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Optimism shapes biology for better health

Optimism, a trait in about 80% of people, boosts heart health, protects the brain during aging, and offers evolutionary survival edges by amplifying positive outlooks.

Optimism shapes biology for better health
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Amaravati, February 21, 2026: Positive expectations shape not just mood but biology, with research showing optimism linked to stronger hearts, neuroprotection in ageing, and better overall resilience.

A mild optimistic bias present in about 80% of people helps the brain prioritise good news over bad, activating regions like the rostral anterior cingulate cortex to encode favourable futures more strongly.

This mindset correlates with healthier cardiovascular function and elevated brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), which supports neuron growth and guards against age-related decline. Studies highlight how such outlooks reduce stress impacts, boost persistence, and improve quality of life without ignoring realistic limits.

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