The Science of Optimism

Live a Longer, Healthier Life (1)

Did you know smiling may help you live longer? Research has shown that a genuine smile is not just a sign of a fleeting emotion but a bigger picture of the overall disposition of a person over time. The authors of one study analyzed the photos from a college yearbook. Women who expressed genuine smiles in their photographs around age 20 had greater levels of general well-being and satisfaction on average when they were in their 50’s.

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Review Date: 
April 15, 2015

Last Updated:
April 15, 2015