Gratitude has long been recognized for its positive impact on well-being, but researchers have only recently explored its effects on longevity. Surprisingly, no prior study had examined how gratitude might influence mortality rates until now. “We were surprised to find there was no existing research linking gratitude with longevity,” says Dr. VanderWeele, co-author of a new study that sheds light on this connection.
The study, published in July 2024 in JAMA Psychiatry, draws from a rich data set of 49,275 women enrolled in the Nurses’ Health Study. The participants, with an average age of 79, completed a gratitude questionnaire in 2016. They ranked their level of agreement with statements like “I have so much in life to be thankful for” and “If I listed everything I am grateful for, it would be a very long list.”
Four years later, researchers examined the women’s medical records to track deaths. In total, 4,608 deaths occurred, spanning various causes such as cardiovascular disease (the leading cause of death in both women and men in the United States), cancer, respiratory diseases, neurodegenerative conditions, infections, and injuries.
What the researchers discovered was both intriguing and promising. Women who scored in the top third for gratitude showed a 9% lower risk of dying in the next four years compared to those who ranked in the bottom third. This reduction in risk was significant even after adjusting for factors like physical health, economic status, and other aspects of mental health. Gratitude appeared to offer protection against a range of death causes, including heart disease.
But what does this really mean for us? Dr. VanderWeele explains, “A 9% reduction in mortality is not huge, but it’s still meaningful. What’s really remarkable is that gratitude is something almost anyone can practice. It’s accessible to everyone.”
While the study couldn’t definitively determine why gratitude is linked to a longer life, there are several plausible explanations. “We know that gratitude makes people feel happier, and happiness can indirectly affect mortality risk,” VanderWeele suggests. “Gratitude might also motivate people to take better care of their health attending medical appointments, exercising more, or building stronger relationships, all of which contribute to better overall health.”
However, the study does have limitations. As an observational study, it can’t establish causality; it only reveals a connection between gratitude and longevity. Furthermore, the sample used in the study older, predominantly white, and mostly high-income women means that the findings may not apply to other demographics, such as men, younger people, or those with fewer resources.
Despite these limitations, the study’s large sample size and the depth of the data make its conclusions compelling. “The data quality and sample size give us reasonable evidence that gratitude may have a modest, positive effect on longevity,” VanderWeele explains.
If you’re looking to incorporate more gratitude into your life, there are several simple practices to try. Start by asking yourself reflective questions such as: What good things happened today? What am I taking for granted? Who in my life am I grateful for? Or consider writing a thank-you note. “Taking time to write a note or letter forces you to dwell on the positive and can strengthen relationships,” VanderWeele says.
Another effective practice is “savoring,” which involves pausing to fully appreciate the good things around you. “It’s about taking a moment to recognize and enjoy the positive aspects of your environment,” he adds. This mindfulness technique can help foster gratitude in a natural, accessible way.
Incorporating gratitude into your life, no matter how small, may not only improve your mental well-being but could also contribute to a longer, healthier life.
