According to research from Harvard, higher levels of gratitude are linked to a reduced risk of early death. According to Ynet reports, the study involved nearly 50,000 older female nurses in the U.S., revealing that those who reported greater gratitude experienced a significant decrease in the likelihood of premature death, particularly due to heart-related issues. Specifically, individuals with the highest levels of gratitude showed a 9% lower risk of dying early from any cause and a 15% lower risk of death from heart disease, even after adjusting for various factors.
Gratitude has been associated with lower levels of mental distress, enhanced emotional well-being, improved cardiovascular health, and stronger social connections—all of which contribute positively to overall health and longevity.
Lead author Laura Kubzansky, a professor of social and behavioural sciences at Harvard Chan School, suggests that these findings underscore the potential role of gratitude in promoting overall health and well-being, especially among older adults.