Cultivating gratitude could help older women live longer, a new study suggests. The results, published on July 3, 2024 in JAMA Psychiatrysuggest that most of this benefit comes from preventing deaths from heart disease.
The study involved more than 49,000 nurses, with an average age of 79, who responded to a six-question gratitude test. Three years later, almost 10% of them had died, most often from heart disease. Those with the highest levels of gratitude had a 9% lower risk of death during this period than those with the lowest levels.
Writing down a few small things you’re grateful for—an uplifting conversation, a beautiful view, a treasured possession—is a popular way to foster gratitude. For more information, see “How Positive Psychology Can Help Improve Your Heart Health” in the June 2023 issue. Heart letter.
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