Having an attitude of gratitude for the good things in life may help older people live longer, according to a new Harvard study. The study used medical records and self-reported questionnaires from 49,275 older US female registered nurses. Researchers found that those with the highest level of gratitude, compared to those with the lowest level, had 9% less risk of death from any cause. People with the highest level of gratitude also had 15% less risk of death by cardiovascular disease. “Most of the longevity benefit demonstrated in the study seems to be in prevention of death from cardiovascular conditions, which we already know to be related to chronic stress, loneliness and other psychosocial and socioeconomic factors” said Dr. Katie Drake, Geriatrician. Researchers concluded that having a more positive and grateful outlook on life has huge benefits that we cannot ignore.