Guangzhou — New research suggests that individuals with high mental resilience may enjoy a longer lifespan, with the connection appearing particularly strong among women. The study, published in BMJ Mental Health, was conducted by researchers from Sun Yat-sen University in China and analyzed data from the Health and Retirement Study (HRS), a long-term U.S. study of adults aged 50 and older.
The research examined data from 10,569 participants collected between 2006 and 2008, when mental resilience was first assessed. Participants, with an average age of 66, were followed until May 2021. During the 12-year follow-up, 3,489 participants passed away.
The study revealed that higher mental resilience scores were associated with a reduced risk of death from all causes. Women exhibited a stronger link between high mental resilience and lower mortality compared to men. Those in the highest quartile of resilience were 53% less likely to die within the next decade compared to those in the lowest quartile.
While the study indicates a correlation between mental resilience and longevity, it is observational and does not establish causation. The researchers noted that genetic factors and childhood adversity were not considered in their analysis.
Mental resilience was measured by assessing traits such as perseverance, calmness, sense of purpose, and self-reliance. The study authors suggest that enhancing psychological resilience through positive emotions and social support could potentially mitigate mortality risks.
Caroline Abrahams, charity director of Age UK, commented on the findings, noting that while causation cannot be concluded, the study supports the notion that factors like staying connected, having a sense of purpose, and engaging in enjoyable activities contribute to well-being in later life. Abrahams encouraged older adults to focus on their emotional health through healthy eating, hobbies, social interactions, and new experiences, as these may positively impact their quality of life.
