Study finds those most optimistic are 24% more likely to maintain good cognitive and physical health as they age

Head shot of Laura Kubzansky

Laura Kubzansky is an author on a paper that explores optimism in relation to likelihood of healthy aging, considering whether effects are evident over and above effects of health-related behaviors and depression. Findings suggest that optimism should be explored further as a potentially modifiable health asset.

Can programs that promote well-being help to improve cardiovascular health?

Given the strong connection between optimism (and other signposts of psychological well-being) and cardiovascular health, Laura Kubzansky and colleagues recommend in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology (JACC) that rigorous interventions be designed to evaluate programs geared towards promoting psychological well-being.

Positive feelings and thoughts linked to higher levels of good cholesterol

A study by Laura Kubzansky and colleagues reveals that greater psychological well-being is linked to higher levels of HDL-C (considered to be the “good” cholesterol). While healthier behaviors play a role, this study aims to examine more closely the established link between psychological well-being and cardiovascular health.

Optimism linked to reduced risk of death from several major causes among women

Laura Kubzansky, PhD, a Harvard Pop Center faculty member, is an author on a study that has found that women who were the most optimistic were less likely to die from diseases analyzed, including cancer, heart disease, stroke, respiratory disease, and infection, over the course of the study. The findings are published in The American Journal of Epidemiology. Learn more in this press release by the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health.