New research suggests that high mental resilience may lead to a longer life, particularly for women. The study, published in BMJ Mental Health, was conducted by researchers from Sun Yat-sen University in China. They found that individuals with high mental resilience had a lower risk of death from any cause.
The study used data from the Health and Retirement Study (HRS), a long-term project tracking adults in the US aged 50 and older. Researchers analyzed data from 10,569 participants between 2006 and 2008, focusing on mental resilience scores. Participants, averaging 66 years old and 59% women, were followed until May 2021, resulting in 3,489 deaths over the 12-year period.
Results showed that those with higher mental resilience scores had a reduced risk of death. Women, in particular, exhibited a stronger link between high resilience and lower mortality compared to men. Participants in the highest resilience quartile were 53% less likely to die in the next 10 years compared to those in the lowest quartile.
However, the study’s observational nature means it cannot establish a causal link between mental resilience and lower mortality. Factors like genetics and childhood experiences were not considered.
Mental resilience was assessed through qualities such as perseverance, calmness, purpose, self-reliance, and the ability to handle challenges independently. The researchers noted that factors like life meaning, positive emotions, and social support may influence resilience.
The study emphasizes the potential benefits of promoting psychological resilience to reduce mortality risks. Caroline Abrahams from Age UK highlighted that while the study does not prove causation, maintaining connections, purpose, and enjoyment in life are beneficial. Age UK recommends healthy eating, engaging in new hobbies, and spending time with loved ones as ways to support emotional wellbeing in older age.
