You’ve probably been told that you should cultivate gratitude in your life as a way to help your emotional health. It turns out that gratitude can offer more to you than just a positive mindset. One recent study from Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health explores the links between gratitude and longevity.
Understanding Gratitude
The idea of gratitude is straightforward; it’s being thankful. We can express gratitude for many things in life, including our health, our circumstances, and our friends and family. Gratitude may not always come easily, especially during difficult times in our lives. We can practice gratitude intentionally by setting time aside to think of things for which we are thankful or taking the time to tell people in our lives that we appreciate them.
Gratitude & Longevity
The study*, conducted by Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, was published in JAMA Psychiatry in July 2024. Using data from the Nurses’ Health Study, the researchers assessed a cohort of 49,275 older women for the effects that gratitude had on their longevity. Those whose gratitude questionnaire scores were the highest had a 9% lower risk of all-cause mortality compared to those whose gratitude scores were the lowest.
“Prior research has shown an association between gratitude and lower risk of mental distress and greater emotional and social wellbeing. However, its association with physical health is less understood,” said lead author Ying Chen, a research scientist in the Department of Epidemiology at the Harvard T.C. Chan School of Public Health.
Grow Your Gratitude
Increasing gratitude in your own life can be simple. Here are some ways to start:
· Set aside time daily to think about things for which you are grateful.
· Write thank-you notes to family and friends.
· Keep a gratitude journal.
· Meditate or pray about things for which you are grateful.
A Holistic Approach to Longevity
At GenAge Center, our physicians and specialists take a holistic approach to hormone health and longevity. By combining a data-backed approach to fitness, nutrition, sleep and stress, we help our clients achieve their wellness and vitality goals. To learn more about how we can create a personalized health and wellness plan for you, schedule an evaluation today.
* “Gratitude and Mortality Among Older US Female Nurses,” Ying Chen, Olivia I. Okereke, Eric S. Kim, Henning Tiemeier, Laura D. Kubzansky, Tyler J. VanderWeele, JAMA Psychiatry, July 3, 2024, doi: 10.1001/jamapsychiatry.2024.1687
댓글