New research reveals the health benefits of optimism.

Research shows optimism may reduce the risk of dementia.

Optimists are healthier, less likely to be depressed, and better able to respond to life's challenges.

The good news is that optimism can be increased with 3 simple interventions.

New research highlights the health benefits of optimism. A recent longitudinal study of over 9000 older adults associated higher optimism with better cognitive function and reduced risk of dementia (Stenlund et al., 2026).

Optimists are “people who expect good things to happen to them,” feeling positive about the future (Carver et al., 2010). Being optimistic can help us thrive in many ways. Research has associated optimism with better emotional and physical health, lower likelihood of depression, better immune function, greater academic success, the ability to persevere amidst life’s challenges, and the capacity to learn and grow even after trauma (Carver et al., 2010; Rasmussen et al., 2009).

The good news for us is that research has revealed that we can increase our optimism with psychological interventions or practices (Malouff & Schutte, 2017). Whatever your level of optimism, you can boost it with one of these practices:

1. Best Possible Self Intervention

Clearly imagine a future in which you have achieved your goals and everything has turned out as well as possible (Loveday et al., 2018). To connect with your best possible self,........

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