(Undated) -- Nearly 160-thousand women of different races and backgrounds participated in research trying to answer one simple question: do optimists live longer? The answer seems to be a resounding yes. Results of the Harvard study show that higher levels of optimism are associated with longer life-spans and a higher chance of living past 90. The lead author of the study says optimism is important for longevity across all groups of people. Similar studies from 2019 found people with the highest levels of optimism had an average 13-percent longer lifespan, which means having a positive attitude won't just improve your day, it could help you live longer.