The Joyful Path: How Happiness Contributes to a Longer, Healthier Life
In the quest for longevity, a recent study has shed light on the profound impact of happiness on our lifespan. The research, led by Cai Feng Song and his team, found that happier individuals tend to live longer, and this correlation is not just a coincidence. The study, which involved over 6000 participants aged 55 and above, revealed that happiness significantly reduces the risk of mortality.
The research team used a Likert scale to measure happiness, where 1 represented 'very sad' and 5 'very happy'. They found that for each integer score increase, the risk of mortality decreased. However, this relationship was not as straightforward as it seemed. When the team factored in socio-demographic, lifestyle, physical health, and psychological health factors, the impact of happiness on longevity became less pronounced. In particular, psychological health and functioning played a significant role in attenuating the happiness-longevity link.
The findings suggest that the association between happiness and longer life could be largely explained by these factors. In other words, happier people tend to live longer because they are generally healthier, both physically and psychologically. They are more likely to maintain a healthy lifestyle, have good social support, and possess a positive psychological outlook, all of which contribute to their overall well-being and, consequently, their longevity.
