A groundbreaking study has recently highlighted the profound impact that gratitude can have on mortality risk. This research, which is among the first of its kind to explore the relationship between gratitude and longevity, revealed that individuals who frequently experience feelings of gratitude have lower rates of early death, independent of traditional mortality indicators such as cardiovascular health, smoking habits, and chronic disease burden.
The study involved an extensive examination of over 49,000 older women in the nursing profession. These findings are particularly significant as gratitude has already been linked to numerous positive health outcomes. Previous studies have also shown that gratitude is associated with better cholesterol levels, enhanced immune system function, lower inflammation, reduced risk of cardiovascular disease, decreased likelihood of depression, and improved adherence to healthy habits such as regular exercise and good sleep.
Despite these known benefits, the study’s authors pointed out that there has been a surprising lack of research specifically investigating the impact of gratitude on mortality. To address this gap, the researchers used the 6-item ‘Gratitude Questionnaire’ to assess participants’ levels of gratitude. This validated and widely used measure includes questions such as “If I had to list everything I’m thankful for, it would be a long list,” and “I have so much in life to be thankful for,” with responses ranging from 1 to 7.
Leading the study was Ying Chen, who, along with her team, discovered that women with higher gratitude scores were generally younger, more likely to have a spouse or partner, and more often involved in social and religious organizations compared to their less grateful peers. The average age of the nurses who participated in the study was 79. By the end of 2019, 4,068 of these women had passed away.
Analyzing the data, the researchers found that higher gratitude scores were linked to a 29% reduction in overall mortality risk. Even after controlling for factors such as a history of heart disease, stroke, cancer, and diabetes, gratitude was still associated with a 27% reduction in mortality risk. When further adjusting for lifestyle habits like smoking, exercise, alcohol consumption, and diet, the association remained significant with a 21% reduced risk of death.
This study underscores the idea that cultivating a sense of gratitude can be as vital to health as traditional medical and lifestyle interventions. Prominent figures in the medical field, such as Dr. Benjamin Levine, a noted expert in exercise physiology and cardiovascular health, advocate for recognizing physical activity as a vital sign on par with temperature and blood pressure. Dr. Levine suggests that exercise should be viewed as a component of personal hygiene, much like brushing one’s teeth or taking a shower.
Similarly, the new study suggests that making time to feel grateful each day should be considered an essential part of personal well-being. Engaging in practices such as keeping a gratitude journal, setting aside moments for prayer, and encouraging family members to share what they are grateful for at the beginning of a meal are practical ways to foster a grateful mindset. Visual reminders can also be effective—tying a ribbon around a door handle or using a gratitude-themed wallpaper on your smartphone can prompt regular reflections on gratitude.
The implications of Dr. Chen’s study are far-reaching. Not only does practicing gratitude enhance daily life, but it also has the potential to extend life. The study’s findings suggest that integrating gratitude into daily routines can significantly reduce mortality risk, offering a simple yet profound tool for improving overall health and longevity.
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