One notable study was conducted by Wayne State University in 2010. Researchers looked at baseball card photos of Major League players from 1952. They found that players who had genuine smiles in their photos lived an average of 7 years longer than those who didn’t smile. This study suggests that having a positive outlook, as reflected in a genuine smile, might be linked to a longer life.

Another interesting study was published in the journal Psychological Science in 2010. This research followed more than 50,000 adults in Japan over several years. The study found that those who reported feeling happier and smiled more often were less likely to die from various causes during the study period. This indicates that maintaining a positive attitude and smiling frequently might contribute to overall health and longevity.

A long-term study conducted at Harvard University, known as the Harvard Study of Adult Development, has been ongoing since 1938. While not specifically about smiling, this research has consistently shown that people who maintain positive Relationships and have a more optimistic outlook tend to live longer, healthier lives. Smiling and expressing positivity can play a significant role in fostering these beneficial relationships and attitudes.

It’s important to note that these studies show a correlation between smiling, positive attitudes, and longevity, but they don’t necessarily prove that smiling directly causes people to live longer. Many factors contribute to a long and healthy life, including genetics, Lifestyle choices, and access to healthcare.

However, these studies do suggest that cultivating a positive outlook, which often includes smiling more, can be part of a healthy lifestyle. Smiling can help reduce stress, improve mood, and strengthen social connections – all of which are known to contribute to better overall health and potentially a longer life.

For seniors looking to incorporate more smiling into their daily lives, it can be as simple as spending time with loved ones, engaging in enjoyable activities, or practicing gratitude for the positive aspects of life. Remember, even if you don’t feel like smiling at first, the act of smiling itself can help boost your mood and potentially contribute to your overall well-being.

Originally Published on https://boomersnotsenior.blogspot.com/

Royce Shook Blogger

I served as a teacher, a teacher on Call, a Department Head, a District Curriculum, Specialist, a Program Coordinator, and a Provincial Curriculum Coordinator over a forty year career. In addition, I was the Department Head for Curriculum and Instruction, as well as a professor both online and in person at the University of Phoenix (Canada) from 2000-2010.

I also worked with Special Needs students. I gave workshops on curriculum development and staff training before I fully retired