British acting legend Dick Van Dyke, who celebrated his 100th birthday on December 13, attributes his remarkable longevity to maintaining a positive outlook and, crucially, never losing his temper, per sciencealert.com.
While factors like genetics and lifestyle clearly play a role, scientific research offers strong support for the beloved actor’s claims. Numerous studies have established a clear link between keeping stress levels low, adopting an optimistic mindset, and living a longer life.
Research has repeatedly shown that optimism is a powerful predictor of longevity. An early-life analysis of autobiographies written by 678 novice nuns (around 22 years old), for instance, found that those who expressed more positive emotions – such as gratitude over resentment – lived an average of 10 years longer than their more negative counterparts.
Also, a study conducted in the United Kingdom revealed that consistently optimistic individuals lived between 11% and 15% longer than those who were pessimistic.
A 2022 study involving approximately 160,000 women from various ethnic backgrounds indicated that those who reported higher levels of optimism were significantly more likely to live into their 90s compared to pessimists.
One key explanation for this phenomenon relates to how anger affects the cardiovascular system. Optimistic people appear to be better at managing and controlling their anger, which is vital for long-term health.
Anger triggers the release of stress hormones, adrenaline and cortisol, particularly in men. Even brief angry outbursts can cause a decline in cardiovascular health.
The chronic strain that anger and stress place on the heart has been linked to an increased risk of developing conditions such as heart disease, stroke and type 2 diabetes. These diseases are major contributors to early mortality, accounting for approximately 70% of premature deaths in developed nations.
Beyond heart health, stress-inducing emotions like uncontrolled anger may literally speed up the ageing process at a cellular level.
Stress is associated with the faster shortening of telomeres – the protective caps on the ends of our chromosomes. As we age, these caps naturally shorten, hindering a cell’s ability to divide and repair itself. Stress accelerates this process, making it harder for cells to communicate and renew, thus accelerating ageing. Conversely, practices like meditation, which reduce stress, have been positively associated with maintaining telomere length.
Van Dyke’s advice is simple and backed by hard evidence; managing anger and cultivating a positive outlook can profoundly support both wellbeing and longevity. You can improve your own longevity by choosing calm over outbursts and boosting positive emotions. Rather than “letting out” anger through shouting or physical action, which prolongs the stress response, opt for calmer techniques. Slowing down your breath and counting, or using relaxation methods like yoga, can calm the cardiovascular system and reduce strain on the heart. Try to be more intentional and present in your daily life, and make dedicated time for “play,” doing something purely because it brings you joy, not because it has a specific purpose.
The star of Mary Poppins still tries to exercise at least three times a week, underscoring the fact that optimists are often more likely to engage in other healthy habits that further reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.
•Featured image: Dick Van Dyke at the Daytime Emmys Awards in 2024/Rodin Eckenroth/Stringer/Getty Images
