just by having grateful thoughts?

 

A positive mindset is good for the body.

It seems to be generated by energy.