How Optimism Affects Stress

There are many upsides to having a positive outlook: People with sunny dispositions tend to be less lonely, for example, and they may be more resilient in the face of life's setbacks. Being an optimist may also help support your brain, research shows.

Optimism is associated with better episodic memory and executive function as you age, according to a study published in The International Journal of Aging and Human Development in 2023 that analyzed data from 2,205 adults in their 40s to 90s. Researchers who completed a study published in 2022 in The Journals of Gerontology: Series B sought to understand ways in which optimism may promote emotional well-being as people age. The study followed 233 older men for two decades, finding that the optimistic men learned to shift their perceptions of — or avoid altogether — distressing situations.

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_{This content is provided for informational purposes only and is not intended to provide any expert, professional or specialty advice or recommendations. Readers are urged to consult with their medical providers for all questions.}