Optimistic people may contribute to the health of their partners, research finds.
The study, with 4,500 heterosexual couples, indicates that having an optimistic partner may stave off the risk factors leading to Alzheimerâs disease, dementia, and cognitive decline as you grow old together.
âWe spend a lot of time with our partners,â says William Chopik, assistant professor of psychology at Michigan State University and coauthor of the study. âThey might encourage us to exercise, eat healthier, or remind us to take our medicine. When your partner is optimistic and healthy, it can translate to similar outcomes in your own life. You actually do experience a rosier future by living longer and staving off cognitive illnesses.â